Responsible Breeding

Our Philosophy on Responsible Breeding

Here at Flat Hill Rockies, we believe strongly that responsible breeding of the Rocky Mountain Horse is paramount to producing the best foals. Chocolate horses are the most desired color in the breed. When breeding or purchasing a Rocky, it is important to know about genetics and how coat color of the horse affects the possibility of producing foals with genetic eye problems (referred to as ASD). We have gone to great lengths to learn about ASD and what can be done to prevent the serious eye problems that are associated with it. One of the most certain causes of ASD in our breed is the practice of breeding chocolate-colored mares to chocolate-colored stallions. 

Our mares are chocolate, so in 2009 we searched all over Holland for a stallion to use for breeding that was not chocolate (or any color with the silver dapple gene). We found none available here, so we went to great trouble, time, and expense to transport our mare to a buckskin Rocky stallion (without the silver dapple gene) located in Germany. After that experience, we decided it was best for us, as well as for other people who breed Rockies, to purchase a black stallion to keep at stud in Holland. It was not easy to find the perfect black stallion to match the traits and bloodlines of our mares, but we are so proud and delighted to have acquired Lightfoot In The Wind. He is magnificent, and all we could have dreamed of. 

 We encourage everyone who is interested in Rockies to learn about ASD. Anyone who breeds Rockies needs to know the consequences of not breeding responsibly.  The best resource available for learning about ASD, as well as all there is to know about the Rocky Mountain Horse breed is the book, "Rocky Mountain Horses" by Bonnie Hodge. This author has also written a magazine article on "Responsible Breeding of the Rocky Mountain Horse" which explains the best way to match a stallion and a mare for producing premium foals.

**If anyone wishes to purchase the book directly from us,    

please contact us. We try to keep them on hand for re-sale to

the public. Each one is personally signed by the author.