The M.P.H.A. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and development of the MOUNTAIN PLEASURE HORSE. Our goal is to promote the breeding of the Mountain Pleasure Horse, in which the natural gait and willing disposition breeds true. To ensure the integrity of this breed, all horses must prove parentage through DNA.

Disposition

The disposition and trainability of the Mountain Pleasure Horse may be the most appreciated characteristic for novice horse owners. They are a very intelligent horse that loves attention. Veteran trainers of other breeds are amazed at how fast they learn. It is not uncommon to see 2 and 3 year olds effectively competing with older horses at area horse shows or on challenging trail rides. Once the Mountain Pleasure Horse has been trained, they remember their lessons well. Who has time, today, to ride a horse every day? The Mountain Pleasure Horse is waiting, with its natural gait and willing disposition, whether you ride once a week or once a month.

Please see our member and advertisment pages to find a member/breeder in your area. Stop by for a visit to see these special horses and experience the beauty of this breed for yourself.

Gait

The Mountain Pleasure Horses's distinctive, easy riding gait allows the sure-footed horse to cover a lot of ground with minimum effort for both the horse and rider. The gait is an evenly spaced, four beat lateral gait with moderate forward speed and extension, without exaggerated knee and hock action. The horse moves out with a gait in which one can count four distinct hoof-beats that produce a cadence of near equal rhythm. The gait is natural. It is bred into these horses through generations of proper breeding. No action devices, aids or harsh training methods are necessary or allowed by the Mountain Pleasure Horse Association.

The unique thing about the Mountain Pleasure Horse is it's ability to travel long distances at this gait with a variance of speed. Fast or slow the beat remains the same. The Mountain Pleasure Horse is also unique in its ability to adapt and learn. You will find these horses in many competitions from barrel racing and extreme cowboy races to the gracefulness of the show ring. However, their forte' is their sure footed, ride on the trails. Combined with their easy, no bounce gait, the Mountain Pleasure horse is the perfect horse for the young and the young at heart rider.

Click here to Download a story on the history of the Mountain Pleasure Horse.

MPHA
P.O. Box 33
Wellington, KY 40387

606-768-3847
mphareg@ymail.com