KNGHA

Kentucky Natural Gaited Horse Association

A New Year, A New Beginning

Hello!  Members, and Prospective Members.  Hope all of you had a wonderful and safe holiday season.  The KNGHA is getting ready for its first Spring.  Remember, we haven't even celebrated our first birthday yet!!  Show season is being planned.  Breeding and planning for your new foals is something that will begin to take place in just a few weeks from now.  I urged you in our last newsletter to take a moment and register your mares and stallions.  I am hoping that we will have some interest  in promoting the information on your stallion and your farm.  We are attempting to do this at the least possible cost to you, the stallion owner, and we even have some ideas that might make it fun and inexpensive for you to list your stallion, along with a photo.  We'll talk more about that later in the Newsletter.  The Show committee has been formed and has been working hard to get things to together for you to show off those beautiful mountain horses that you are so proud of.  We are hoping to gather some interest in the possibility of another committee specifically focused on trail horses and a Trail Competition.  We are looking forward to a year of trail rides, fellowship and adventures for a New Association.  The KNGHA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the Mountain Horse of Eastern Kentucky and it is up to you to make this Association one that we can all be proud of.  The key word is "all".  We must look beyond what we like to do and remember that we are focusing on promotion of the breed.  To let the Mountain Horse be recognized by others for its gentle and charismatic qualities.  We ask that you encourage and promote the Mountain Horse outside of its home in Kentucky and that you make this New Year one that is full of cooperation, finding our own place within the Association, helping in a way that maintains an open mind and taking a moment to reflect on whatever we do as an individual reflects on the Association as a whole.  Share the responsibilities, and you will share the enjoyment in all that happens to us as the year unfolds.

The Legacy of John Russell Connelley and Fritz Delight

The KNGHA is an organization dedicated to preserving the history and bloodline of the old mountain horse of Eastern Kentucky.  In the beginning of the discussion on the design for the association's registration papers, the need for uniqueness and meaningfulness continued to be a constant for all involved.  Therefore, what better way to accomplish this task but to acknowledge and continue the legacy John Russell Connelley and his horse Fritz Delight has built for the mountain horses in the foothills of the Eastern Kentucky.  By focusing on this unique pair, the Board of Directors of the KNGHA hoped that the spirit and partnership the two shared would continue to grow and encompass the integrity of this newly found organization.  Thusly, with the blessing of the Connelley family, John Russell and Fritz Delight has become a familiar site in the KNGHA.

For John Russell, the love of the sound of a natural ambling four beat gait and the sight of a stylish high stepping horse was as inherent as a mountain horse's desire to please.  coming form a family that relied on the ability of the mountain horse, John Russell learned at an early age, from his father Dr. Walter C. Connelley the importance of the respecting these four-legged creatures.  Surviving World War II, John Russell returned to Magoffin County to open the first farm supply and feed mill store in the area.  The business he and his wife, Mary Emma Prater Connelley built in the late 50's continues to be stable in the community under the management of his son, Marty.

In Eastern Kentucky, the name Fritz Delight was widely known and admired.  John raised this palomino stallion from a colt and had tremendous success in competitions as well as breeding.  Within a ten-year period, over 100 show trophies and numerous ribbons were won which are still proudly displayed at the feed store.  John Russell enjoyed showing Fritz, who possessed the qualities that he admired in other mountain horses as a child.  Fritz naturally and proudly competed and defeated gaited horses known for their show qualities.  Fritz's distinctive headset, four beat gait and style epitomized what the KNGHA wishes to preserve in the mountain horse of today.  Fritz is the grandsire of many of the association foundation stock thusly contributing to future gene pools.  His own lineage consists of Connelley's Ranger, Little Trigger and back to Jasper Jones' Bucky.

KNGHA wants to ensure that all the hard work and dedication of the old timers like John and Fritz are never forgotten.

Trail Committee / Competition

There is new interest in trail competition by many of our members.  If you have any ideas that might help or you want to be included on the committee, then let Wayne Jenkins or Judy or Nelson Francis know how you would like to participate.  Remember that we are promoting these horses with versatility along with show quality.

Registration of Your Horses / Mares

Spring will soon be arriving and within a new crop of foals to behold!!  But you don't want to let your mares go unregistered prior to the breeding season.  make plans now to get the paperwork in order.  Since it takes time for the paperwork and lab results, now is the time to plan ahead!  Get with Judy Francis at (606) 743-7173 and find out exactly what is required.  Call Judy at the number listed above or you can mail any information to: PO Box 420, Morehead, KY 40351-0420.

KNGHA Registry Information
as of January 2001

***Currently there are 131 horses registered in the Association.***

KNGHA Goals

• Remain dedicated to the promotion, preservation and enhancement of the breeding and showing of the mountain horse of today.

• Establish the lineage of the mountain horse through DNA Testing to construct a firm and accurate foundation for the breed and the association

• To promote breeding that is consistent with the characteristics of the old mountain horse.  This consists of good temperament, natural flowing 4 beat gait, good conformation-well proportioned to its body structure, sure-footed, instinct for self-preservation, people oriented / friendly, intelligence, stamina, sensibility, etc.

• Work toward the mountain horse being recognized as a breed through the Breed Conservatory.

• To raise the mountain horse to a national level / recognition in the show and trail arenas.

• To establish and maintain a factual breed heritage and comply with the process and guidelines necessary for establishing a breed.

• Establish the 4 beat gaits as being the natural smooth flow of the horse while at variable speeds.

• To encourage and support membership involvement on all levels.  Membership responsibilities include employing the board of directors to carry out the member's ideas and actions that are best suited for the mountain horse.  The membership will direct all promotions, advertising and association practices.  The membership is to be the voice of the mountain horse and the association is to be the vehicle for progress and stability of the mountain horse.

• To be of assistance at any time to its members or interested parties.

• To educate future generations on the mountain horse and the importance of showing the horse the respect it deserves.

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