Missouri Fox Trotter
Profile: The Missouri Fox Trotter is a product of its native Ozark Mountains in Missouri. The breed’s decedents, mainly of Morgan, Thoroughbred and Arabian blood, arrived in the Ozarks when pioneers settled the area in 1821. The breed’s gait or “foxtrot” was a result of the hilly environment, and the smooth gait was preferred over any other. The Missouri Fox Trotter was created through selected breeding over time; and utilized other gaited horses, such as the Tennessee Walker and the Standardbred. Its traditional use was of transportation and cattle work. Today, the breed is a popular mount for long-distance trail riding, ranch work and pleasure riding. The Fox Trotter is Missouri’s official state horse.
Characteristics: During the fox trot, the horse appears to trot with the hind legs and walk with the front legs. This gait omits the bounce associated with the trot and makes for a very smooth ride. It is an animated and rhythmic step with the horse nodding his head in each stride. The Missouri Fox Trotter is found in all colors, including spotted and buckskin, and stands 14 to 16 hands high.
For more information: The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association, www.mfthba.com
Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers.
Two hours’ drive from Budapest in the picturesque Bükk National Park lies Szilvásvárad, a beautiful…
Whether you’re drawn to their size, strength, or gentle nature, the biggest horses in the…
The Akhal-Teke horse—pronounced like “apple” with a K instead of the P’s, and “techie”—is one…
Like many of the great breeds that have come from the Americas, the Peruvian Horse…
It's often what you can’t see that leads to trouble, and that’s definitely the case with white line disease. Understanding…
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
Two hours’ drive from Budapest in the picturesque Bükk National Park lies Szilvásvárad, a beautiful little village that is home…
During the height of the pandemic and racial tension around the U.S., two boys struggling with ADHD found healing through…
When you think of the term “companion horse,” one that is versatile with the ability to fill a variety of…
Each year, hurricanes, wildfires, and severe storms force thousands across the country to evacuate their homes. When preparing for a…