Not much has changed since we first profiled the Missouri Fox Trotter back in 1998. The breed has continued to emerge as one of the most versatile, athletic and “user friendly” types of horse available, with the added bonus of offering the rider its trade-mark smooth gait. What has changed is the breed’s popularity, as more and more people discover these smooth, sensible horses.

In 1998 there was an estimated 50,000 registered Missouri Fox Trotters in the US, Canada and parts of Europe. Today that number has grown to over 83,000.

THE HISTORY OF THIS REMARKABLE breed echoes that of other “landraces” or breeds defined by their area and purpose. Horses bred and born in the rugged backcountry of the 18th and 19th century Ozark Mountains of Missouri needed to be sound and useful. Smooth gaits were more than just a luxury; they were a back saver for those who spent long days in the saddle covering miles of rugged and often steep terrain.

The fox trot gait however, didn’t start with the development of the Missouri Fox Trotter. Fox trotting horses had been appreciated around the world for centuries, and whether or not early settlers bred for this gait above all others is known only to the ghosts of the past, but the gait did (and still does!) serve exceptionally well for the conditions. Smoother than a trot, yet more agile and flexible than other saddle gaits when athletic maneuvers are required, the fox trot is executed almost the same way as a true trot, with the legs positioned diagonally apart on the horse’s body moving almost in unison. That is, the left front will move forward at almost the same time as the right hind, and ditto the right front and left hind. But it is that almost that is critical.

What sets the fox trot gait apart from a true, or hard, trot is that there is just a fraction of a second difference in timing between when the hoofs set down. The left front and right hind do not set down and pick up exactly together, the hind foot slides into place just an instant after the front foot sets down. This “broken trot” eliminates that moment of suspension created by the hard trot, and that all-too-familiar jarring moment of impact when the horse’s hoofs reconnect with terra firma. At average speed (around 8 m.p.h.) one hoof is just picking up as its diagonal partner is setting down. This split second difference in timing keeps two or three hoofs on the ground at all times. Translation: Smooth to ride. And since the support of the legs underneath the body is diagonal, the gait is also more stable than a gait in which one side of the horse ’s body is not supported during any phase of the gait. Partially because of this, Missouri Fox Trotters have long been cherished as safe, surefooted trail mounts.

Having bred what horses were available to suit their needs, hard working Ozark settlers came up with the perfect blend. Some of the same bloodlines that went on to establish the American Saddlebred, Tennessee Walking Horse, Standardbred and American Quarter Horse were used. Established types of the times, such as the Narragansett and Morgans were undoubtedly utilized, when available, and many Missouri Fox Trotters bear a striking resemblance to Morgan “type”. The end product delivered. People whose daily lives depended on a sound, strong, comfortable, reliable horse recognized what they had and for decades, the Missouri Fox Trotter was almost like a protected species, with little out-crossing and less promotion outside of its native area.

In 1948, an official breed association, Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA), was started, in Ava, Missouri, which it still calls home. The MFTHBA sponsors two national horse shows at the Celebration grounds there every year, with each year’s World Grand Champion being crowned at their Fall Show.

As if a smooth, surefooted, comfortable gait, soundness and a pleasing appearance aren’t enough, the trump card of this breed has to be the incredible kind, calm, and willing disposition of the horses. They are intelligent, thoughtful and accepting by nature and will give whatever you ask and take whatever you give.

For more information on the Missouri Fox Trotter visit their website:
www.mfthba.com

or write:

MFTHBA, Inc.,
PO Box 1027,
Ava, MO 65608
(417)-683-2468.