The Missouri Fox Trotter originated in the 19th century to meet the needs of settlers and pioneers in the Ozark mountains in Missouri and Arkansas. Their horses needed to be able to plow fields, haul logs and work cattle, yet still look stylish pulling the family’s buggy or being ridden to town. A combination of Arabian, Morgan, and plantation horse blood was later improved with American Saddlebred, Tennessee Walking Horse and Standardbred influence to create a horse with stamina that could cover a lot of ground at a comfortable gait, including the flat-footed walk and an ambling four-beat gait called the “fox trot.”
In 1948, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association was formed; in 2002, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse was named the official state horse of Missouri.
Characteristics
The Missouri Fox Trotter’s head features a straight profile and square muzzle, medium-length ears, alert, and gentle eyes. Its medium-length neck, pronounced withers, short back, and muscular hindquarters sit atop sturdy legs and tough hooves. All colours and part-colours are seen, with white markings on the face and legs being common. The breed typically stands between 14-16 hands.
Missouri Fox Trotters are known for having a charming and obedient temperament, as well as incredible speed and stamina.
Uses
The versatile Missouri Fox Trotter is successful in many areas of competition, including trail, endurance, roping, ranch sorting, jumping, dressage, barrel racing, and even mounted shooting and mounted archery. They also make trusted family horses and trail riding companions.
For more information, visit:
Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association
