General Information
The Fox Trotting Horse is acclaimed for its versatility and sure-footedness.  From trail riding
to show horse,  ranch horse to child's mount the Fox Trotter has earned its reputation as a
horse for all occasions.

The true Fox Trotting Horse has three natural gaits:
  • The long & easy flat footed walk,
  • The smooth comfortable fox trot from which it gets its name.
  • The "rocking horse" canter.  No special shoeing is required for these horses to perform
    their gaits, and their gentleness and trainability is making them one of the most beloved
    of breeds.

The breed association was originally formed in 1948, and it was re-organized, reincorporated
and located in Ava, MO in 1958. Since then there has been a steady growth in numbers as
breeders across the country have worked to develop and market these wonderful animals to
the general horse-loving public.

The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed motto is "Every rider's pleasure horse."
Characteristics
  • Ideal characteristics state that the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse shall travel with
    animation, Fox Trot rhythm and style.

  • The horse shall travel in a collected manner.

  • The head should nod in time with the gait, the ears should indicate the step, and the tail
    should be part of the rhythm.  

  • The step should be springy, consistent and smooth. It should be a gliding gait
without swinging. Because of the smoothness of the gait the rider is comfortable for       
long periods of time in the saddle.
Conformation
  • The Missouri Fox trotting Horse should stand between 14 to 16 hands in height, be of
    good conformation, and be able to carry weight.

  • It should be graceful, in proportion to the length of it's body and well joined. The horse
    should have a neat, clean, intelligently shaped head; pointed well shaped ears;  good,
    large bright eyes; and a tapered muzzle.

  • The back should be reasonably short and strong; the body deep and well-ribbed.  The
    flank should be full; and the chest deep and full.  

  • The shoulders should be properly sloped and well muscled. The legs should be muscular
    and well tapered.

  • The foot should be well-made, strong and in proper proportion to the size of the horse.

  • The coat should be soft and silky.
We would like to thank the MFTHBA for the above information. For a more information about the breed and how to
join MFTHBA, please click on the logo below to go to the MFTHBA web site.
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MERCHANDISE
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A
Fox
Trotter
ABOUT THE
FOX TROTTER BREED
ABOUT THE
FOX TROTTER BREED
ABOUT THE
FOX TROTTER BREED