About the Breed
General Information
The Missouri Foxtrotting Horse is best known for the comfort of its gait. Loved for its smoothness on the trail,  90%
of all registered Missouri Fox Trotters are used for trail riding, competition, endurance riding, and pleasure riding.  
The Fox Trotting Horses is also prized for its beauty and style in the show ring.

The Fox Trotting Horse is acclaimed for its versatility and sure-footedness.  From trail riding to show horse,  ranch
horse to childs 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,  and 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, consistant 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 Foxtrotting Horse should stand between 14 to 16 hands in height, be of good conformation, and be able
to carry weight.  It should stand well on its feet, be erect, wide awake and alert.  The neck 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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