Missouri fox trotter
Origin
United States
History
The Missouri Fox Trotter was developed in the rugged Ozark Mountains during the nineteeth century by settlers who needed smoothriding, durable mounts that could travel at a comfortable, surefooted gait for long distances. It achieved statehood in 1821 and the pioneers who streamed across the Mississippi River to settle in the Ozarks came mostly from Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia. Clearly, they were a sporting people, and they took with them Thoroughbred horses as well as Morgans and Arabians. The mares were bred to the fastest sires available, and a number of famous families developed, most of which were named after the founding stallion.
The distinguishing characteristic of the Missouri Fox Trotter is the fox trot gait that ensures great surefootedness: the horse performs an active walk in front while trotting behind, the hind feet stepping down and sliding over the track of the forefeet. The sliding action, which must be entirely straight, reduces concussion in the lower limbs and reduces movement in the back very considerably, allowing it to remain peculiarly level. As a result, the rider is able to sit undisturbed in the saddle without feeling the effects of the action.
A studbook was opened in 1948 and within 30 years it contained more than 15,000 registrations.
Description
- Head:
well proportioned with a straight profile; well-shaped ears; large and expressive eyes - Conformation:
-medium length and well formed neck
-wide and deep chest
-sloped and particularly strong shoulders
-rounded and pronounced withers
-short and straight back
-muscular and rounded croup
-sturdy, well muscled legs with good joints and clearly defined tendons
-well formed hooves - Average height:
14 to 16 h.h. - Colours:
the Missouri Fox Trotter may be chestnust, black, bay , grey, piebald or skewbald - Temperament:
gentle, quiet, willing - Today:
Missouri Fox Trotters make excellent mounts for children and beginning riders because of their quiet dispositions and willingness to please. Their smooth gaits eliminate the bouncing that inexperienced riders suffer when riding hard-trotting breeds. The Missouri Fox Trotter, ridden in western tack, is ideal for pleasure riding purposes. It is also a very reliable trail riding horse.
