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The Missouri Fox Trotter is an American breed of horse with a unique lateral gait. It was bred in the Ozark Mountain foothills, and used for settlers who valued its smoothness. The breed is best known for its unique gait, known as the fox trot, in which the horse walks with its front legs and trots with its hind. Because the hind end has a sliding motion rather than a two-beat trot, the gait is incredibly easy to sit. It is accompanied by an up and down head nodding. The horses, unlike many other gaited breeds, do not have high-stepping action, but rather a very smooth, comfortable ride. The fox trot can be maintained for great stretches of time, reaching speeds up to 10 mph. The Fox Trotter also performs the flat-footed walk and the regular canter. The Missouri Fox Trotter is also known for its stamina and soundness. The horses have a willing and gentle disposition, and are very surefooted. They are generally medium-height, between 14.2 and 16.2 hands. They come in all colors, including pinto, roan, and buckskin, but chestnut is most common, and the breed usually has white markings. The breed has an elevated neck, head, and tail carriage, sloping shoulders, short back with a rounded croup, and a slender body with a deep chest. They should have muscular and powerful hindquarters and legs. |
