Missouri Fox Trotter facts for kids
Missouri Fox Trotter stallion
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| Distinguishing features | "Fox trot" gait, muscular, stock horse build |
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| Alternative names | MFT, Fox Trotter |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Breed standards | |
| Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association | Breed standards |
| Horse (Equus ferus caballus) | |
The Missouri Fox Trotter is a special type of horse breed that comes from the state of Missouri in the United States. These horses were first developed in the Ozark Mountains by early settlers in the 1800s. People quickly loved them because they are gaited, which means they have a very smooth way of moving. They are also strong and good at working on farms.
The Missouri Fox Trotter is famous for its unique "fox trot" gait. This is a special four-beat gait that feels very smooth to ride. It's different from a regular trot because the horse always has at least one foot on the ground, which stops the bouncy feeling. This breed is mostly used for trail riding and ranch work today.
What Makes Them Special?
Missouri Fox Trotters are usually between 14 and 16 hands tall. This means they are about 56 to 64 inches (142 to 163 cm) high at the shoulder. They typically weigh between 900 and 1200 pounds (408 to 544 kg).
These horses can be almost any solid color, and they can also be pinto (meaning they have large patches of white and another color). It's common for them to have white markings on their face and legs. They have a straight face, a medium-length neck, and strong, muscular bodies. Their shoulders are sloped, their backs are short, and their legs are sturdy.
The Fox Trot Gait
The "fox trot" is a unique way of moving that replaces the trot seen in many other horse breeds. It's a four-beat gait, which means you hear four hoof beats as the horse moves. Imagine the horse walking with its front feet and trotting with its back feet at the same time!
This gait is very smooth because the horse always keeps one front foot on the ground. This removes the bouncy feeling you might get from a regular trot. It also makes the ride very comfortable and sure-footed, especially on uneven ground.
A Missouri Fox Trotter can travel at a speed of about 5 to 8 miles per hour (8 to 13 km/h) while doing the fox trot. They can even go up to 10 miles per hour (16 km/h) for short distances. This makes them great for long rides because they save energy. Many horse breeds are "gaited," but the fox trot is special to this breed.
History of the Breed
The Missouri Fox Trotter breed started with horses brought to Missouri by settlers from other states like Tennessee and Kentucky. These early horses included different gaited horses, as well as breeds like the Arabian, Morgan, and Tennessee Walking Horse.
By the early 1800s, horses in Missouri were known for their special gait. This gait was very helpful for traveling through the rocky Ozark Mountains. Ranchers and farmers loved these horses because they were smooth to ride and good at working with cattle.
In 1948, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA) was created in Ava, Missouri. This group helps register and keep track of all Missouri Fox Trotters. At first, any horse with the fox trot gait and certain looks could be registered. Later, in 1982, only horses with registered parents could be added to the official records.
The Missouri Fox Trotter became the official state horse of Missouri in 2002. Today, you can find these horses all over the United States, in Canada, and in several European countries. The MFTHBA has registered over 97,000 horses!
In Europe, the European Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Association (EMFTHA) was formed in 1992. This group helps promote the breed outside the US. There are about 600 Missouri Fox Trotters in Europe, with many of them living in Germany.
How They Are Used Today
Missouri Fox Trotters are very popular with trail riders. People love their smooth gaits, how much energy they have, and their ability to carry weight. They are also used in programs that help people with disabilities learn to ride horses, as their smooth gait is very helpful for riders with physical challenges.
Sometimes, Fox Trotter mares (female horses) are bred with male donkeys to create mules. These mules also have the smooth fox trot gait and are often used by hunters and trail riders, especially in the western United States. The US Forest Service also uses Fox Trotters because they are fast, have lots of stamina, and move smoothly. In fact, members of this breed were the first horses to go down the north rim of the Grand Canyon.
Every year, the biggest show for Missouri Fox Trotters is held in Ava, Missouri. It's called the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse World Show and Celebration. About 1400 horses compete there each year!
