Breed evolution: When early pioneers moved west across the Mississippi River and into the Ozark Mountains, they brought horses of Arabian, Morgan, and Thoroughbred descent with them. Over time, a versatile, smooth-gaited breed developed.
According to the Missouri Fox Trotting Breed Association, the breed has three natural gaits: the flat foot walk; the smooth "fox trot" that gives the breed its name; and the canter, which owners liken to the motion of a rocking horse. No training or special shoes are required for a rider to enjoy these natural gaits.
The fox trot is characterized as a broken gait, that is, while in gait, the horse walks with his front feet, and trots with his hind feet. The back feet shuffle and slide, often stepping into the track made by the front feet. This shuffling, as opposed to the hard-step trot of other breeds, makes the fox trot exceptionally comfortable for the rider.
The Missouri Fox Trotting Breed Association, Inc., headquartered in Ava, Missouri, currently boasts nearly 9,000 members, with 85,000 registered horses; 90 percent are trail riders. The association sponsors trail rides and offers national recognition for trail riders.
Owners tell us: "Missouri Fox Trotters are gentle in the barn and tireless on the trail," says Jim Wood, the MFTBA secretary/treasurer. "With their gliding gait, every ride is a pleasure."
Dale Lawson of Ava, Missouri, is an active member of the MFTBA. "I've been involved with Fox Trotters for the past 19 years, including breeding, training, showing, and lots and lots of trail riding," he says. "I've documented more than 1,200 miles on organized trail rides in each of the past two years.
Lawson currently owns a 14.2-hand Fox Trotter gelding named Pepper. "I haven't found anything Pepper can't do," Lawson says. "He's placed first in a performance class at the world championship show. He works cattle and pulls logs. And he's a trail horse deluxe. He can go all day, day after day, and is always willing."
Nancy Alpert of Sunset Ridge Fox Trotters in Parker, Colorado, says she's "in the business of making dreams come true," by matching clients to Fox Trotter mounts. "I breed and train trail horses, mostly for women who have always wanted a horse," she says. "Fox Trotters are kind, personable horses that fulfill that dream."
One person who's fulfilled her dreams is Peggy Litt, owner of Golden Acres Foxtrotter Ranch Rest N' Ride in Belleview, Florida. "I love my Missouri Fox Trotters!" she exclaims. "After discovering this extremely comfortable, willing, responsive horse with a Golden Retriever demeanor, I was sold. I have fortunately been able to enjoy the horse of my childhood dreams."
Myrna Warfel of Ridin' High Ranch has been riding Missouri Fox Trotters since 1978. "I love their smooth gait and personalities," she says. "We've found them to be such willing students and quick to learn new things."
Cecil and Sonny Huff own and operate Bucks & Spurs Guest Ranch in Ava, Missouri. "This is the world's best breed," says Cecil. "They have the smoothest ride you could want; they're athletic, pleasant to look at, surefooted, and they're great on the trail. Why in the world would you want any other horse?"
