Missouri Fox-trotting Horse

What is Missouri fox-trotting horse?

The Missouri fox-trotting horse is a horse breed that originated in Missouri and the Ozark Mountains region.¹

The breed is defined by its unique “fox trot” gait, a broken movement where the horse walks briskly with its front feet while simultaneously trotting with its back feet. Originally developed by settlers as a general utility animal, the breed is now primarily used for riding and showing.¹

Key characteristics include:

• Color: Typically sorrel.¹
• Height: Ranges from 14 to 16 hands (56 to 64 inches, or 142 to 163 cm).¹
• Weight: Averages approximately 1,000 pounds (450 kg).¹

The breed’s official registry, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association, was established in 1948.¹

What makes the fox trot gait unique compared to other horse gaits?

The fox trot is a unique, four-beat gait that distinguishes itself from other horse movements through its specific, broken rhythm.¹²

Unlike the pace, which is a two-beat gait where legs on the same side move in unison, the fox trot is a four-beat gait. In this movement, the horse walks briskly with its front feet while simultaneously performing a trot with its back feet. A defining characteristic of this gait is that the hind foot strikes the ground a fraction of a second before the diagonally opposite forefoot. This combination of a walk and a trot creates a distinct, rhythmic cadence that is different from other intermediate gaits, such as the rack or the smoother, gliding amble.²¹³

Because of this broken pattern, the fox trot is often considered a comfortable ride, as it lacks the jarring impact of a standard trot.

How did the geography of the Ozark Mountains influence this breed’s development?

The rugged terrain of the Ozark Mountains played a pivotal role in shaping the development of the Missouri fox-trotting horse.

Settlers moving into this challenging, mountainous region required a versatile and reliable animal capable of navigating uneven landscapes. The breed was developed from various light horses brought to the area, specifically selected for their endurance and sure-footedness. The unique “fox trot” gait emerged as an ideal solution for these conditions; because it is a broken, four-beat gait that is smoother than a standard trot, it allowed riders to travel comfortably over long distances and rough, hilly trails without the jarring impact associated with other gaits. This made the horse an essential general utility animal for the daily demands of life in the Ozarks.¹

What are some other horse breeds known for their specific gaits?

Several horse breeds are celebrated for their specialized, smooth gaits, which were often developed to provide comfort and efficiency for riders covering long distances or navigating challenging terrain.⁵

Notable Gaited Breeds

• Tennessee Walking Horse: This breed is famous for its natural “running walk,” a swift, four-beat gait that is both comfortable and efficient. During this movement, the horse’s head nods in rhythm with its stride, and the hind foot oversteps the print of the forefoot.⁶⁵
• American Saddlebred: Known for its versatility and style, this breed can be trained as either three-gaited (walk, trot, canter) or five-gaited. The five-gaited variety performs two additional movements: the “rack,” a quick, high-stepping four-beat gait, and a “slow gait,” which is a more controlled version of the rack.⁷⁵
• Paso Fino: Originating from Puerto Rico, this breed is recognized for its natural four-beat lateral gait. This movement is executed at three distinct speeds: paso fino, paso corto, and paso largo.⁶
• Missouri Fox Trotting Horse: Developed in the Ozark region, this breed is defined by its unique “fox-trot” gait, where the horse walks with its front legs while simultaneously trotting with its hind legs.⁵