What is a Missouri Foxtrotter Horse?

According to the Missouri Foxtrotting Horse Bread Association (MFTHBA), this breed of gaited horse was developed in the hills of the Missouri Ozarks by settlers from Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee and Arkansas. Because this mountainous region demands a surefooted horse, this is one of the outstanding traits of this horse. Additionally, as these small homesteads normally couldn’t support a large herd of specialists, this breed was also developed to handle virtually any task necessary.

The Foxtrotter (or, Fox Trotter) part of the name comes from the way it places its feet. As the horse moves, the back feet are placed in the same spot that the front feet have just vacated. So, even though all four feet are moving, this breed of horse only leaves two footprints. This is the same way that a fox travels, hence the name FoxtTrotter.

The Missouri Secretary of State website states that on June 4, 2002, the Missouri Foxtrotter became the state horse of Missouri.

Many of the Ozark settlers came from neighboring states where gaited horses were popular. The breed can trace back to American Saddle Horses from Kentucky and Tennessee Walking Horses, as well as to thoroughbreds, Morgans, Arabians as well as a host of others. The main characteristic bred for was the foxtrot gait, also referred to as “walking with the front feet and trotting with the hind.” This is a smooth gait that is extremely surefooted. It was a real advantage in the rugged, rocky Ozarks.

The breed association was formed in 1948 and came to be known as the MFTHBA in 1958. In 1982, all registered Missouri Foxtrotters were required to have at least one registered Foxtrotter parent, and in 1983 that was changed to require that both were registered.

The original uses of the Missouri Foxtrotter were widely varied. As mentioned, the small homesteads required a well-rounded horse. The breed was often used for plowing, hauling logs and working cattle. Because of its distinctive carriage and gait, it could also be used as a stylish buggy horse or as a riding horse for the family. According to EquinePost.com, it was a favorite of local officials who valued its smooth gate and ability to quickly cover a lot of ground. Even when cars and trucks began to replace horses as transportation, cattlemen continued to nurture the breed for ranch work. Its innate cattle sense, along with its surefootedness, made it indispensible to the Ozark cattle ranches.

Today, the breed is known to excel at trail and endurance riding. It is still used in the cattle industry and at rodeos. And it is often a favorite at gaited horse shows for its flashy showmanship. Hollywood has made extensive use of the Missouri Foxtrotter because of its intelligent, willing and gentle nature.

These horses have a very gentle, even disposition. This makes them well suited for beginning riders. Their smooth gait, along with their ability to cover a lot of ground quickly, makes them especially suited to endurance or long trail rides. Their surefootedness makes them especially trustworthy. Because of this, the U.S. Forestry Service makes extensive use of them, having more than 1000 registered in their name.

For older riders, for those with back problems or for those who simply don’t want to sit through a bumpy trot, the smooth gait can also be a welcome advantage. The Missouri Foxtrotter is not a high stepper. Rather, it has a more shuffling gate, which makes it an amazingly smooth ride. Additionally, its “rocking horse” canter is extremely easy and comfortable, even for beginners.

A friendly, willing, surefooted and comfortable to ride breed, the Missouri Foxtrotter is a good all around horse.