Ever had an idea of having a horse that would seem to be soaring on the clouds when you ride the trails, then, I would like to introduce you to the Missouri Fox Trotter horse. Throughout my experience, I have trained with many different types of gaited breeds, and not many are as comfortable, well-natured and hardworking as Fox Trotters. This horse has something to offer whether you are a weekend trail rider, a breeder or a first time rider. These horses have gone as far as the Ozark Mountains to Hollywood movie sets to prove that they are smooth, sure footed mounts.
History & Origin of the Missouri Fox Trotter Horse
The Missouri Fox Trotter horse has deep roots in American history, going back to the 1800s. Settlers in the rugged Ozark Mountains needed a horse that was strong enough for work but smooth enough for travel over uneven terrain. So, they crossed breeds like the Tennessee Walking Horse, Standardbred, Morgan, and Arabian to create what we now call the Missouri Fox Trotter horse.
By 1948, dedicated breeders formed the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA) to preserve and promote the breed. Since then, it’s grown in popularity, not just in Missouri but across the U.S. and even Europe. The horse’s signature gait, stamina, and kind nature made it a favorite for trail riders, ranchers, and even law enforcement. Today, it remains a breed that blends beauty, functionality, and rich tradition.
Characteristicsof the Missouri Fox Trotter Horse
Missouri Fox Trotter horse are in the range of 14 and 16 hands. They are well built with no bulk which makes them well proportioned in terms of muscle and agility. You will see them in almost all colours- chestnut, black, bay, sorrel, palomino and even highly light catching ones like Silver Dapple Pinto or Amber Champagne. What is the most characteristic feature of them? The fox trot movement. It is a four-lobed diagonal pace with a smooth ride but no bounce of a trot.
Their head swings plus foot forward in time and the diagonal hind foot touches the ground a little preceding before the front foot-super comfortable when you are having a long ride. They also execute the Flat Foot Walk and a smooth canter called as the show canter. These are not only ones who are walking easy on your eyes, but their special gait is a thing to wonder at and even more light on your back.
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Nature & Temperament of the Missouri Fox Trotter Horse
Missouri Fox Trotter horse in my barn are whom I turn to when handling kids, nervous riders, and any rider learning the ropes. They are easy going, bright, and keen to please. They are calm and so they can be used in therapeutic riding and ranch family-friendly programs. They are not only sweet, but smart. They get accustomed to any routine easily, obey voice calls and are not spooked easily. Ive carried mine in parades, cattle drives, noisy camp grounds and anything would happen and I never groused. This breed is difficult to resist when searching a stable, faithful partner.
Food & Diet of the Missouri Fox Trotter Horse
Feeding a Missouri Fox Trotter horse is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things to watch. I stick to quality hay, pasture grass, and a low-sugar grain when needed. They do best on forage-based diets, and I always provide free access to clean water and a mineral block. Because they can be easy keepers, I watch for signs of equine metabolic syndrome. Too many sugary feeds can cause weight gain and hoof problems. Supplements like Omega-3s or joint support help with overall health, especially for older horses. Working with an equine nutritionist is a smart move if you’re unsure about your horse’s condition or workload.
Usage & Purpose
Most people know the Missouri Fox Trotter horse as the king of trail riding, and it’s true—they’re built for it. That fox trot gait lets you cover rough ground without beating up your joints (or your horse’s). I’ve ridden mine for hours through the Ozarks and still had a smile on my face at the end. But they’re not just trail horses. Missouri Fox Trotter horse work cattle, star in parades, perform in shows, and even appear in movies and video games like Red Dead Online. You’ll also find them in therapy programs, forestry service patrols, and competitive endurance rides. Their versatility is as impressive as their gracefulness, opening up a world of possibilities for horse enthusiasts.
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Special Features
What is difference between the Missouri Fox Trotter horse? Firstly it has the unusual diagonal four beat gait. It is neither a pace nor a trot, it is smoother than either. The movement is earth-sweeping and economical and the head nod is natural and cool. Second, they are very surefooted. They do not lose their balance and self-possession whether walking up rocky paths or down slippery slopes. And we must not omit their coats-the diversity of shades and designs is only a cake-icing. I sometimes have strangers hold me up on a trail so that they might gaze on the glint of a Silver Dapple.
Second, they are very sound on their feet. They will not be all over the place when I am riding up rocky roads or warming down slippery descents. And their coats, too,–the assortment of colours and checks is all cream. People even have stopped me in the trail in order to see the gleam of a Silver Dapple.
Health Issues & Prevention of the Missouri Fox Trotter Horse
As are with all breeds, Missouri Fox Trotter horse have issues. I am looking at the Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM) and Multiple Congenital Ocular Anomalies (MCOA). The two are respectively curable and hopefully preventable through intelligent breeding practices and genetic testing. My barn practices regular hoof trims, vet check-ups and parasite control as non-negotiables. I am also careful about their weight because these horses can be roly-poly in a flash.
I suggest dental examinations once a year and examining the DNA panels to exclude ancestral problems. Prevention is economical and heart breaking. Hoof trimming, vet checks and parasite control are practices I simply can not negotiate. I watch their weight also because these horses will fatten up quick. I advise them to undertake dental check-ups once a year and DNA panels to determine any hereditary problems. Prevention is less costly and heart breaking.
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Step-By-Step Care Guide for Missouri Fox Trotter Owners
When you are fortunate enough to be the owner of a Missouri Fox Trotter horse, correct set up is a first step to proper care. This field book focuses on no detail being too small to mention including the correct process of constructing the ideal shelter, to the selection of a registered horse, development of daily schedules, training of the fox trot strain, and maintaining a step ahead of the health situations. My personal tips will furnish you with all you need to maintain your Fox Trotter healthy, happy, and smooth gaited, to take you to the long trail up ahead.
Step 1: Build Safe and Comfortable Shelter
Start by building a safe, comfortable space where your Missouri Fox Trotter horse can rest, relax, and move freely. I always recommend stalls that are at least 12×12 feet—roomy enough for them to turn comfortably. Use rubber mats and dust-free bedding like straw or shavings. Make sure the stall is well-ventilated, especially in summer. Fans help move air around, while in winter, proper insulation and windbreaks are essential.
Outdoors, you’ll want a strong, safe fence. Skip barbed wire—Missouri Fox Trotter horse are curious and could easily injure themselves. Wood or vinyl fencing works best. I always double-check latches on gates too. For pasture space, rotational grazing is key. Move them between areas to keep grass healthy and reduce mud buildup. And never underestimate the importance of clean water and mineralized salt blocks—one in every paddock is non-negotiable.
If you live in a colder area, add a three-sided shelter to shield them from snow and wind. These setups aren’t fancy, but they go a long way toward keeping your horse stress-free and healthy all year long.
Step 2: Choose A Registered Missouri Fox Trotter Horse
I am not a horse choosing person who believes in looks. In the case of Missouri Fox Trotter horse, it is necessitated that Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA) registers them. A quality breeder will provide an in-depth history, will demonstrate gaits, and be truthful about temperament and health. It is not just a horse you are purchasing but a long lasting relationship. I never fail to inquire as to their gaits. Then see them dance in the Flat Foot Walk, Fox Trot and Canter. A good Fox Trotter must demonstrate smooth rhythmic transition and head nod. you will want a wellbuilt, muscular frame, without heaviness, but toughness.
Do genetic tests as well. The following diseases such as Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM) and Multiple Congenital Ocular Anomalies (MCOA) can be handled along with others however earlier knowledge is preferable. Even a new person to gaited breeds is encouraged to include a gaited horsemaster. They are able to identify the less obvious problems that can influence driving performance, or long-term stability. Follow your instincts and question things. It is the horse that makes a difference.
Step 3: Set Up A Daily Routine
A solid daily routine keeps your Missouri Fox Trotter horse happy, healthy, and easy to manage. I keep mine on a twice-daily feeding schedule, with clean water always available. Hay or pasture grass is their base diet, and I toss in grain only when extra calories are needed for work or winter. Each morning, I take five minutes to check over each horse—eyes, legs, hooves, coat. I clean hooves daily with a hoof pick. This isn’t just maintenance; it’s how I catch abscesses or signs of thrush early. During grooming, I use soft brushes because their coats can be sensitive, especially in dry seasons.
Summer means fly spray and shade; winter calls for waterproof blankets if it’s freezing. Don’t skip exercise. Even a short daily ride or groundwork session makes a difference. Fox Trotters love having a job to do. They get bored fast without movement or mental engagement. Keep the schedule steady, and your horse will respond with calm, reliable behavior.
Step 4: Train the Gait with Patience
The Missouri Fox Trotter horse is trained as a science as well as an art. The gait of the fox trot is not a practiced one, though in the hands of wise guidance it must be called out as easily and regularly as those of the others. It is my habit to begin at the basics. Conducting voice-guided exercises enables the development of the trust prior to me even being on a horse. After the saddle is put on, I take a light rein pressure as a warming up process and concentrate on the Flat Foot Walk. When my horse has relaxed and is listening, I am promoting a change to the fox trot on a flat forgiving surface.
Hold your hands loose and your legs still–with these horses you had better not make strong corrections. Train with various grounds, gravel, grass, hardened soil. Every surface aids the horse to improve its balance and confidence. I always finish training session on positive note even when progress is little. Practice sessions should be 30 to 45 minutes to prevent frustrations or exhaustion. Do not run after perfection. Being consistent, supportive, and lasting are important. Joy over every free stride of the gait. It clicks there is nothing smooth-er in the world.
Step 5: Stay On Top of Health Care
Preventive care is where your effort really pays off. I schedule vet visits twice a year to handle vaccines, dental care, and overall wellness checks. I also keep my farrier on a strict 6 to 8-week rotation. Hoof balance directly impacts the fox trot gait, so sloppy trims can cause major issues fast. Every month, I run a body condition score on each horse. If they’re gaining or losing weight, I adjust feed right away. Missouri Fox Trotter horse can be easy keepers, so I go easy on grain and supplement with Omega-3s for coat and joint health.
Watch for signs of lameness, heat in the legs, or uneven movement. I also do regular deworming and use fecal tests to monitor parasite loads. If I notice stiffness or joint discomfort, I explore non-invasive treatments like joint supplements, chiropractic work, or even PRP therapy. Staying ahead of problems keeps your horse feeling great, and it saves you money down the line. A healthy Fox Trotter is a happy, willing partner—and that’s the goal every day.
Great Horses Aren’t Born Ready—They’re Built With Daily Care, Gentle Hands, And Gaited Trust That Grows With Every Ride.
Expert Tips & Best Practices
- Always warm up before asking for a fox trot gait
- Watch gait transitions—they should be clean, not rushed
- Invest in a saddle made for gaited horses
- Use a coat color panel if you’re planning to breed
- Join a local MFTHBA group for events and clinics
- Practice trail obstacles to keep training fun
- Don’t overfeed—they gain weight quickly
- Monitor hydration, especially on hot trail rides
FAQ
What is a Missouri Fox Trotter horse known for?
They’re known for their smooth, four-beat fox trot gait that’s perfect for long trail rides.
How tall do Missouri Fox Trotters usually get?
They range from 14 to 16 hands tall, making them great for both kids and adults.
Are Missouri Fox Trotters good for beginners?
Yes! Their calm temperament and gentle ride make them ideal for new riders.
Where can I buy a Missouri Fox Trotter horse?
Start with the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association or look for registered breeders near you.
What kind of saddle should I use?
Choose a saddle made for gaited horses—they offer better spine clearance and flexibility.
Conclusion
The Missouri Fox Trotter horse creates a union of everything that I adore in a breed; a smooth gait; placid attitude, rich traditions, and grave versatility. You can be on the trail, teaching a novice or miles away in the barn and this horse will halfway there to go along with you. The proper treatment will keep them healthy, joyful and eager through many years. To own a Missouri Fox Trotter is to listen to the music and not just to ride a horse, but rather to ride every step of the way.
