I would like to start out with a little history on the breed of the Missouri Foxtrotter. The development of fox trotters in the early part of the century were by Missouri cattlemen who converged regularly at the stockyards. They were developed and used as horses for working cattle. Doctors also used this breed in the Ozark Mountains because they are hardy, sure-footed and fast. Since the cattlemen and Doctors spent a great amount of time in the saddle, comfortable saddle gaits were essential.
The breeds of horses that influenced and developed the breed of the Missouri Fox Trotter were Standardbreds, Morgans,Tennessee Walking Horses and Saddle Horses.
By 1948 breeders of the MFT were interested in preserving the breeding of their horse. This is when the stud book and the organization for the breed began. Foundation stock could be examined and approved for registry with the MFTBA until 1982. It then became a requirement that one parent had to be a registered MFT. In 1983 the books were closed and foals could only be registered if both parents were registered.
The MFT is a very versatile horse. They are used in a wide variety of ways, such as, trail and pack horses, competitive and endurance trail riding, working cattle, and showing.
The MFT stands between 14 and 16 hands. The ears are medium length and pointed. They have good-sized, tough feet with well-muscled legs. The MFT comes in every color known to horsedom. The gait of the MFT is like riding on a cloud! It is basically a diagonal gait. The fox trot is performed by walking in front and trotting behind with reach in each stride. The front foot lands ahead of the diagonally opposed hind foot and the back foot over-steps the print of the front foot. The back foot tends to slide in under the horse, rather than striking hard and flat. The horse has two or three feet on the ground at all times. The head and tail will nod and bob in time to the rhythm of his gait.
The MFTHB Association does not have a large advertising campaign to promote their horse. These talented, beautiful, athletic, level-headed, smooth-gaited and versatile horses are their own best advertisement. Someone once told me, " to ride one is to own one " and that is so true.
|
