Horse
Pronunciation:
Mizz'-oor-ee Fawks Traw-ter
Breed Description:
The Missouri Fox Trotter breed of horse is a gaited American breed known for its dramatic 'fox trot', a single-footing pace. The Fox Trotter has a placid temperament and is a sturdy but elegant show horse with smooth, fast paces. It comes in most colors, including palomino and paint coloring.
Temperament:
The Missouri Fox Trotter breed of horse generally has a very placid and trainable temperament.
Height:
The Missouri Fox Trotter breed of horse stands 14.2 to 16 hands.
Weight:
The Missouri Fox Trotter breed of horse weighs 800 to 1200 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Missouri Fox Trotter breed of horse has no specific health problems.
Living Conditions:
The Missouri Fox Trotter breed of horse is a light horse breed and needs stabling in harsh weather.
Exercise:
The Missouri Fox Trotter breed of horse enjoys work and benefits regular exercise, but if kept pastured can be idle for periods without ill effect.
Life Expectancy:
The Missouri Fox Trotter breed of horse lives into its mid twenties.
Grooming:
The Missouri Fox Trotter breed of horse is shown with a long mane and tail. It is a fine-skinned horse with a long mane and tail and needs regular grooming.
Origin:
The Missouri Fox Trotter breed of horse was developed in the Ozark mountains of Missouri, probably originally as a driving horse. Its ancestry likely includes ancient Spanish horses of the Conquistadors, from which it inherited its single-footing gait. The gait is very smooth and fast, and the horse can carry it for miles, making the fox trotter popular as a riding horse during the early years of midwest settlement. Today, the Fox Trotter is shown in unique show ring events, in a combination of western and English tack, or is used as a pleasure riding horse or trail horse. It is a numerous and popular breed, with several thousand horses registered today. 