2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

17 The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association Breed Regist ry of the Mi ssouri Fox Trot t ing Horse Est . 1948 100 - RULES, REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS GENERAL: STANDARDS OF THE FOX TROTTING HORSE The fox trot is a broken diagonal gait performed by walking in front and trotting behind, with reach in each stride. The front hoof of the diagonal pair strikes the ground just before the rear hoof, and one front hoof is on the ground at all times in a correct foxtrot. The Fox Trotting Horse is not a high stepping horse, but an extremely sure-footed one, and because of the sliding action of the rear feet rather than the hard step of other breeds the rider experiences little jarring action and is quite comfortable in the saddle for long periods of time. The head and tail are slightly elevated, giving the horse a graceful carriage, and the rhythmic beat of the hooves along with the nodding action of the head present an appearance of relaxation and poise. The movement should be smooth and consistent with no noticeable up and down motion. The ideal characteristics of the fox trotting horse shall be that the animal will travel in a collected manner with animation, rhythm and style. In each of the gaits, remember “Style and Grace, It’s Not a Race!” Section 1. Conformation The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse generally stands between 14 and 16 hands in height, and averages between 900 to 1200 pounds. The horse should stand well on its feet, be erect, wide awake and alert. The neck should be graceful, in proportion to length of body, and joined to the body in a manner pleasing to the eye. The fox trotting horse should have a neat, clean, symmetrically shaped head of medium length; pointed ears that are well shaped; eyes that are large, wide set and bright; and a tapered muzzle with large nostrils. The back should be reasonably short and strong, the body deep and the ribs well-sprung. The flank should be sleek, and the chest deep and well ribbed. The shoulders should be sloped at a 45 to 50 degree angle, and moderately muscled. The legs should be muscular and tapered. The foot should be well made, strong and in proper proportion to the size of the horse. The overall condition of the horse should be reflected by its demeanor, body weight, muscular definition and tone, hair coat, and the feet. In form to function, good conformation permits the gaits to be performed in the proper manner. Proper conditioning and correct conformation will permit the horse to carry weight for an extended period of time, in comfort to the rider. Section 2. Fox Trot The fox trot has a motion and rhythm that carries from the nose through the tail. The fox trot gait will be performed in a stylish collected manner by walking in front and trotting behind with striding reach, both front and rear. There should not be excessive animation, nor should there be climbing or exaggerated knee motion in the front legs. The back feet will exhibit a sliding action resulting from the horse breaking at the hocks. The horse will disfigure or overstep his track and shall travel straight on all four legs. The head will be carried slightly elevated, with rhythmic motion in time with the movement of the rear feet. The tail will be carried naturally and should emphasize the rhythm of the gait. The exceptional rhythm of the fox trotting horse begins at the tip of the nose with the characteristic headshake and continues back through the ripple of the tail.