Missouri Fox Trotter
calm, enduring, amenable
Origin
Ozarks, Missouri (USA)
Withers height
142–163 cm
Trail ridingLeisureTrailCattle work
Traits & strengths
- ✦the fox trot is exceptionally smooth — the rider sits virtually still
- ✦very enduring over long distances in the field
- ✦calm, dependable nature, also for less confident riders
- ✦sure-footed in rough country
Breed-typical predispositions
Musculoskeletal load in sustained gait
Disease →long distances in gait load back and hocks — compensatory work and rest periods are the levers
Back sensitivity from poor saddle fit
Disease →the gait changes back movement compared with the trot; check saddle fit in gait, not standing
Latest findings
DMRT3 as the gait switch
2012The DMRT3 variant enables the additional gaits; it explains fox trot, tölt and paso alike and is largely fixed in the gaited breeds.
Source · Andersson et al. — Nature 2012