- "More than a century and a half ago the urgent need for a
sure-footed, easy -traveling horse was recognized by the settlers and pioneers of the
Ozarks. As people migrated west from Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia, they
brought with them their finest possessions, including their best saddle stock. The
breeding of this stock was largely Arabian, Morgan and plantation horses from the deep
South. Later more American Saddlebred, Tennessee Walker and Standard breeding were
added to give the Fox Trotting Horse a more pleasing appearance and
Disposition. The ability to travel long distances at a comfortable speed of five to
eight miles an hours made the Fox Trotting Horse a favorite of the country doctor,
sheriff, assessor, and stock raiser." (reprinted from The Missouri Fox Trotting
horse Breed Association, Inc.)
Today, the Fox Trotting horse is in demand as a true pleasure horse on
the trails, for showing, for it's disposition and versatility to jump, run barrels, herd
and sort cattle, team penning, as field trial horses, carriage driving, drill teams,
parades and to successfully compete in distance riding such as the National Trail Ride
Conferences (NATRC) sponsored rides across the United States.
Youngsters are using their Fox Trotting Horses in High School
Equestrian Teams, 4-H Equestrian Programs, competing at open breed shows, State and
Country Fairs across the United States. Take a test ride today - To ride one is to own one!
