Early settlers poured across the Mississippi River, into the Missouri Ozarks, from Kentucky, Illinois, Virginia, and Tennessee. Naturally these early settlers brought their horses with them, including Morgans, Thoroughbreds, and Arabians with a sprinkling of other light breeds. From these the Missouri Foxtrotter horse was developed to answer the needs for a horse that could carry a heavy load for long hours at a ground consuming gait, sure footedness in mountainous regions, a stylish buggy horse for the family, and a gait that was easy for both horse and rider. This was a favorite horse for cattlemen, judges, pastors, assessors, school teachers, sheriffs and others who had circuits and made long rides before the advent of good roads and cars.
Additionally, this amazing breed demonstrates a clear superiority when it comes to suspension and dexterity. The nimbleness of this animal has given the cross a lighter foot. The characteristic of good suspension has given the cross a more fluid movement. Crossing the Foxtrotter and Canadian bloodlines has been beneficial to both breeds.
By 1948 a breed association was formed for this talented horse and in 1958 the Missouri Foxtrotter Horse Breed Association was reorganized and reincorporated. Since then, breeders have worked to develop this multi talented breed of horse into the much sought after pleasure horse and show horse of today. More information can be found at the association in Ava, MO.
