Foxtrotting Horses--the Gait

By Steven Fales

People are talking more and more about foxtrotting horses or foxtrotters.  They are especially sought after as trail horses, but their use as versatility and ranch horses is increasing.  In some states the forest service uses them exclusively for their back country trails.

A foxtrotter is usually registered with the Missouri Foxtrotting Horse Association in Ava, Missouri where the annual show is held in September.  There are affiliate clubs in most states which promote both trail riding and showing.

Foxtrotters are sought after because of their smooth and enjoyable gait.  The foxtrot gait is a trot that is smooth because of the slight variation in the way that they move their feet.  In a normal “square” trot a horse’s front hoof and opposite rear hoof strike the ground at the same instant.  Such a beat on a hard road makes the classic “clop clop” or two beat sound.  Normal horse trotting results in considerable bounce making riders want to “post” in rhythm to absorb the shock.

In the foxtrot, the front hoof strikes the ground an instant before the opposite rear hoof.  This breaks up the sequence such that the horse moves in a rhythm that takes out the bounce.  There is very little bounce, and the rider cannot post to this gait as there is no upward thrusting in the trot.  The sound of this gait is more like “clipity clop” with the extra sounds indicting the fact that this trot is a four beat trot instead of a two beat trot.

Riders of foxtrotters usually want to trot along in the gait because it is so smooth and enjoyable and because the horses seem to want to do it.  They can easily go six to eight miles per hour in the gait and keep it up for long periods.  The association’s motto is “to ride one is to own one”.

The gait is an inborn genetic trait.  It is therefore natural for them to do it.  Interestingly, they also come in all horse colors.  Their size varies from pony size to over 16 hands.  Mixed breeds involving foxtrotters can often do the gait very well.  There are even foxtrotting mules.

These horses can also do a running walk as well as regular walking and cantering. This variety of gaits adds a whole new dimension to horseback riding.  In addition they can easily be trained to side pass, spin, back and do many reining maneuvers.  They are known to be gentle and have calm and people-loving personalities.

It is little wonder that the popularity of foxtrotters is increasing throughout the United States.  Families and individuals are seeking them out as an all around pleasure horse. When you hear the four beat cadence and see a smiling rider you are probably on the trail with the happy owner of a foxtrotter.