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Does anyone else have a Fox Trotter?

7K views 31 replies 15 participants last post by  CloudsMystique 
#1 · (Edited)
Just curious... Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who has even heard of them! Several people, when I told them I had a Fox Trotter, thought I was talking about fox hunting.



So... Does anyone else have one?
 
#3 ·
Clouds, I don't... :( But the more I hear about them and see them, the more I want one. I think they're gorgeous, and it sounds like they have a great disposition. Care to share some info about their gaits? I always like to hear how gaited horses vary...like how do their gaits compare to other gaited breeds? Is that your horse in your pic?
 
#4 ·
Clouds, I don't... :( But the more I hear about them and see them, the more I want one. I think they're gorgeous, and it sounds like they have a great disposition. Care to share some info about their gaits? I always like to hear how gaited horses vary...like how do their gaits compare to other gaited breeds? Is that your horse in your pic?


That's my horse in my picture, but not my MFT. He's a Paso Fino : ]

The fox trot is a diagonal gait, just like the trot, but the front leg hits the ground before the hind leg (making it a four-beat gait). They don't have high knee action like some other gaited breeds. They slide their feet, which makes for a really smooth ride. They have some of the best dispositions of any breed I've ever worked with, and around 90% of registered Fox Trotters are used for trail or pleasure riding.

Here's a good video:
FoxTrotSlowMotion
 
#6 ·
I have a Fox Trotter:D, smoothest ride ever. I have had some issues with her, barn sour and does not want to leave her buddy. I'm still trying to get her into the gaits though, as I have not had a lot of experience. Any hints would be appreciated. When she does get into it, it's great, the speed scares me sometimes.
 
#10 ·
I have a Fox Trotter:D, smoothest ride ever. I have had some issues with her, barn sour and does not want to leave her buddy. I'm still trying to get her into the gaits though, as I have not had a lot of experience. Any hints would be appreciated. When she does get into it, it's great, the speed scares me sometimes.



Do you know what gait she's doing instead? That would be helpful.

If she's trotting, you could try leaning back and collecting her.

If she's pacing, try not trotting her for a couple months. Only canter and walk her. That'll help her stop moving laterally. That's what I did with my mare, and she never paces now. You could also try working her over trot poles. It's difficult (if not impossible) to pace over trot poles. And make sure you bring her down to a walk as soon as she starts pacing or trotting, and then try again. Don't tolerate it, and she'll realize that it's a bad thing.
 
#13 ·
I know where there is a DROP DEAD gorgeous MFT stallion for sale. He's the most kind and gentle guy I think I have ever met!!!

He's 9 and been raised alone, no other horses for the past 5-6 years, I wish I could afford to buy him and geld the fella,

He's stunning, all black and muscley and just so oooo-la-la!!! :lol:

Maybe one day!!!


My hubby and I are currently looking for a good pair of gaited horses, we gave up the jackhammer trot of our beloved QH's because the hubby's back just can't take it anymore. One day of riding ended up 3 days of whining and pain.
 
#15 ·
I know *exactly* yer hubby's song! I sang it for awhile myself! I tried the QH because on the trails they move so slow-ly....but..(like you said) for me it was a 'slow' jackhammer...
Before the QH I had a TWH. Loved the gait. Missed that gait (and easy going personality) when I bought the QH. It took me forever to realize I wasn't *married* to that horse, when I sold her quite by accident. When a friend stopped in, I had no idea he was looking for a horse, so she went to him. Good patient home...what more could I ask for?? She's a prize barrell horse, now. Before I sold the QH, I had run across The Painted Lady online. Her name and mine were the same...she was the age I was looking for...it was serendipity. I did everything they told me *not* to do, but I bought her online. Sight unseen. (Except for pictures.) I decided I had to start *trusting* people some time, and fortunately the gal I bought her from was honest. I don't bounce any more, (it's more like a full splatter...)and certainly didn't need a rodeo bronc.
The Lady has been the answer to my dreams. She's been ready and willing. She's in for a new experience. We bought a buggy last week, so she gets to drive....
Gosh I wish I had the $$$ and the place for that black MFT you are talking about!!
 
#14 ·
She used to just 'run' off so to speak, instead of walking out slow and then picking up speed. I've got her pretty much out of that now. I just have a real hard time determining which gait she is in. It's real smooth, so I'm thinking she is doing OK. Sorry I can't describe it any better.:-(
 
#16 ·
We have a MFT at the ranch where I ride. Her name is Rockin' Steppin' Penny, and she is copper, like her name. :) My daughter's friend Kim leases her (lucky girl!). Kim said she would let me ride her some time. I really need a gaited horse due to neck issues.

I'll have to upload a photo later...they're on my laptop. Penny is awesome. :)

-Patti
 
#17 ·
I have a MFT.. I do I do!!!
He paces unless he is really together (usually the ride back to the barn produces a great gait with little effort on my part). I have been told about the poles also working. Can't wait for the arena to be usable. I can't get this guy to canter. I see him do it in the field and it is beautiful. I so much want to ride that gait on him...

The black horse with the white blaze is my Danny Boy. A friend gave him to me last summer and I adore him. He has such a great personality and this guy has such a look of "presence". My MFT friend says she wishes he was about 7 because he has show quality. How cool is that. He is 22. The vet said it is hard to believe he is 22.
 
#18 ·
I have a MFT.. I do I do!!!
He paces unless he is really together (usually the ride back to the barn produces a great gait with little effort on my part). I have been told about the poles also working. Can't wait for the arena to be usable. I can't get this guy to canter. I see him do it in the field and it is beautiful. I so much want to ride that gait on him...


Ah, yes. The ride back to the barn is always smoother, even if you have a horse that consistently gaits. I wonder why that is.

As for the cantering, does he do it when you lunge him? If you trust him, you could try getting on him and having someone crack a lunge whip until he canters. That's how I taught my mare.
 
#27 ·
The only way i can get mine to gait is to keep a tight reign and rub them with spurs..not kick, just kinda roll the spur up and down on them on their side...right when they feel like gathering up to trot i keep a steady tight reign. usually takes a bit but once you hit that gait perfect youll get better at it. our stud is a fox trotter and most of the mares are. i love them!!
 
#28 ·
Hi Clouds....I just got a Fox Trotter, and love him!! I have to agree with you, the breed is not very well known. He came from "Dancing Shadows Farm" in Cabool, MO, their website is: foxtrottersonline.com. If you go to the website, I now own: "Playboy's Diamond". Had to change his name though, our other horse is named "Diamond", so his new name is "Keeper"....cuz that's what he is, a real KEEPER!!!! Next month we are taking them to the Shawnee National Forest for 2 weeks, staying at Hayes Canyon Campround....will do lots and lots of trail riding, around a 100 miles all total. Even though I haven't had "Keeper" that long, I have no second thoughts about taking a 'new to me' horse on a trail riding vacation; his disposition and calm manner are second to none.
Forgive me for going on and on about "Keeper"....he is one special horse...a "Keeper"!!!!!
Happy Trails!!!
Goin' Gaiting :)
 
#31 ·
Clouds,
We've had foxtrotters before, but just yesterday are the proud owners of anctual registered one. I keep looking down at the barn to make sure she's still there!! Anyway, is there a website anywhere I can start to research her lines. I know a little, but no where near enough. Her sire is Tom's Travel Master, her dam is Nina Midnight. She just turned to 16, so has that wonderful been there, done that mindset. Our last MFT lived until she was 40. The vet was amazed with her, esp. since she was still fat and sassy right up until she died. Hopefully our new girl will be the same. I'm already soooo attached.
 
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