Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Show and Celebration is underway

The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA) is currently hosting its 53rd annual show and celebration in the small town of Ava, in southern Missouri. The show kicked off on September 4 and continues through this Saturday, September 10.

The Missouri Fox Trotter was developed in the Ozark region where sure-footed horses were needed to navigate the remote, hilly terrain. The breed’s signature gait, the fox trot, is a smooth, four-beat gait that makes it a popular choice for trail and distance riders.

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At this week’s show, horses will compete in English and western pleasure, barrel racing, pole bending, cattle events, model (halter), pleasure driving and reining. The show also names versatility champions. Although the fox trot gait is similar to the Tennessee Walking Horse’s running walk, Fox Trotters vying for the breed’s Grand Champion title are typically shown in western tack and display very little knee action. Exhibitors at breed shows are not permitted to use chains or heavy shoes to enhance their horse’s movement and tails are left natural.

Outside of the show arena, the Celebration features daily trail rides each morning. Another icon of Missouri equines, the Budweiser Clydesdales, will perform on Friday evening.

Admission to the show is $5 today or $6 on Friday and Saturday. To view video from this year’s celebration, visit SpringfieldWebTV.com

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View Comments

Aimee says:
September 8, 2011 at 2:22 am
Good luck to all of the competitiors! Have a great time!
TRAIL RIDER says:
September 8, 2011 at 6:41 am
I JUST READ AN ARTICLE LAST WEEK, ABOUT THE CELEBRATION. IT ALSO EXPLAINED THE GAIT TOO. I DID NOT KNOW THAT THE GAIT THESE HORSES DO, WAS WALK WITH THEIR FRONT FEET AND TROT WITH THEIR BACK. FROM THE SOUND OF IT, IT WOULDNT BE VERY SMOOTH THOUGH. I DO LIKE HOW, AT THEIR SHOWS, THEY DONT DISPLAY VERY MUCH KNEE ACTION, OR ARE NOT PERMITTED TO HAVE CHAINS OR HEAVY SHOES ON. PLUS THEIR TAIL IS NATURAL. THE TWHBEA NEEDS TO LEARN A FEW THINGS FROM THE MFTHBA ABOUT KEEPING THE GAIT AND HORSE NATURAL AND NOT "CREATED"! (PADDED BIG LICKS AND THOSE WITH HEAVY PLANTATION SHOES THAT IS)
Galadriel says:
September 8, 2011 at 8:32 am
Sounds nice. Price isn't bad either!
kilee says:
September 8, 2011 at 7:28 pm
I love the video`s the horses are very tidey the horses look amazeing so do the owners.