In 1807, when Pedro IV of Portugal migrated to Brazil due to Napoleon’s invasion and became Emperor Pedro I of Brazil, he brought with him the best of the royal cavalry. These horses were the Alter Real—an Iberian breed closely related to Lusitanos and Andalusians that were reserved for royalty.

Alter Real stallions were crossed with local Brazilian mares to create the Mangalarga Marchador. Known for being docile, intelligent, and extremely comfortable to ride, the breed grew quickly in popularity.

There are over 700,000 Mangalarga Marchadors in Brazil today. In 1992, a Brazilian family moved to Florida and brought their beloved Mangalarga Marchador with them. Today, the U.S. Mangalarga Marchador Association works to preserve the breed in the United States and currently has 425 registered horses.

Special Gaits

The marcha gait is when the feet move alternately laterally and diagonally. The marcha picada gait has more lateral movements in a step, and is generally considered the smoothest of the gaits. The marcha batida has more diagonal movements in a step and is described as a broken trot.

Another, not-yet-recognized gait may occur, called the marcha de centro, where lateral and diagonal movement happens equally. In all these gaits, one foot is always touching the ground, so the horse is never suspended off the ground like in the trot or pace, creating a more comfortable and secure feeling for the rider.

A Noble Steed

“I had been told that Mangalarga Marchadors were very smart, but I didn’t believe it until I owned one for myself,” says Randy Gassett of Phoenix, Ariz.

Gassett had a business deal with a friend that breeds Mangalarga Marchadors, making her part owner of an unborn foal. When that foal ended up being a colt, not a filly, the plan was to sell him. But Gassett knew the colt wasn’t going anywhere once he got to her ranch.

“I fell in love with the colt and knew he was going to be as nice or nicer than my Fox Trotter,” Gassett shares. “So, I bought out my friend’s share, and Nobre do Summerwind [nobre is Portuguese for ‘noble’] was mine. He is the only Mangalarga Marchador that I have owned and is an exceptional horse!”

Now 5, Nobre is 15.2 hands and performs the marcha batida as well as the walk and canter. Gassett trained Nobre herself, competing him in in-hand trail competitions as a yearling.

“He has such a wonderful temperament, loves people, is curious and full of play, and has never tried to buck or rear while under saddle,” she says.

Now that he is older, Nobre competes in dressage and working equitation. They have qualified for the Working Equitation Zone Championship in Missoula in 2023, finishing 5th in level two.

He has many champion and reserve champion titles at both schooling and rated shows, and is now competing at level three. Gassett says Nobre has the smoothest canter she has ever ridden.

Plenty of Charisma

Carolina Peterson, who lives in Friday Harbor, Wash., has known the Marchador breed since childhood, having grown up in Brazil. She owns two geldings, Tigre do Summerwind and Kharisma do Summerwind. Tigre performs the marcha picada and is a fantastic trail horse that also does working equitation. Kharisma performs the marcha batida, and aside from trail, excels in eventing.

“Kharisma came to San Juan Island, Wash., and started his development with eventing trainer Servando Garcia, who soon introduced Kharisma to jumping,” says Peterson. “It’s easy to say it was ‘love at first sight.’ Kharisma loves to jump, loves the challenge, and trusts his rider. He is still young, but should have a great career in eventing or whatever job he chooses to do.”

While a gaited horse in eventing could normally be a challenge, Peterson says Kharisma shines.

“He has successfully competed at Novice level, quite a challenge for a gaited horse, but with Servando’s endless efforts and Kharisma’s willingness to work, he is moving toward being successful at a higher level,” she says. “Kharisma is the only Marchador participating in eventing competitions in the U.S.”

Peterson explains that dressage is difficult for gaited horses, but Kharisma is taking that on too.

“We believe quality, ambitious and well-trained Mangalarga Marchadors will perform well in any job,” she says. “Tigre and Kharisma are kind, docile, coachable and intelligent horses with big personalities.”

This article about the Mangalarga Marchador breed appeared in the October 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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The Trote y Galope inherited the spirit and sensitivity of the Paso Fino with the height and power of the Lusitano. And as a bonus, the Paso Fino and Lusitano gaits managed to combine to create something truly unique in the Trote y Galope: a smooth diagonal gait. 

Common History of the Trote y Galope

As a close cousin to the Paso Fino, the Trote y Galope has its roots in Colombia. The Paso Fino was developed there in the 1500s from horses brought to the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Jamaica by Spanish conquerors.

Christopher Columbus helped establish a breeding program there with the goal of supplying Spanish soldiers with horses. These carefully bred horses were then brought to both Puerto Rico and Colombia.

The horses in this breeding program carried the DNA of the Jennet, a now-extinct gaited Spanish horse. The Jennet passed along its gaits to early Paso Finos, who were also the result of crossings with Barbs and Andalusians.

The Lusitano, the other breed that provided the foundation to the Trote y Galope, is descended from early Spanish horses that lived on the Iberian Peninsula during prehistoric times. The blood of these Spanish horses became mixed with that of breeds that arrived from other parts of Europe during times of war and migration. The Lusitano descended from this mix of bloodlines and continued its development in Portugal.

Because of their strength and agility, Lusitanos became the favored breed of Spanish and Portuguese bullfighters.

Diagonal vs. Four-Beat

The Paso Fino is famous for its lateral, four-beat gaits: the classic fino, the paso corto and the paso largo. Each of these gaits results when the horse places one hoof down at a time in a four-beat rhythm. The Trote y Galope also provides a smooth ride, but they do it differently: with diagonal footfalls.

The Trote y Galope gets its name from its signature gaits: the trote and the galope. The trote is a diagonal two-beat gait without the suspension present in a standard trot. Even though it’s not a four-beat gait, it is comfortable to sit because there is no suspension. When watching performance of this gait, it looks as if the horse is marching. A 1-2, 1-2 rhythm is created when this gait is performed.

The breed’s other signature gait is the galope, which is essentially a canter with diagonal propulsion in three beats. First one hind leg strikes the ground, followed by the other hind leg and the foreleg that is diagonal to that hind leg. Finally, the other foreleg hits the ground. The sound of this movement creates a 1-2-3, 1-2-3 rhythm.

The Trote y Galope in America

The Trote y Galope is popular in Colombia and can be seen at Paso Fino shows throughout the nation. But in America, the breed is still growing.

The small numbers of Trote y Galopes here in the U.S. are being shown in western, English, jumping, trail obstacle, dressage and Paso Fino events. They also make great mounts for recreational trail riding.

The Paso Fino Horse Association considers Trote y Galope horses a separate breed from laterally gaited Paso Finos, grouping them with two other diagonally gaited breeds related to the Paso Fino: the Trocha Pura and the Trocha y Galope.

Horses registered as Paso Finos have only Paso Fino horses in their pedigrees, while the diagonally gaited horses have other breeds mixed with Paso Fino blood.

Key Takeaway

Next time you visit a gaited horse show, keep an eye out for a laterally gaited Trote y Galope. Thanks to their dramatic stature and fascinating way of going, it won’t be long before these horses are a common site in the gaited horse world.

This article about the Trote y Galope appeared in the March 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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The Peruvian gait is a four-beat lateral movement with a foot sequence of left hind, left fore, right hind, right fore. The slower speed is called the paso llano while the faster gait is called the sobreandando.

Peruvian Horses in North America

Currently, the North American Peruvian Horse Association (NAPHA) says there are roughly 20,000 Peruvians in North America, with the number holding steady.

“It’s a very unique breed and a lot of people really don’t know anything about it,” shares Mark Renn, president of the NAPHA. He got into the breed because of his bad back. “They’re fantastic horses. They are born gaited, so you don’t have to worry about screwing up the gait. It feels good knowing the horse has it in them right away, rather than trying to put it in them. And I liked their size.”

He has a two-month-old colt that can be seen doing the paso llano alongside his mother.

The NAPHA celebrates Peruvian Horse owners that get out and enjoy their horses. They have several programs for recreational riders to earn awards for things like trail rides, open shows, and parades—anything that gets the breed out and seen.

One free program is their High Hour Rider, awarded to riders hitting hour milestones as well as the rider with the highest number of riding hours in a year.

Proud Owners of Peruvian Horses

Many people have discovered the joys of trail riding with a gaited horse. Larry Eades from Oregon is one such Peruvian owner. He and his wife, Anne, have been riding them for 12 years.

“A famous endurance rider, Julie Suhr, once said that as you get older, you need a horse that is smaller, smoother, and safer,” Larry says. “We found those qualities in our Peruvians. Plus, they are spirited but tractable.”

They current own three geldings: JSL Pachacamac (“Pacha”), age 29, who is retired; MLM Magico, age 17, who is very active in shows, parades, and trail; and RSTD Salvador, age 12, who competes in mountain trail challenges and some showing.

Larry has been competing in International Mountain Trail Challenge Association’s trail challenges for a decade with his Peruvians and has enjoyed every ride.

“The horses seem to like the challenge and accomplishment,” he shares. “They are very enthusiastic when they conquer difficult obstacles like the suspension bridge, the pond, or the balance beam. It asks the best of them: courage, energy, and focus.”

Kimberly Schwartz has owned Azteca, a 20-year-old gelding, for nine years. She fell in love the breed at a demo at the Iowa Horse Fair, where she was lucky enough to ride one of Barbara Harris’ Peruvians.

Schwartz mainly trail rides with her Peruvian and finds him to be the best partner.

“What makes them a wonderful trail horse is I can ride six hours and not be sore when I get back to camp, as they are smooth at each gait,” she says. “My Peruvians have calm demeanors and big hearts, which is another reason why they make excellent trail partners. It isn’t fun riding horses who spook at their own shadow!”

A Lifetime of Training and Showing

For Nicole Brass, Peruvians have been a part of her life since she was young girl. Her parents started breeding them in 1972, and she showed them as a young girl.

“Peruvian Horses have always been my passion, and I am now grateful to train, breed, show and trail ride them,” says Brass. “I prefer working with them over all other gaited and non-gaited breeds I have worked with for their kind nature, big personalities, willingness to please, their temperament—which thrives when bonded with a human—and for their completely natural and smooth gait.”

Brass has been very successful in the breed show ring, with multiple Champion of Champion titles, Best Gaited Horse of Show, National Champions and several year-end and high point awards.

“The same horses who have won those titles have carried us countless hours down the trail in the mountains of Idaho,” she says. “Their natural gait, which is highly regarded as making them the ‘Cadillac of horses’; their surefooted nature; and their brio, which is a willingness to please and travel as smoothly, quickly and as long as the rider wishes to; makes them an ideal trail mount and highlights why they are my ride of choice.”

The best part? “I can spend eight hours a day in the saddle and end my day feeling refreshed!”

This article about the Peruvian Horse appeared in the August 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Style superstar Kressley is equally comfortable talking horses as he is judging the contestants on RuPaul’s Drag Race or offering fashion and life advice on one of his many other platforms. Kressley’s family has been involved in horses since he was a child, something he’s very thankful for.

First Horse

“Growing up, we had Shetland and Hackney Ponies, which are very fun,” says Kressley. “But when you’re a teenager, you’re like, ‘Uh no, I don’t want a pony, I need a horse.’”

When Kressley was a young child, his grandparents sold their pony farm to a Saddlebred horse trainer and Kressley started taking riding lessons. He fell in love with Saddlebreds and knew one would make a great introductory horse.

“First and foremost, I think American Saddlebreds are the most beautiful horses,” he says. “I’m a real beauty junkie, so I like to have a pretty house, pretty clothes, and pretty horses. Of course, I am biased, but I love their long necks, high-set tails, long legs, and big, beautiful expressive eyes. They are the supermodels of the show ring.

“A high-stepping, high-headed beautiful horse is very compelling,” Kressley continues. “And when you see them in the movies, like the musical Oklahoma, and there are high-stepping strutters pulling the surrey with the fringe on top—I sound like a 100-year-old woman quoting that—but we romanticize and glamorize horses that take that elegant step. I saw that in the movies and growing up and it’s something that I find appealing.”

After saving cash from multiple birthdays and Christmases, Kressley purchased his own horse at age 15. Although the American Saddlebred he bought came with the registered name Daddy’s Money, Kressley purchased it with his own $1,500—which was a fortune to him in 1985.

“I thought he was gorgeous,” he recounts. “But he probably wasn’t the fanciest show horse you could find. I’ve had Saddlebred horses ever since. He was a great first horse. My sister and I would bathe him and take him to shows. He would get loose on our lawn in Pennsylvania while we tried to load him on the trailer. We were the quintessential do-it-yourself horse people.”

Daddy’s Money also came trained, knowing how to take a bow and a bunch of other tricks, which Kressley told everyone that he taught the horse himself. Daddy’s Money’s barn name was Pops, and Kressley says that he continues to give his horses human-sounding barn names like Earl, Larry and Steve.

“People can overhear you on the phone when you say, ‘How’s Steve doing today? Did he get a nice hot bath?’ It’s very intriguing for people.”

Breed of Choice

Kressley says that the American Saddlebred’s personality and trainability, paired with some of the best horse trainers in the world, make this breed a good one for those with limited time to practice.

“You could ride as a little child—8 and under for equitation—on a Saddlebred,” he says. “You can show them in performance as an adult, and when you’re older, you can show them in pleasure and do something really relaxed and comfortable.”

He notes that while American Saddlebreds were historically bred to be glamorous show-ring horses, people are now realizing that they make beautiful western pleasure horses, stylish hunters and gorgeous dressage horses.

“Versatility is something we are really trying to promote in the breed,” Kressley adds. “They are so beautiful, extremely intelligent, and they can learn just about anything.”

Kressley served on the board of the American Saddlebred Museum for 15 years. He has joined up on different committees for the American Saddlebred Horse Association when needed.

“American Saddlebreds are facing challenges like all breeds because there is less space to ride, and people are less connected to horses than ever,” he explains. “But what we have going for us is that they are the very best breed in the world—they are the most trainable, the most beautiful, and have the best disposition. We must use some of these modern technologies like digital platforms to really get the word out, because once you see one, you want to have one.”

A Horse of a Different Color

While Kressley has only been around Saddlebreds his entire life, he is now branching out. He just added Earl, an American Standardbred, to his stable of horses.

“Now that I have different breeds occasionally, I’m like, ‘OK, they have different personalities,’” he says. “I thought all horses were super exquisite and expressive, but some are more laid-back. And that’s OK too.”

Saddlebreds, Hackneys, and roadster horses are usually shown at the same shows because they are trained in a similar way. Since Kressley usually only shows in breed competitions, exposure to other breeds has recently piqued his interest.

At these shows, Standardbreds are driven in roadster classes, where they are shown at three speeds of trot: the jog, road gait, and spectator-favorite full speed.

“The roadster division is really taking off—no pun intended—so I thought I would be part of the fun,” Kressley says of Earl. “My trainer had the former World Grand Champion roadster horse, and he went to the same place [in Ohio] he found that one and said, ‘I found this horse and you should buy him.’”

Kressley, who was eating at a Palm Beach hotel, asked to be excused as he watched a video of Earl, and bought him without seeing him in person. Later Kressley thought, “I hope he isn’t catfishing me and shows up with a llama.”

Earl—who was featured on the cover of the March 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated—is 4 years old. Kressley and his trainer took him to the World’s Championship in 2022, which is a little unheard of for a horse that has only been to two shows.

“He placed around fourth out of 23!” Kressley says proudly. “He did really well, and hopefully I’ll get to show him next season. Standardbreds are usually the best for roadster horses, which are like the show-ring version of a trotter racehorse. And we wear silks [like a jockey] and the silk hat, and it’s very fun. It’s fast and exciting. You’re living on the edge a little bit, because they are big and powerful.”

If a Standardbred doesn’t win in their career on the racetrack, they can become a great show horse. Recently, breeders of Standardbreds in the Midwest include families that are only breeding for show horses. These horses may be a little prettier than racing-bred Standardbreds.

“The benefit is that they are trained specially for that job, although rehoming them from the track is fantastic,” Kressley says.

Growing up Fabulous

“I guess I have a very large personality,” Kressley says gleefully. “My dad was a car dealer and salesperson, so I think I got a little bit of that showmanship from him. Even as a kid, if I won, I would take my hat off and ride one-handed. I saw a famous horseman doing that and I thought, I am going to be fabulous and do that.”

Growing up gay in what can be considered a very conservative farm town in Pennsylvania, Kressley says that junior high was not the greatest time for him. To combat the bullying, he developed a sense of humor and quick wit.

“If I could disarm people through laughter, then they couldn’t be making fun of me,” Kressley says. “I’ve heard that from a lot of funny people and comics, and that defense mechanism became a huge blessing. It has helped me get a fabulous career in television, so I say, ‘Bring it on, bullies! It didn’t work.’”

While junior high may not have been the best, Kressley says the horse business has always served as a second home.

“It was a place that I felt I could always be who I am,” he says. “Whether it be with horses at home, the farm, or horse show, that was my happy place and a place that I escaped to. There were a lot of queer role models. A lot of gay people are involved in the industry, so I felt safe, and it was a very positive experience.”

In the past few years, both the American Saddlebred Association and United States Equestrian Federation have had LGBTQ pride initiatives.

“It was really gratifying seeing my second family take that extra step of not just being tolerant, but celebrating our LGBTQ participants,” says Kressley.

He continually refers to the horse world using words like camaraderie and friendship.“When you have been doing this for 40 years, you can take it one step further and say family,” says Kressley. “My friends have kids who show with my niece. Everybody knows each other’s family, and it’s a very supportive environment.”

Lifelong Learner

“I love all different types of horsemanship,” he says. “Back in the day, if you were a sportsman, you played polo and you had to know hunters and how to ride saddle horses. So I like the idea of being able to do all of those things.”

When Kressley is in Los Angeles for work, he uses his days off to ride. Partnering up with top-level hunter/jumper trainer Archie Cox, Kressley recently started learning how to jump.

“Archie said, ‘I know you like a salty mare,’ so he put me on this little chestnut mare,” he says. “I didn’t know she was a Grand Prix horse and jumps over 6-foot things! I was like the Three Stooges getting on a horse and not knowing how to ride. I looked like a 1920s person going over jumps. I was way behind the saddle with my arms stretched out. I looked like a Currier and Ives engraving.”

Kressley’s niece does western riding, barrel racing, and rodeo. She has some Quarter Horses that Kressley says he wouldn’t mind learning some reining or cutting on.

“Just being around nice horses is always good,” he adds.

He’s also looking for a five-gaited Saddlebred to add to his string.

“They are true unicorns,” says Kressley. “They are very hard to find, and I think they are the most fun thing in the world because you get to go fast but you still are elegant, and you get to wear great clothes. So I am on the hunt for that!”

While many people grow out of their childhood hobbies, Kressley certainly has embraced his love of horses well into adulthood, even while his interests varied.

“I grew up with horses and ponies ever since I was born,” he says. “I didn’t know when you go to college and get your first job you have to sell the horse. I always had great parents who paid to keep the training going. I remember being in my 20s in New York City, working at Ralph Lauren, going to parties most nights, traveling the world, and being a social butterfly, but I still managed to go to all the horse shows and never missed a World Championship. It’s just part of my life—like breathing and going home for Christmas—and owning a horse.”

Follow Carson Kressley on Instagram @carsonkressley.

This article about Carson Kressley appeared in the March 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Originally called the Plantation Walking Horse, the breed later obtained the name of Tennessee Walking Horse after the state where it first originated. By the 1800s, the breed’s popularity had grown among farm owners throughout the South, who had discovered its vast talents. It wasn’t long before this horse became renowned for its willingness to work and easy-to-ride gait.

In 1935, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) was formed to help record bloodlines and promote the breed as a pleasure riding and show horse. In 1954, the breed was recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture, and the TWHBEA as the official breed registry. Studbooks were closed in 1957, requiring all registered foals thereafter to parentage qualify.

Tennessee Walking Horse Gaits

Tennessee Walkers are born able to perform their special gaits: The flat-footed walk, the running walk and the canter are the breed’s three natural styles.

The flat-footed walk is similar to the regular walk in that each hoof hits the ground separately. The flat-footed walk is also a lot faster than a regular walk, in large part because of its longer strides. While traveling at this ground-covering gait, the Tennessee Walker’s head bobs up and down in rhythm with its steps.

The four-beat running walk is the breed’s most famous gait. As in the flat-footed walk, each hoof also hits the ground separately in a four-beat rhythm. This gait is faster than a trot and much smoother. Tennessee Walking Horses can travel anywhere from 10 to 20 miles per hour at the running walk.

The breed’s third gait is the canter. Unlike the canter in most other breeds, the Tennessee Walking Horse’s canter is more relaxed and has more spring and rhythm, giving the rider the sensation of sitting in a rocking chair.

Versatility in Different Disciplines

Tennessee Walking Horses were originally bred to be ridden long distances around Southern plantations. Today, the breed has adapted to several different disciplines that call upon its inherent talents.

Trail riding is probably the most popular activity for Tennessee Walking Horses. They are able to provide their riders with long, comfortable days in the saddle. The breed’s tractable temperament also makes them good choices for the trail. They are often seen participating in endurance riding and competitive trail events, as well.

Showing has always been an important job for the Tennessee Walking Horse, and the breed excels in a number of competitive disciplines.

In 1998, the National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) was formed with the goal of providing a safe and fair showing environment for the Tennessee Walking Horse. At the NWHA National Show, classes are offered in dressage (both traditional and western), trail obstacle, plantation, pleasure, equitation, costume, leadline, pole bending, barrel racing, reining, and stock seat equitation, in addition to traditional Tennessee Walking Horse classes such as racking and park.

Tennessee Walkers also do well at open shows competing with other breeds, especially at gaited competitions.

With its smooth gait and easy-going temperament, the Tennessee Walking Horse has won the hearts of many equestrians over the years. This all-American breed has been with us since the dawn of our nation, and will no doubt continue to be a mainstay in the horse world in the decades to come.

Tennessee Walking Horse Characteristics and Fast Facts Height: 14.3 to 17 hands Color: All horse colors, pinto and roan patterns Overall Appearance: Straight facial profile with small ears; a long, sloping shoulder and hip; short back; short, strong coupling. Bottom line is longer than the topline. Associations: ◆ Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association ◆ National Walking Horse Association

Key Takeaway

With its smooth gait and easy-going temperament, the Tennessee Walking Horse has won the hearts of many equestrians over the years. This all-American breed has been with us since the dawn of our nation, and will no doubt continue to be a mainstay in the horse world in the decades to come.

This article appeared in the November 2019 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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The Spotted Saddle Horse has roots in some of the world’s most intriguing history. When the Spaniards first landed on North American shores, they brought horses with them that would lead to the repopulation of the continent with equines, which had become extinct during the Ice Age. Some of those Spanish horses had pinto markings and some were gaited, and both types passed these traits on to their descendants.

As horses of Spanish heritage spread throughout the United States, they crossed with horses brought from northern Europe, and regional breeds began to develop. Wherever Spanish horses had been, they left their genetic footprint, leaving behind descendants with splashy markings and a comfortable, non-trotting gait.

Hundreds of years later and just after the Civil War ended, Southern horsemen began breeding horses with pinto markings to horses with ambling gaits. The goal was to create a flashy-looking, smooth-gaited breed that could comfortably carry a rider for miles through forest trails, over rugged hills and across vast tracts of land. The result of this effort was the Spotted Saddle Horse.

Over the decades, other breeds contributed to this unique horse, including the Standardbred and Morgan. Most recently, the Tennessee Walking Horse, Missouri Fox Trotter, Peruvian Horse and Paso Fino were added to the bloodlines. Today, registered Spotted Saddle Horses can also be crossed with Tennessee Walking Horses, Single-Footing Horses, Rocky Mountain Horses, Kentucky Mountain Horses and Racking Horses. The resulting offspring can be eligible for registration as Spotted Saddle Horses.

What Makes a Spotted Saddle Horse?

To be considered a Spotted Saddle Horse, a horse must possess a number of characteristics, according to both the National Spotted Saddle Horse Association (NSSHA) and the Spotted Saddle Horse Breeders & Exhibitors Association (SSHBEA), the two registries for the breed.

The first and most crucial characteristic is that the horse must be spotted. This means the horse has color above the hock other than facial markings, and is either identified as a tobiano, overo or sabino. This spotting must consist of white and any other recognized horse color.

Solid-colored horses that are born of registered Spotted Saddle Horse parents can be registered with the NSSHA and the SSHBEA, but only as breeding stock. They cannot be shown in classes with spotted horses.

Next, the horse must exhibit a gait other than a trot. This means that instead of trotting, the horse needs to possess a four-beat gait. This gate can be a single-foot, running walk, rack, stepping pace, or another four-beat step.

To be registered with the SSHBEA, horses must have at least one SSHBEA-registered parent. That parent must be a SSHBEA-registered tobiano and must meet all other qualifications in order to be eligible for registration.

Some are also registered as Tennessee Walking Horses, Rocky Mountain Horses or Racking Horses because they carry a large amount of those bloodlines.

A Natural on the Trail

Today, the breed is often used for trail riding, and sometimes compete in North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) competitive trail rides. The breed’s smooth gait, willing temperament, and inherent endurance make it a natural for this sport.

The breed is also popular as a show horse and is exhibited in halter and under-saddle classes. The Spotted Saddle Horse World Grand Championship show, held in Tennessee each year, features classes in halter, country pleasure, trail pleasure and a variety of other events that show off the breed’s talents. Some are also used for driving and are broke for carts and wagons.

The NSSHA currently has more than 35,000 Spotted Saddle Horses in its registry. The breed’s smooth gait, gentle temperament and flashy coloring make it an easy choice for people who want an attractive, easy-to-handle horse that provides a smooth and comfortable ride.

This horse breed portrait appeared in the May 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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This is not at all exaggeration. Without the horses, mules, and donkeys that first came to North America, the early colonists would not have been able to survive the harsh climate, the West would not have been settled, farmers in the Midwest would not have been able to survive, and Native Americans would not have developed equestrian-based methods of hunting and warfare without the use of the mighty horse.

The equines of early America were hardy creatures that often had to fend for themselves. The rugged landscape and challenging climates, combined with scarce food and lack of veterinary care, shaped these horses and donkeys into tough, resilient breeds.

Hundreds of years later, the so-called “heritage” equine breeds are under threat.

Competition from the tractor and automobile, along with two World Wars, helped wipe out equine populations around the world early in the 20th century. While a number of them survived the industrial age, some fared better than others. The heritage breeds that remain are some of the rarest and hardiest equines in the world.

Fight to Preserve

In 2006, the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization estimated that an average of two domestic animal breeds are lost worldwide each week. In the U.S., The Livestock Conservancy is fighting to stem this tide. One of these efforts spawned the creation of the Endangered Equine Alliance, which held its first summit in 2018.

“The Endangered Equine Summit came about in response to a decades-long decline in horse breed registrations, not only for rare breeds, but also for more popular breeds, like Arabians and Saddlebreds,” says Charlene R. Couch, Ph.D., senior program manager for The Livestock Conservancy. “The economic challenges for all equine breeders are significant, but they are even more so for those who breed endangered horses and donkeys.”

According to Couch, ancient breeds such as the Akhal-Teke and Caspian, which have been human partners for thousands of years, are now gravely endangered.

“Even the iconic Cleveland Bay, Clydesdale, and Lipizzan horses are rare,” she says. “And fewer than 100 traditional Morgans—horses whose pedigrees are absent of outcrosses after 1930—were registered in 2016. In our lifetime, we may bear witness to equine breed extinction.”

If the history of these breeds isn’t enough to inspire their preservation, their ability to contribute to modern equine gene pools should be.

“Heritage-breed horses are not just useful and beautiful—they are an irreplaceable reservoir of equine genetic diversity,” Couch says. “These animals offer valuable traits that were developed over centuries, such as stamina, unique gaits, hardiness, sound feet, and good skeletal structure. Many were important in the formation of America’s more popular breeds, like the American Quarter Horse. In many cases, the ancestral sources of these heritage breeds no longer exist, and that breed cannot be recreated. They are a true genetic treasure, and every loss could be significant for the future of the horse industry.”

The Endangered Equine Alliance

Shortly after the 2018 Summit, more than 50 equine breed associations, plus scientists, sporting groups, and horse industry representatives united to form the Endangered Equine Alliance. The Livestock Conservancy facilitates the exchange of information among Alliance members and serves as a central outlet for educational resources that support equine breed conservation.

So far, the Alliance has accomplished some significant goals, according to Couch.

“We have created a germplasm bank for endangered horse breeds,” she says. “The collection is a sort of ‘doomsday’ vault of genetic materials for breed conservation emergencies. Through the Alliance’s network, we facilitated the banking of semen from Newfoundland Ponies, the Marsh Tacky, Akhal-Teke, and Caspian horses so far, with other breed collections on the horizon.”

The Alliance has also worked to provide breeders with discounts from companies for semen and tissue collection of endangered equine breeds; published the Manual of Methods for Preservation of Valuable Equine Genetics, designed to help owners learn more about new reproduction technologies and how to use them to save breeds and bloodlines; hosted webinars and question-and-answer sessions with equine experts on DNA testing, advanced reproduction techniques, and marketing; and developed an Endangered Equine Alliance website for sharing articles and links, and a Rare Equine Breeds Facebook group that now has more than 2,000 followers worldwide.

Help from Grants

“The grant enabled The Livestock Conservancy to bring together representatives of approximately 50 endangered horse breed groups for the first summit,” Couch says. “The delegates to the Summit represented thousands of horse owners, and included participants from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. The group was tasked with identifying the leading causes of equine breed population declines, and deciding [upon] actions that could be taken to stabilize the loss of breeds.”

Through the support of the USA Equestrian Trust, experts from the greater horse community, including sporting groups, equine-assisted therapy providers, university scientists, and national associations participated in the Summit. Panelists included partners at the American Horse Council, Texas A&M University, Virginia Tech, Uppsala University, the American Endurance Ride Conference, Natural Lifemanship Equine-Assisted Therapy, Rare Breeds Survival Trust/Stallion AI Services (U.K.), the Arabian Horse Association, the National Animal Interest Alliance, and the National Driving Society.

“The vision and support of the USA Equestrian Trust was crucial in bringing together such a wide representation of members of the equine industry,” Couch says. “Together, the participants saw the potential to accomplish great things by uniting in their efforts to conserve endangered equine breeds.”

Ongoing Support

In addition to work by the Endangered Equine Alliance, The Livestock Conservancy conducts an annual census of horse and donkey breeds to monitor their population growth and declines.

“We encourage registration of horses so that their numbers can be counted,” Couch says. “We maintain a large list of breeders and breed associations to help owners and enthusiasts connect with each other, share herd genetics, or collaborate on projects.”

The Conservancy also offers a competitive microgrants program to all heritage livestock and poultry growers, including horse and donkey breeders, to help boost their capacity for breeding, raising, and selling animals. They also assist owners in saving germplasm of valuable, rare bloodlines and individuals from breeds on the Conservation Priority List through discounts, networking, and other resources.

Some current research projects include genetic studies for Suffolk Punch, American Cream Draft horses, and Poitou donkeys, with the goal of uncovering genetic information that will help guide efforts to reduce the risks of inbreeding and support effective conservation.

“The Livestock Conservancy is all about education, research, and networking of owners and breeders so that we can safeguard the future of important breeds,” Couch says. “Together with owners, breeders, and the equine community, we want to move the needle for each breed, and make a meaningful contribution to its long-term survival.”

For more, visit www.livestockconservancy.org/aboutus/endangered-equine-alliance.

This article about saving endangered horse breeds appeared in the March 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Saving Endangered Horse Breeds appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

When the first settlers came to the Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri in the 1830s, the mountains were covered with forests of birch, sycamores, oaks and pines. The series of plateaus that made up this part of the mountain range were suitable for farming, and by the mid-1800s, farms growing a variety of crops had been established throughout the area. Horses were the lifeblood of these new Missourians, and they brought Arabians, Morgans and plantation horses with them to their new home in the mountains. As the need developed for a horse that could comfortably cover ground in the rugged terrain, Saddlebreds, Tennessee Walking Horses and Standardbreds were added to the mix. By the end of the 19th century, a distinct horse had developed that would soon be known as the Missouri Fox Trotter.

The original Missouri Fox Trotters were not only used as saddle horses to get from one place to another, but they also had the job of plowing the fields and pulling wagons. The breed became known for its gentle nature, along with its versatility and smooth gait.

By the 1940s, motorized vehicles had taken over the jobs once held by horses in the Ozarks. But that didn’t mean the Missouri Fox Trotter was no longer needed. The breed had proven its worth as a comfortable and easygoing mount that could easily negotiate the most rugged of Ozark Mountain trails.

An effort was launched to preserve the Missouri Fox Trotter, and in 1948, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA) was born.

Smooth Gaits of the Official Horse of Missouri

One of the breed’s most prized characteristics is its special gaits. The Missouri Fox Trotter has three natural gaits: the flat-footed walk, the fox trot
and the canter.

The flat-footed walk performed by the Missouri Fox Trotter is a four-beat gait where each foot is lifted and set down an in even cadence. With each stride, the back foot reaches forward and slides in as it’s set down. The gait is smooth to ride, helping the rider resist fatigue after long hours in the saddle.

The fox trot is the breed’s signature gait and is unique in that it’s diagonal. In a diagonal gait, pairs of hooves lift off and move forward together. The horse walks briskly in the front while trotting in the back.

All the while, the horse’s head nods along rhythmically with the back legs. Fox Trotters can travel as fast as 10 mph at this comfortable gait, which is easy to maintain over long distances.

Missouri Fox Trotters also have a distinct canter. The gait is performed with collection and has a rocking horse motion that is easy for the rider to sit.

Missouri Fox Trotter Jobs Today

Although this gaited breed is no longer employed in its original job of all-around farm horse, there’s still plenty of work for these horses to do. The breed is most often used as a trail horse, with 90 percent of the MFTHBA members keeping their horses for this purpose. Competitive trail riding and endurance are popular sports for this breed—not surprising given the breed’s history.

Missouri Fox Trotters are also good with cattle, and some are used for ranch work. Others are used in western performance classes or driving, both for pleasure and in the show ring.

When competing against each other, these horses are shown in model classes, where they are exhibited in hand and judged on how closely they match the breed standard for conformation. They are also evaluated on how well they perform the flat-footed walk and the fox trot.

In performance classes, Missouri Fox Trotters are judged against the breed standard for their gaits under saddle. Individual horses compete against one another in two-gait classes (flat foot walk and fox trot) or three gait classes (flat food walk, fox trot and canter).

Versatility classes for Missouri Fox Trotters include western pleasure, horsemanship, English, reining, barrel racing, pole bending and ranch horse
competitions.

Missourians are proud of their special horse, and in 2002, the breed was named the official state horse of Missouri. Their popularity has continued to grow, and they are no longer just a Southern treasure; Missouri Fox Trotters can now be found throughout the U.S. and Canada.

This breed profile on the Missouri Fox Trotter originally appeared in the September 2019 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

Further Reading

• Seven Tips for Missouri Fox Trotter Versatility Success
• Guide to Gaited Horse Breeds
• Snaffle Bits for Gaited Horses

The post Breed Profile: Missouri Fox Trotter appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.