FOX TROTTING HORSE BREED

Transcription

1 Missouri FOX TROTTING HORSE BREED Association 2014 EDUCATION PACKET To Ride One...Is To Own One...

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3 Welcome to the wonderful world of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse MISSOURI FOX TROTTING HORSE Steve Mayfield Photography The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA) is proud to represent and promote this amazing breed of horse. We are even more honored that the owners and lovers of this breed support us through their memberships and contributions. Sure-footed in mountainous terrain, gentle in temperament, and smooth of gait for the comfort of both horse and rider, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed s motto today is To Ride One Is To Own One. If you have not experienced the rhythm of the fox trot, we hope you will connect with a local breeder or enthusiast to give it a try. While we will describe the fox trot in these pages, it can be difficult to articulate. We are confident that once you ride a Fox Trotter, you will want to own one. This ultimate family horse will offer you limitless opportunity. Whether you are a Missouri Fox Trotting Horse owner, considering purchasing a Fox Trotter or just want to learn more about this all-around, smooth-gaited horse, we hope you will find the information within these pages helpful. If you have additional questions please contact the MFTHBA office. They can answer your questions, connect you with a local affiliate and refer you to farms, breeders and trainers participating in FoxTrot Service Net. Additional information is also available at MFTHBA.com. MFTHBA PO Box 1027 Ava, MO (417) JOYCE GRAENING, President, Lincoln, AR ALBERT COOK, JR., Vice President, Peace Valley, MO DONNA BROWN, Secretary-Treasurer, Mansfield, MO MICKEY FOURNIER, Director Region #1, Mira Loma, CA CRAIG DANSIE, Director Region #2, Cody, WY PAM LYNN, Director Region #3, Whiteright, TX LARRY KILROY, Director Region #4, Bucyrus, KS TED NICHOLS, Director Region #5, Ozark, MO CECIL HUFF, Director Region #6, Ava, MO SHAWN MARHEFKA, Director Region #7, West Plains, MO JENNIFER WEST, Director Region #8, Shelbyville, IL RONNIE DAVIS, Director Region #9, Farmington, AR JOHN BRANDRETH, Director Region #10, Canton, GA Royal Ridge Designs 2014 Board of Directors

4 Gaited Horse Steve Mayfield Photography What is a Gaited Horse? Technically speaking, every horse is gaited. The word gait simply means the sequence of footfalls that get an animal from point A to point B. In the regular breeds such as a Quarter Horse or Arabian, the gaits include the walk, trot, and canter (or gallop, if you will). With the growing popularity of the smooth gaited breeds however, the term gaited has come to describe those breeds who do a smooth intermediate gait other than the trot, and the term non-gaited to describe those whose gaits are limited to the walk, trot, and canter. The trot is the most common intermediate (middle speed) gait of a non-gaited horse. The trot is a diagonal gait, in which the horse moves its legs in a two beat manner. The left rear and right fore are moved in unison, then the right rear and left hind, with the horse springing from one diagonal pair to the other as they cover ground. There is a brief moment in time as this springing occurs that results in fly time when there is no part of the horse touching the earth. The jarring that the rider feels in the trot is when the horse crashes back to earth. All gaited horses move their feet in such a manner that there is never a time when at least one hoof is not touching the ground. The reason for the smooth ride is simple- there is no jarring back to earth because he never completely left it in the first place! A gaited horse is much more efficient than a non-gaited horse because there is no energy wasted fighting gravity and free fall. This is one reason the gaited horses seem to have more natural stamina than his rough trotting counterpart. The smooth ride produced by the gaited horse is another advantage to these efficient movements. Some gaited horses have lateral gaits, i.e. they move the front foot and then the rear foot on one side and then the front foot and the rear foot on the other side. The Walking Horse and the Racking Horse are two of the most common gaited horses having lateral gaits. The only diagonal gait of the gaited horses is the fox trot. The fox trot is a broken, four beat diagonal gait with the leg support on opposite corners and therefore is a more sure-footed movement than a lateral gait.

5 History History of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse More than a century and a half ago the urgent need for a sure-footed, easy traveling horse was recognized by the settlers and pioneers of the Ozarks. These horses were depended upon to do whatever was needed in the rugged, rocky terrain of the region. Around the homestead this ranged from plowing, hauling logs and working cattle to also doubling as a stylish buggy horse or riding horse for the family. As people migrated west from the hills and plantations of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia, they brought with them their finest possessions including their best saddle stock. The breeds of this stock were largely combinations of Arabian, Morgan, and plantation horses from the Deep South. Later, more American Saddlebred, Tennessee Walker and Standardbreds were added to give the Fox Trotting Horse a more pleasing appearance and disposition. The ability to travel long distances at a comfortable speed of five and eight miles an hour made the Fox Trotting horse a favorite of the country doctor, sheriff, assessor and stock raiser. Today, the breed is in demand as a pleasure horse, show horse, versatility horse, trail riding and cross country endurance riding. It is often described as every person s pleasure horse because of its gentle disposition and the comfort it affords its rider. Loved as a trail horse, ninety percent of registered Fox Trotters are owned by people who use them for trail riding, pleasure riding, and competition or endurance riding. Acclaimed as a show horse, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse is also recognized for its beauty and style in the show ring. Used by hunters and the National Forestry Service rangers for its endurance and surefootedness in rugged terrain, by ranchers for its versatility and intelligence, and on Hollywood movie sets for its gentle nature, the Fox Trotter has quickly earned its reputation as a horse for all situations. In 2002, the Missouri Fox Trotter was named the official state horse of Missouri.

6 The Gaits T he Gaits of the Missouri Fox Trotter Although the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse is capable of doing many different gaits, there are three distinct gaits that are considered the standard gaits for the breed: The Flat Foot Walk A true flat foot walk is a four-beat gait in which each foot is picked up and set down in an even cadence. The rear end movement should be smooth and close to the ground without any snap or pop. Each stride should reach forward and slide in as it is set down, over striding the track of the front foot. The head shake is in time with its rear feet and should be smooth. The tail should sit still and flow. The Fox Trot The fox trot is a broken diagonal gait with a distinctive rhythm that is created by a horse moving its front foot a split second before its opposite rear foot. The fox trot is a smooth gait because the horse is in contact with the ground at all times. A horse that is fox trotting correctly will never have more than two feet off the ground at any given time. On both the front and back ends, the horse will sit one foot down as it picks the other foot up and for a moment both feet will be touching the ground. The exceptional rhythm of the fox trotting horse begins at the tip of the nose with the characteristic headshake and continues back through the ripple of the tail. Old timers often describe the rhythm as a hunk of meat and two potatoes. While a strange saying, when said the saying has the rhythm of the gait. The diagonal nature of the gait is also what makes the Fox Trotter extremely sure-footed The Canter The canter is a broken, three-beat gait, and should be performed with collection. The horse should be relaxed and under control, should not crossfire, and should be in the correct lead. In the canter, the outside rear foot hits the ground first, the inside rear and the outside front feet hit the ground simultaneously and the inside front foot hits last. This produces the broken three-beat cadence. Because of the rocking motion of the canter, the saddle should move smoothly without surging and bouncing. This rocking chair canter allows the horse to have a showy head movement as the head is used as a counter balance to the broken gait. The head will reach its highest point when the outside rear foot hits the ground, and its lowest point when the inside front foot hits the ground. The horse gathers itself on the off-beat and takes another step. The speed of the canter should be near that of the flat foot walk.

7 MFTHBA History History of the MFTHBA Wishing to preserve the type of horse that had long been selectively bred in the Ozarks, a group of interested horse breeders incorporated and secured an organization charter for the purpose of maintaining an accurate stud book. This was done in 1948 and ten years later, because of increased interest and demand for the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse, the organization reincorporated as a stock company. In more recent years, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association has enjoyed a reputation of integrity and constant growth. The Association kept its registry open and still accepted horses that could qualify as characteristic foundation stock until January, Beginning the first day of that year, all horses approved under saddle to be registered in the MFTHBA were required to have at least one registered parent permanently registered in the MFTHBA to be eligible for registry. Then, beginning on the first day of January, 1983, any horse approved under saddle for registration must have two registered parents to be eligible for the registry. These regulations brought the Association to what is referred to as closed books. As of 2005, more than 85,000 horses have been recorded on the pages of the Official Record, representing more than 8500 members. Owners of Fox Trotting horses span the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and beyond. The MFTHBA Board of Directors recognized the need for a registry specifically to register and record the pedigree of Fox Trotting horses more than 44 inches in height and less than 56 inches in height. In May, 2004, the Missouri Fox Trotting Pony registry was begun under the umbrella of the MFTHBA. The headquarters for the MFTHBA is in Ava, Missouri, where each year the annual Fox Trotting Horse Show and Celebration is held in September. World Headquarters and Showground The MFTHBA World Headquarters and Showground is located on 130 acres in the heart of the Ozark Mountains in Ava, Missouri. The Showground has 334 full service RV sites, five arenas, 850 covered stalls, three bathroom/ shower facilities, merchandise store, Hall of Fame, and a restaurant seating 200. During the annual Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Show and Celebration, the small town of Ava welcomes Missouri Fox Trotting Horse exhibitors and spectators from all over the world. With each RV site being rented, all motels within a 45-mile radius being full and numerous dry campers on the grounds; the Show and Celebration has a tremendous economic impact on the entire area. Throughout the week there is something for everyone to do, from trail riding to horse sales to shopping vendor s row. The MFTHBA is located one hour from the tourist destinations of both Springfield to the northwest and Branson to the southwest. ACTHA Practice Course One unique feature of the Showground is the American Competitive Trail Horse Association approved practice course. The MFTHBA practice course, the only ACTHAapproved practice course in the country, is used for competitions, clinics and entertainment for visitors to the showground.

8 Pony Registry Missouri Fox Trotting Pony Registry The MFTHBA Board of Directors recognized the need for a registry specifically to register and record the pedigree of Fox Trotting horses more than 44 inches in height and less than 56 inches in height. In May of 2004 such a registry was begun under the umbrella of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association. Two registration options are currently available under the Missouri Fox Trotting Pony Registry: Tentative Registration: A horse in this category includes horses from foaling to the age of 5 and does not require an inspection. However, gait inspection may be performed at any time from the age of 2 through 5 years. Height inspection may not be performed until the age of 5. Horse must have at least one permanent MFTHBA registered parent or two MFTPR registered parents. Tentative registration expires 6 months after the horses 5th birthday. Permanent Registration: To receive permanent registration, a height inspection must be performed by a licensed veterinarian. To be eligible for the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Pony registry, the horse must be more than 44 inches and less than 56 inches in height at the withers and 5 years or older. If not previously registered and inspected for gait under the tentative registry, the horse must be inspected for gait and exhibit a fox trot. Once positive inspection has been completed, the pony is eligible for permanent registration. What is a Gait Inspection? Gait Inspection will require exhibition of the fox trot gait in videotape form. Inspection is performed by MFTHBA Board of Directors at the MFTHBA/MFTPR office. Horses are evaluated to certify they do perform the fox trot.

9 Get Involved Missouri Fox Trotter Horse Breed Youth Association, Inc. It s not about me, it s about the horse. The slogan of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Youth Association (MFTHBYA) drives the focus of this association. The Mission of the Youth Program is to provide education and enjoyable activities for members. We have many programs in place that offer our members the opportunity to learn and practice skills of business in the horse industry, help worthy associative causes and events, and engage in leadership positions. The personal and business skills we hope to build will help create the future citizens and leaders of our breed and the world community. Our purpose is to emphasize good horsemanship and to provide recognition for those youth who show initiative and interest in owning, riding, raising and maintaining Missouri Fox Trotters. An exciting new program offered to MFTHBYA members is the Delegate to All-Star Program. As a Delegate in the program, youth members visit groups; reach out to other organizations within their community; and attend/participate in MFTHBA meetings and events, along with other activities. Through the program, youth develop public speaking and leadership skills while promoting the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse. MFTHBYA membership provides a full-fledged program for young people. To be eligible you must be 17 years or under as of January 1st of that calendar year. MFTHBA Affiliates The MFTHBA is proud to have affiliate organizations in the United States, Canada and Europe. These affiliates sponsor seminars, shows, trail rides and other fun activities. MFTHBA affiliates are great ways to connect with Fox Trotter enthusiasts in your area. These organizations will be happy to help you learn more about the breed, answer questions or just help you meet other Fox Trotter owners. Find an affiliate in your area through the MFTHBA website or by contacting the MFTHBA office. We have found the Missouri Fox Trotters to be very versatile not only in NATRC rides but also for grandkids in 4-H horseshows, driving in weddings and parades, used in therapeutic horseback riding program, horse program for college students (training and trail rides) and general working on the farm (working cattle, plowing gardens, mowing, dragging in firewood, etc.). If a person wants the most well rounded, easy going, best trail horse, then look no farther than the Missouri Fox Trotter. Bill and Jeanne Hinkebein, Indian Creek Equine Center, winner of multiple NATRC National Championships

10 Membership MFTHBA Membership Offers Something for Everyone Whether you are the owner of a Missouri Fox Trotter or are just an equine lover, the MFTHBA offers something for everyone. Your $40 annual membership (less than $3.50 a month) brings you countless benefits and helps support the growth of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse family. BENEFITS Access to The Journal, the official publication of the MFTHBA Annual Show and Celebration Catalog, the annual yearbook for the Missouri Fox Trotter (exclusive for MFTHBA members) Yearly access to the Online Registry Database (a $95 value) Discounted rates at MFTHBA sponsored events, seminars and clinics Participate in programs developed to recognize your accomplishments whether trail riding, showing, ACTHA, NATRC, AERC or just spending time with your Missouri Fox Trotter Participate in the MFTHBA s exclusive marketing assistance program, FoxTrot Service Net Youth Members can participate in the MFTHBA s Youth Program Access to the MFTHBA Member Benefit Program, including discounts at trail ride facilities. Spreading the Word on Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Accomplishments The MFTHBA is committed to spreading the word about the accomplishments of the Missouri Fox Trotter in different venues. The MFTHBA encourages all Fox Trotter owners to share their horse s accomplishments in all breed competitions or to share their story regarding their love for this amazing breed. Information about your amazing Fox Trotter should be sent to newsletter@mfthba.com.

11 Recognition MFTHBA Recognition Program We know Fox Trotters participate in all types and levels of competition. Whether you are a contestant in local events, competitive trail rides or any other type of shows, the MFTHBA offers members numerous ways to be recognized for their success. Regional High Point Awards: Exhibitors competing in MFTHBA sponsored shows can earn points in a variety of classes. Qualified shows exist around the country. Winners are recognized as high point champions. Fox Trot America Award Program: Few things in life are better than being rewarded for doing something you love; that s what the Fox Trot America program is all about. For youth or adult, the Fox Trot America Award Program recognizes the personal achievements and benefits of equine activities outside of traditional competitions. Whether your activities include pleasure trail riding, parades, ranch work, natural horsemanship, training, pleasure riding, pleasure driving or any other activity you enjoy with your Fox Trotter, each hour will count toward your lifetime achievement record and enable you to receive recognition and awards from the MFTHBA. The MFTHBA is proud to partner with a number of organizations to recognize the achievements of Missouri Fox Trotters in open breed competition. The MFTHBA sponsors breed awards within the North American Trail Ride Conference and the American Endurance Ride Conference. These programs are designed to encourage and reward the breeding and competing of sound, sensible, and athletic horses. Many, many are the days when I told God, thank you for finding me Missouri Fox Trotters. As a beginning rider, as a learning rider and as an out in the real world rider, I needed medium spirited horses that could think their way through situations instead of exploding in fear. That s what I have with Missouri Fox Trotters. I love the rhythm of their signature gaits. Smiling is healthy and that s what happens to me when I ride one of my horses. I get really healthy! Susan Engle author of Susan Fox Trotter: A Seasoned Curvy Cowgirl s Journey from Ker-Splat! to Bridleless

12 Publications Stay Connected with the MFTHBA Whether you are a MFTHBA member or not, we offer a way for you to stay connected with upcoming events, breed accomplishments, and everything Missouri Fox Trotter! The Journal For more than 30 years, the Journal has been the source of information for MFTHBA members. All members get access to the Journal through the Member s Only section of MFTHBA.com. The magazine provides information about upcoming events, profiles of members and their horses and much more. The Journal is also a great place to advertise. There is no better way to get information out to Missouri Fox Trotting Horse enthusiasts than the Journal. Whether you are buying a full page ad or just placing a classified, you can be assured your information will be seen by your target audience. Electronic Newsletters Are you looking for Missouri Fox Trotter news to be delivered directly to your inbox? Then the newsletters are for you. The newsletters are free and available to anyone interested in Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed news. Three newsletters are currently available: MFTHBA News: A monthly newsletter providing up-to-date information on upcoming events, accomplishments, and all the happenings surrounding the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse. FoxTrot University: Delivered six times a year, this educational newsletter provides training tips, nutrition and historical articles focused on the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse MFTHBA News Flash: Periodic s sending breaking news to your inbox. There are three easy ways to sign up for the newsletters: Visit the MFTHBA webpage and follow the Sign up for our newsletter box Visit the MFTHBA on Facebook and click the Join my list tab Scan this with your mobile phone QR code reader to be directed to the sign up page. Banner advertisements are accepted for the MFTHBA News and FoxTrot University newsletters. Banner ads are limited to two per newsletter offering you a unique opportunity to increase your visibility. Advertising rates in the newsletters are intentionally kept low to provide our members and sponsors an inexpensive way to share information with Missouri Fox Trotting Horse enthusiasts.

13 Sponsored Events Sherri Noftsinger MFTHBA Sponsored Events National Trail Rides Each year the MFTHBA is proud to sponsor numerous trail rides. The National Trail Ride Program is coordinated by the MFTHBA Trail Committee. These rides are open to all breeds of horses. MFTHBA members participating in the rides can win awards. Awards are handed out as follows: Any MFTHBA member who participates in 10 MFTHBA National Trail Rides will be awarded a 10-ride ribbon Fox Trotter buckle. Any MFTHBA member who participates in 20 MFTHBA National Trail Rides will be awarded an embroidered Fox Trotter jacket. Any MFTHBA member who participates in 30 MFTHBA National Trail Rides will be awarded a 30-ride ribbon Fox Trotter buckle or an embroidered jacket. Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Expo In 2014, the MFTHBA will host its first Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Expo. This education event is designed for fox trotter enthusiasts to come together to learn about the breed. The 2014 Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Expo will be held May 3 at the Pauline Whitaker Equine Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Hosted in conjunctions with the Northwest Arkansas Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association annual Arkansas Cup horse show, the event is free to attend. Seminars, Clinics and other events The MFTHBA also provides its members to a variety of events. Each year during the Spring Show a Youth Seminar is hosted providing our youth members a variety of experiences. The MFTHBA, in conjunction with its affiliates, host seminars and riding clinics. Judging clinics are also conducted to certify Missouri Fox Trotting Horse judges. Locations on these events vary each year. The MFTHBA is always looking for new areas to host seminars and clinics. Cost share programs exist to assist affiliate organizations in hosting an event in their area.

14 National SHows The National Shows Spring Show and Three Year Old Futurity Joyce Graening, Since 1979, the MFTHBA has been proud to host MFTHBA President. this event every June. Each year, Fox Trotters compete in more than 75 varied classes including performance, model and versatility. In addition to the activities in the show, the MFTHBA hosts several National Trail Rides and a Youth Seminar. The highlight of the show ring activities is the Three Year Old Futurity competition. Fox Trotters compete in Open, Open Amateur and Amateur Owned and Trained competitions. Entries are vying for their share of $25,000 in cash prizes. & 3 YEAR OLD FUTURITY 3SPRING SHOW 201 A unique aspect of Futurities in the Fox Trotter performance ring is that not only are these horses competing for money, but that they are entering the show ring for the first time under saddle. This allows the Futurity to not only test the horse s ability to perform the flat foot walk and fox trot to the breed standard, but also highlights the breed s excellent disposition and willing attitude. Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Show and Celebration The week of Labor Day brings hundreds of beautiful Missouri Fox Trotters and thousands of their fans to Ava, Missouri. Started in 1959 to celebrate the versatility of the breed, the Show and Celebration has grown and expanded over the years. Today, this weeklong event includes 150 classes in model, performance, and versatility competitions. The highlight of the event is the crowning of the World Grand Champion on Saturday. There is a reason we call this our annual Celebration, Friends and admirers gather for several days in spirited appreciation and competition with our graceful, athletic, and versatile Missouri Fox Trotting Horses. We commemorate our breed s rich history here in the Missouri Ozarks, and honor its emergence as both a pleasure and working horse of choice around the world. There is something for everyone at the Show and Celebration. says Joyce Graening, MFTHBA President. These young horses will be experiencing their first show when they enter the ring on Thursday night. It is a testament to the willing disposition of the breed that they respond so well. Our members put a great deal of work into preparing their horses for this event. Throughout the week of the Show and Celebration, fans participate in a variety of activities. These vary on a year to year basis but include seminars, obstacle competitions, and trail rides. Many attendees spend time shopping on vendor row or attending horse sales in the area. The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Show and Celebration truly celebrates this all-around horse.

15 Showing Basics Showing Your Fox Trotter FreeRein Designs Royal Ridge Designs While most Fox Trotter owners use their horses for pleasure and trail riding, many also take their horses into the show ring. MFTHBA sponsored shows typically offer three basic forms of competition. Model During model classes horses are shown in hand. Horses are judged on how closely they match the breed standard for conformation. In addition, judges evaluate the horse on gait at the flat foot walk. Some shows will request that the horse also fox trot in hand, but not all. Performance In the performance ring, Fox Trotters are judged against the breed standard for gaits. Horses compete in either two gait (flat walk and fox trot) or three gait (flat walk, fox trot and canter) classes. Horses three and under are only eligible to show in two-gait classes. Horses competing in the Amateur division do not canter until age five. Fox Trotters in the performance ring typically exhibit with a standard bridle including a brow band and cavesson. Saddles should be western. Horses also wear ribbon in their forelock and mane. The ribbons help illustrate the rhythm of the horse. There are exceptions to the tack described above. Some shows will offer saddle seat, costume and side saddle performance classes. Horses are still judged on the breed standard for gait but the attire requirements are different. Versatility The versatility arena covers a variety of competition classes. These classes may include western pleasure, horsemanship, English, reining, barrel racing, pole bending, and ranch horse competitions. These classes follow the same guidelines as other breed competition for these events with one exception. In most classes, horses are asked and expected to perform a fox trot. Open Breed Competition While these are the types of competition you will see at most MFTHBA sponsored shows, there is no limit to showing a Missouri Fox Trotter. Fox Trotters continue to be very successful in open breed competitions. Fox Trotters have made their mark in trail, endurance, roping, ranch horse, field trial, jumping and dressage competition. We also see Fox Trotters compete in jumping, barrel racing, cowboy mounted shooting and many other events.

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