The
Arizona Fox Trotter Association (AFTA)
Description of the gaits of the Missouri
Foxtrotter
1. Canter (breeding target) 2. Flatfoot Walk (breeding target) 3. Foxtrot (breeding target) 4. Gallop 5. Running Walk 6. Single Foot 7. Walk
1. Canter (breeding
target) The Canter is a three-beat gate, executed in a
straight manner on either hand, smooth and flexible, with a long
reach. Pumping, four-beat Gallop or too much speed is not
desirable.
2. Flatfoot Walk
(breeding target) The Flatfoot Walk is a flat four-beat
lateral gate. Over stride is desirable.
3. Foxtrot (breeding
target) The Foxtrot, name-giving for the breed, is a
diagonal four-beat gate, where the front foot hits the ground
split-second before the opposite rear foot. The head nods in unison
with the rhythm of the gate. The tail perfectly balances the
movements of the head.
4. Gallop The
Gallop is an extended four-beat gate as used for races but still
smooth and with tender movements.
5. Running
Walk The Running Walk shows the same pattern as the
Flatfoot Walk but at a higher speed and with more over stride.
6. Single
Foot The Single-foot is an even four-beat gate with
sometimes only a single foot on the ground (hence the name). This
gate allows for rather high speed.
7. Walk Walk is
a natural, flat four-beat gait at a low speed. The horse is awake;
the length of the step is in a good proportion to the body of the
horse.
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