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Our Missouri Fox Trotters



SLNS is the only stable in the game who actively breeds and shows Missouri Fox Trotters. This breed, originating in the Ozark Mountains of southwest Missouri, has a history as colorful as the legends and traditions that still exist in the Ozarks today.

In the nineteenth century, around approximately 1820, settlers to the area were faced with a dilemma; their horses just couldn’t handle the rough, rocky terrain. They wanted a horse that could haul logs, plow land, and work cattle throughout the week, compete in races on the weekend, and pull a buggy or wagon all week long. Plus, the horse had to be sturdy enough to handle the terrain.

They began breeding their horses, mostly Thoroughbreds, Morgans, Arabians, and plantation horses, trying to get the perfect combination. Then, their religious climate changed, and horse racing was called “the devil’s pastime”. The breeders changed part of their focus, to getting a horse with a smooth gait, who could travel long distances without tiring. By introducing Saddlebred, Standardbred, and Tennessee Walker, they achieved their combination. The result was the Fox Trotter, a horse with a gentle, intelligent nature, and a gait that was smooth, fast, and managed the terrain.

Our own Fox Trotters show their versatility. Alford Bronze Man is an incredible driver. Star Light Night Symphonette is a terrific hunter/jumper. Morning Glory, Nellie Bly, By The Riverside, and Wilson’s Creek, are all gaming horses. Sunset Symphony and Baldknobber Boy are cattle horses. PT Bronze Symphony, Morning Star, and Morning Sunrise are all finding their places, but we’re sure they’ll be just as spectacular.