Breeding Program
Many factors are required to make a fine quality trail horse. Producing curls in a Curly Fox Trotter is important, but without solid conformation, good endurance, a gentle nature, intelligence and smooth and surefooted gait, the curls don’t matter. We only choose straight Fox Trotter mares and straight Fox Trotter stallions who will contribute these fine qualities to our curly foundation horses. Our preference is old style Fox Trotters who perform multiple gaits such as the fox trot, running walk and even a rack as they provide the smooth gaits with a variety of speeds that we crave in a great trail horse.
We also work hard to find strong, hardworking straight haired Fox Trotters with good stamina to breed with our Curly Fox Trotters. The horses we produce must be able to pack riders and supplies up and down mountains with ease, do hard ranch work, or excel in any versatility events you wish to enter.
No horse is perfect, but we strive to come as close to it as possible. Because we enjoy our Fox Trotters as trail horses for our family, we won’t compromise our high standards. We don’t buy horses we are not proud to breed and proud to ride. Our number one priority is to produce the highest quality, smoothest gaited Curly Fox Trotters in the world!
What do you get when you purchase a Zion’s Gait Curly Fox Trotter?
Ok, mother nature provides a great quality foal, now it’s up to us to start them off right with good training!!!! We like to get them as ready for the big world as they can be at such a young and tender age. All foals are gently loved on and cared for from the day they are born.
They are lightly imprinted and then allowed to bond with their dam for the first day and we slowly introduce them to kids, adults, dogs, farm animals etc. We do a less invasive version of imprinting that we have found produces foals that are very confident and trusting of humans. Daily walks with their dam is their first introduction to the big, scary world. Then we ride their dam and pony them next to her all over town. This produces foals that are super familiar with things that are normally terrifying to young horses.
We also sit near them let the kids play and read in their pens and groom their dam often to let the foal’s natural curiosity take over. Soon the foal is approaching people and loves being petted and rubbed all over. Eventually, all foals want to be caught and haltered are taught to lead behind us and stop behind us when we stop, back-up, pick up their feet, stand tied, stand for grooming and load into a trailer. All training is done using gentle, yet firm training techniques. We also introduce them to the joys of water by playing water games with the hoses all summer long. In our summer heat, the horses usually come running when we break out the hose!
Frequently Asked Questions
Curly Horses come in various sizes, just like other horse breeds. They can range from pony-sized to larger horses. The size of a curly horse is determined by its specific breed lines and genetics.
Yes, some horses can have naturally curly manes, tails, and body hair. However, the distinct curliness associated with Curly Horses is a genetic trait specific to certain curly horse breeds.
Many people with horse allergies find that they have no allergic reactions when handling Curly Horses. I have seen grown men cry when they realize they have no allergies to these horses. However, the degree to which someone is allergy free can vary from horse to horse, and it’s essential to test your own allergies before assuming you won’t react to them. We can send you a bag of test hair from a curly in the mail if you wish. Also, you could come and see them in person! : )
The life expectancy of a Curly Horse is similar to that of other horse breeds, typically ranging from 25 to 30 years with proper care and attention to their health and well-being.
The curliness of Curly Horses is due to a unique genetic mutation. It’s a hereditary trait that has been selectively bred by Curly Horse enthusiasts over generations.
Curly Horses can be suitable for beginners. Our Curly Missouri Fox Trotter bloodlines are particularly known for their calm, easily teachable and friendly temperament. However, like all horses, proper training and care are essential for riders of all levels.
Not all Curly Horses are gaited, but some curly horse breeds, like the Curly Fox Trotter, exhibit smooth, intermediate-speed gaits known as ambling gaits. Ours range from 5-8 MPH in a smooth gait up to 15 MPH.
Yes, Curly Horses are adaptable to a wide range of climates, including very hot ones. They can withstand both hot and cold temperatures with proper care, shelter, and access to water. They shed out their curly coat in the summer and look pretty much like any other horse except for the curly mane and eyelashes.
Curly Horses are known for their adaptability to cold climates. Their unique curly coats provide insulation against harsh winter conditions, making them well-suited for cold weather.
The price differences between Curly Missouri Fox Trotters and Smooth Coat Curly Missouri Fox Trotters can vary based on several factors:
- Coat Type: Smooth Coat Curly Missouri Fox Trotters, with a more traditional smooth coat, may often be less expensive than their curly-coated counterparts. The rarity and unique appearance of the curly coat can influence the price.
- Pedigree: Horses with exceptional bloodlines, show records, or breeding potential can command higher prices regardless of their coat type. This applies to both smooth coat and curly coat Curly Missouri Fox Trotters.
- Training: The level of training and the horse’s skill set can significantly impact its price. Well-trained horses, whether smooth or curly-coated, tend to be more expensive.
- Age: The age of the horse also plays a role. Young, untrained horses are generally less expensive than older, experienced horses. Horses that are older than 17 or 18 will often be less expensive due to their age.
- Health and Conformation: Horses with good health and conformation are more valuable. Buyers often consider the overall health, soundness, and physical attributes of the horse.
- Genetics: Horses who are Homozygous for curls (CC) are more expensive than horses that are Heterozygous (Cc) for curls as they are valuable as breeding animals.
- Personality: A horse with unique and very desirable personality traits such as being a horse that anyone can ride from beginner to advanced riders and be equally fun for all is rare and very desirable and therefore more costly. In addition, a horse with high levels of endurance, yet very well trained and disciplined will command a higher price as well. Horses with any personality issues, usually from experiences at past homes, will be priced lower because they take longer to find the right home who can accommodate their unique traits.
