Missouri Fox Trotter — a compact, medium-weight riding and driving horse with a "square" conformation (body length approximately equal to height at the withers). Height at the withers 142–163 cm (ideally 152–158 cm), live weight 410–590 kg (average 450–520 kg). Head of medium size, dry, with a straight or slightly concave profile, length 480–570 mm. Ears of medium length (110–150 mm), widely set. Eyes large, dark brown. Neck of medium length (550–680 mm), muscular, high-set, with a pronounced crest in stallions. Body deep and compact, chest depth 680–780 mm, chest girth 1700–1950 mm. Back short (650–750 mm), strong, straight or slightly convex. Croup rounded, muscular, width 480–550 mm, slightly sloping (15–20°). Limbs strong, pastern girth 180–210 mm, height at the knee 310–350 mm, hock joint angle 145–155°. Hooves strong, rounded, often dark or black in color. Tail of medium length, thick, high-set. Coat fine, silky, close-lying; in winter with a dense undercoat. Skin thin and elastic. The breed is not restricted by color: all horse colors are allowed (bay, chestnut, black, gray, pinto, leopard, etc.). The main distinction is the genetically fixed unique four-beat gait "fox trot". According to the MFTHBA/MFTHA standard: body length ≈ height at the withers (±3 cm), chest depth ≥45–48% of height, shoulder angle 45–50°. Disqualifying faults: height outside 142–163 cm, weak/long back, absence of fox trot, coarse head, weak limbs.