The foxtrotter gene pool is relatively small in comparison to some breeds.  This is one of the reasons that many traits that are common in the foxtrotter breed may be relatively rare in other breeds.  The most obvious of these traits would be the natural ability to foxtrot.

Another trait that seem very common is sabino coloring (tall socks or stockings, blaze face, body spots and various other white markings).  

One of the most interesting color traits common in foxtrotters is that many palomino foals are born with blue eyes (ranging from light blue to navy - some are green) and pink skin (no they are not champagnes).  Many of these foals continue to have light eyes, grey muzzles and pink skin under their coat until they are mature, even at maturity their skin color tends to be grey or even grey and pink blotched instead of black.

To demonstrate the size of the gene pool for foxtrotters here is a list of some of the most popular breeding stallions of the past.  Almost every currently registered foxtrotter has at least one of these stallions in their ancestry (many will have 2, 3 or more).  Note that many Stallions such as Zane Grey and Missouri Traveler E. have more than one of these horses in their pedigree.

Written by Judy Struempf - email judy@flightline.com