When it comes to Fox Trotters, southwest Missouri is the hub of the universe. In recent years, Dallas County, where Alice and Vic Rowden live, has been home for as many Fox Trotter champions as any other county in the country.
So what does it take to succeed in the show ring? The Rowdens should know, having horses that have won virtually every major performance world grand championship title in the breed. Alice began showing as a novice and has progressed to the high amateur divisions within the breed. In a typical season, she may show in 24 events in 10 to 15 shows.
Start with the Horse
“First,” said Vic, “bloodlines count.” For the Rowdens, the Missouri Traveler bloodline is in their own Grand Central stallion, a four-time consecutive world grand champion, has never failed them. Bloodline will typically dictate the horse’s talent and ability, as well as its “heart” – the mindset to perform and finish in the ring.
Second, Vic studies footwork and rhythm. Is the front end walking rhythmically and the back end trotting? Is the horse traveling with rhythm? Is there a flowing motion from front to back? Is there a ripple in the mane and tail? Is the head shaking, the teeth popping and the ears flopping?
Third, gender matters. Stallions perform well in the show ring but can be a handful even for experienced riders. Mares and geldings are better for amateurs but also can be on the verge of “exploding” in the ring – part of that all-important “heart.”
Fourth, don’t get in a hurry to buy a horse. The Rowdens attend lots of shows as spectators where they study the horses and ask questions.
Train Rider and Horse
Not everyone needs a trainer, but if you’re a novice, a trainer is worth every dollar to get you and your horse ready for showing. “We have used about all the trainers available in southwest Missouri, and we have yet to have a horse with any trainer that didn’t do us a good job,” said Vic.
To their credit, the Rowdens bring their trainers quality horses. Randy Williams of Majestic Foxtrotters, their current trainer and breeder, attests to that, saying, “The Rowdens are a trainer’s dream.” If a young horse – they typically train promising 2-year-olds – shows signs it isn’t going to perform, they “know when to fold them.” “So many people keep pouring money into a horse that is never going to perform,” said Vic. “We recognize that it’s not always going to work out for you.” The horses they sell are still good horses and good buys, just not at the level the Rowdens prefer.
Alice points out that a good trainer trains you and your horse together: learning the gaits and their sequence, learning the show ring rules, etc.
Pick Your Shows
If you’re a novice, the Rowdens suggest the Saturday night shows that have fewer competitors. Once you’ve had hours of practice, learned to set up your horse and feel comfortable in the show ring, then aim for the four major shows: the 3-Year-Old Futurity in Ava, Mo., in June, the 2-Year-Old Futurity in Springfield, Mo., in July, the National Breeders Cup in Springfield in August, and the Show & Celebration in Ava in September where horses vie for world grand championships.
What kind of money does it take to compete in these shows? The Rowdens estimate you can get a good horse for $10,000 and spend another $5,000 on tack and outfits. That doesn’t include training, boarding, vet and farrier fees.
“The main thing,” said Alice, “is to know what you want to achieve, then find the horse and put in the time to make it happen.”
