Single footing horses come in many varieties, sizes, colors
and coat patterns. They must be of good temperament, willing, have endurance,
easy to train, have good gait, and be smooth at all speeds of gait. They are a
light breed with a solid conformation. They must be able to perform an even
4-beat gait. Some are able to reach speeds of up to 20 mph. At the fastest
speeds these horses will be traveling with one foot on the ground at a time,
thus the name "single-footing." The horse will not have a head nod or
bob. The Single Footers generally travel with head up, "star gazing."
They also tend to round their backs instead of arch them. "Many may
stretch out, lowering their heads at the racing single-foot. The horse may have
other gaits, as well."
The North American Single Foot Breed is versatile. There are
5 divisions with special categories and over 50 categories in which horses can
earn rewards. They are not into the show horse but rather into the working
horse.
Unlike most Horse Breed Associations, the North American
Single Foot Association judges the horse's qualities by trail riders, owners,
working ranchers and breeders. Pleasure trail, competition trail, and working
trail are abilities that are desired in the breed along with the specific
qualities mentioned above.
It is the creed of the Association to be natural with their
horses and ask the horse to perform in that way. No severe or artificial
equipment is permitted. The horse must perform with the best of its natural
ability.
About Single Footing Horses
