2014 Hall of Fame Inductee: Tom Owen

Tom Owen of Springfield, Missouri, could tell you a lot about the history of the MFTHBA. Owen served as MFTHBA president in 1998 and 1999. That’s just one of the many ways Owen has served the Association so well.“Tom and his wife Betty have been active breeders, promoters, and showmen of Missouri Fox Trotting horses for more than 40 years,” said Kent Hyde of Springfield. “During this time, Tom was always willing to help any who would care to learn more about helping the Fox Trotting horse move as best as possible in their natural gait. He has also judged many shows, large and small, and has accomplished this task without controversy,” said Hyde. Owen worked fulltime as an agriculture teacher, even while president, and was known for teaching young people in the MFTHBA about Fox Trotters. His knowledge and love of Fox Trotters was passed on to kids who now, as adults, have remained involved in our breed. Owen is also known for being a breeder of fine horses, including Lena Rivers, Bound for Glory, Love That Marilyn Monroe, Willy’s Blond Ambition, and The Boogeyman. Last year, Owen and his beautiful mare, Marilyn Monroe, won the Senior Citizen class at the Celebration. As MFTHBA president, Owen developed the first budget, opened Board meetings to members, started the first Versatility committee, enabled credit card use through the office, started DNA verification on registration papers, purchased the first promotional booth to be used by affiliates, started the computerization of registration papers, and developed the judging scorecard. Ironically perhaps, another service that Owen initiated as MFTHBA president was the Hall of Fame. It is only fitting that Owen be inducted into the Hall of Fame himself for his many years of service. “Tom has a great legacy to hand down to our younger members,” said Earl, Laura Sue, Mary, and Susie Atkinson. “Let’s honor him as he well deserves as a member of the MFTHBA Hall of Fame.”

By Josephine Cozean Styron