AVA, MISSOURI (August 17, 2015) – Hundreds of beautiful Missouri Fox Trotters and thousands of their fans will arrive in Ava, Mo., from Sunday, September 6^th through Saturday, September 12^th for the 57^th Annual Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA) World Show and Celebration. Exhibitors and their registered Missouri Fox Trotters will compete for cash, prizes and the coveted title of 2015 MFTHBA World Grand Champion. Horses will be exhibited in more than 140 classes from Sunday through Saturday. Various events outside the arena will be held to highlight the versatility of the State Horse of Missouri. On Friday, September 11^th at 10 a.m., a trail obstacle jackpot will be held on the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) approved practice course located on the MFTHBA grounds. Evening activities on Saturday will begin with the induction of members and horses into the Hall of Fame, followed by the final competition and crowning of the 2015 World Grand Champion. Saturday night attendees will be able to enter to win a Hedgpeth Saddle, the Official Trail Saddle of the MFTHBA. The saddle will be awarded during the show and will be designed specifically for the winner by Hedgpeth Saddlery. Friday and Saturday evening will also feature a special demonstration by the Percherons, owned by Shaun and Kendra Bovard of Good Hope, Missouri. The six-hitch team will put on an exhibition at 5:30 p.m. prior to the start of the evening session of the show.

“There is a reason we call this our annual Celebration,” says Joyce Graening, MFTHBA President. “Our friends and admirers gather for several days of spirited appreciation and competition with our graceful, athletic, and versatile Missouri Fox Trotting Horses. We commemorate our breed’s rich history here in the Missouri Ozarks, and honor its emergence as both a pleasure and working horse of choice around the world.” Graening notes that there is something for everyone on the MFTHBA show grounds.

There is a full week of competition that includes classes in model (halter), gaited performance, and versatility (cow cutting, trail challenges) competitions. Throughout the show, vendors will offer everything from food to fashion located throughout the 130 acre grounds. Guests may also enjoy visiting the Hall of Fame and Museum located in the headquarters building, or selecting official Missouri Fox Trotter items at the Fox Trotter Store in the Roy Williams Pavilion.

“The World MFTHBA Headquarters transforms into a small city,” says Graening. “We have 334 full service RV sites, dry camping areas, three bathroom and shower facilities, 850 covered stalls, five arenas, and numerous riding areas. It is a horse lover’s dream.”

Again this year, the MFTHBA honors FFA members with a special FFA class during the nighttime show on Thursday September 10^th. The class is for current FFA members and attire for the class consists of FFA jacket and a white shirt.

Regular admission daily tickets are $5, Monday through Thursday, and $6 on Friday and Saturday. Weekly passes are $30.

Any horse owner will enjoy trail rides departing from the show grounds on Monday through Friday mornings. Rides are open to all riders, regardless of the breed of horse and you do not have to be an exhibitor to participate. All horses entering the show grounds will need proof of their horse’s negative Coggins test and a certificate of veterinary inspection.

Call +1-417-683-2468 or visit www.mfthba.com/celebration for information.

The MFTHBA show grounds are located in Ava, Mo., on Hwy. 5, one mile north of the junction of Hwy. 5 and Hwy. 14.

2015 Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Show and Celebration Calendar of Events

Saturday September 5 (pre-show event)

6 p.m. MFTHBA member Cookout, Roy Williams Pavilion, RSVP requested, more information available HERE

Sunday September 6

9 a.m. Workshop for Children (ages 10 and under), presented by Diana Edwards, Director of Missions, Wright, Douglas, Ozark Baptist Association, Roy Williams Pavilion

10 a.m. MFTHBA Membership Committee New Exhibitor Reception, Hall of Fame Room, more information available HERE

10 a.m. Versatility Competition, Versatility Arena

11 a.m. DQP Mini-seminar, DQP Arena, more information available HERE

6 p.m. Evening Show Session, Dale Esther Arena

Monday September 7

9 a.m., Judges Training Seminar, Hall of Fame Room, pre-registration required, more information available HERE

9 a.m. Workshop for Children (ages 10 and under), presented by Diana Edwards, Director of Missions, Wright, Douglas, Ozark Baptist Association, Roy Williams Pavilion

10 a.m. Versatility Competition, Versatility Arena

10 a.m. National Trail Ride, Letsinger Farm

11 a.m. Free Trainer Tips Clinic, DQP Arena, more information available HERE

6 p.m. Evening Show Session, Dale Esther Arena

Tuesday September 8

10 a.m. Versatility Competition, Versatility Arena

10 a.m. National Trail Ride, Elk Ranch

12 p.m. MFTHBA September Board of Directors Meeting, Hall of Fame Room

6 p.m. Evening Show Session, Dale Esther Arena

Wednesday September 9

9 a.m. Ranch Horse Competition, Versatility Arena

10 a.m. National Trail Ride, Corbitt Potter (Mark Twain National Forest)

6 p.m. Evening Show Session, Dale Esther Arena

Immediately following the show: Karaoke, Roy Williams Pavilion

Thursday September 10

10 a.m. Trail Obstacle Clinic, Fox Trot Playground

10 a.m. National Trail Ride, Crystal Lake Ranch

2 p.m. Candidate Meet and Greet, Roy Williams Pavilion, learn more about the candidates HERE

6 p.m. Evening Show Session, Dale Esther Arena

Friday September 11

10 a.m. Trail Obstacle Challenge, Fox Trot Playground, benefiting the MFTHBYA, more information available HERE

10 a.m. National Trail Ride, Assumption Abbey – Bryant Creek

2 p.m. Fun Dog Show, Dale Esther Arena Gazebo, more information available HERE

5:30 p.m. Percheron exhibition, Dale Esther Arena, more information available HERE

6 p.m. Evening Show Session, Dale Esther Arena

Saturday September 12

Hedgpeth Saddle Giveaway: All in attendance can sign up to win a custom Hedgpeth Saddle. One entry per day, per attendee. Must be present to win. Sign up at the Fox Trot Store.

10 a.m. Ride and Sell, Dale Esther Arena (private treaty sale. All guarantees are made between the buyer and seller), runs until 12 p.m.

5:30 p.m. Percheron exhibition, Dale Esther Arena, more information available HERE

6 p.m. Evening Show Session, Dale Esther Arena

 

Trail Ride Note: Trail rides require trailering to the trail head. These rides will meet across from the main gate and leave for the trail head at 8:30am. The rides will start from the trail head at 10:00am. Riders need to bring a sack lunch. It is recommended that all horses be shod. If you have any questions please call Dale Lawson (417) 683-69046 or Stephen Assenmacher (417) 796-2912.