Below is a listing of the nominees and the letters that accompanied their nomination.

The MFTHBA congratulates all the nominees.

The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA) is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2014 Trainer of the Year and Sportsmanship Award.  Nominated by fellow MFTHBA members, these nominees are deserving representatives for these awards.

Below is a listing of the nominees and the letters that accompanied their nomination.

The MFTHBA congratulates all the nominees.

2014 Trainer of the Year Nominees

Clifton Matlock

We nominate Clifton Matlock from Lebanon, MO.

We have just started our 4^th horse with Clifton, a two year old stud colt.  It is amazing the progress made each day!  Clifton has trained for us for several years.  Not only do we feel that he does a great job, we know that he loves horses and his job as a trainer!  He consistently possesses a positive attitude, and is kind as well as encouraging to all of his customers!  Many times we have seen him help others when help was needed, even if they weren’t a customer.  We feel that he is very deserving of the “2014 Trainer of the Year Award.”

Geno Middleton

I would like to nominate Geno Middleton for trainer of the year. I feel he exhibits all the qualities for this award:  knowledgeable, articulate, compassionate, perseverance, etc.  Not only does he spend countless hours on open horses, but he also has all of his clients’ amateur horses ready for them. He communicates with his clients in a way that makes it easy to understand.  Besides training for his clients, he is also a trainer of people.  Mr. Middleton shares his knowledge of horses, Missouri Fox Trotters in particular, with a wide variety of audiences.  He has presented at Equine Affaire of Ohio and Massachusetts, HorseFest in Springfield, and he presented at the inaugural Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Expo in May.  Mr. Middleton is always willing to share his knowledge with others and he can do so in a way that everyone can understand no matter their experience level.

Johnnie Miller

While recognized as one of the most decorated model trainers in the breed, for almost 20 years, Mr. Johnnie Miller has served as the lead trainer for Valley Springs Foxtrotters where he has started hundreds of Missouri Fox Trotters.  Mr. Miller has trained and shown horses in the performance arena as well.  His natural, patient training methods allow a young fox trotter to develop into a solid riding partner.  In addition, Mr. Miller conducts numerous seminars each year assisting gaited horse riders improve their horse’s gait.  I have personally witnessed Mr. Miller patiently work with new owners and problem horses. In a matter of hours he has improved a rider’s confidence and the horse’s gait.  The fox trotting horse community has many accomplished horseman, Mr. Miller ranks among the best at starting and setting gaits.  If you have ever ridden a horse trained by Mr. Miller, you will know why he deserves to be named the Trainer of the Year.

David Ogle

While he was named the 2013 Trainer of the Year, David Ogle is worthy of being awarded this honor again in 2014.  An expert horseman, David has a deep commitment to the breed, a passion for helping amateur riders and an ability to train a performance horse to reach its full potential.  David’s equitation skills allows horses to be presented in a pleasing manner that highlight’s the horse’s natural ability.  In 2014, David trained and/or showed many award winning fox trotters.  He trained and exhibited Phantom’s Ozark Jubliee R., the 2014 World Grand Champion Open Three Year Old.  He trained Major Motion Edition, 2014 World Grand Champion Out of State and Patriot’s Grand Finale, 2014 Reserve World Grand Champion Open Amateur 5 Yrs & Older.  He had many other amateur riders place extremely well at both MFTHBA National Shows.  David is always willing to help the breed.  He has hosted the Stallion Tour twice, participated in the dunk tank to help raise money at the Spring Show, presented seminars and clinics for affiliates and is a special friend to all his clients.  David exemplifies the qualities of a true professional horseman and is worthy of again being named Trainer of the Year.

Erin Patterson

I would like to nominate Erin Patterson for trainer of the year.  She had an outstanding year and her dedication to her horses and customers was rewarded in the show ring and the versatility arena.  Here is a list of some of her horses achievements this year;  2 year old open world grand champion, 4 year old amateur reserve world grand champion, 4 year old open amateur world grand champion, English world grand champion, NBC 2 year old reserve champion, NBC Specialty champion, NBC 5 and over amateur reserve champion, 2 year old futurity open champion, Mid-Am 5 and over amateur reserve champion, Mid-Am 4 year old maturity amateur reserve champion, 3 year old futurity 5 and over amateur champion, MFTHBA Spring Show open amateur 3&4 year old reserve champion.  Erin’s horses had many other top placings throughout the year in both the performance ring and in the versatility arena.  Erin is also committed to helping people learn more about the breed and how to better their riding skills, as she gives lots of riding lessons every week to people of all ages and skill levels.

I want to take this time to nominate Erin Stevens Patterson for 2014 trainer of the year. I believe Erin deserves this because she always puts her clients and horses before herself. It doesn’t matter how tired or busy she is she will always take the time to help someone if they need it. Erin is truly the definition of what I think a perfect trainer is. You can tell it’s not about money or what she will get out of it it’s the satisfaction of how her clients do. She is truly a very happy trainer no matter what place her client places as long as they do their best. She never hesitates if someone asks for help and even if she isn’t their trainer. Erin goes above and beyond what her duties are and always with a smile on her face. You never have to wonder if your horse is actually getting worked on or if your kid is really going get trained. Yes she gets paid by the hour but she doesn’t sit there watching the clock if it goes over it goes over. I truly feel that Erin deserves trainer of the year hands down.

Erin Stevens Patterson is so much more than just a horse trainer. She leads by example, and trains riders not just to ride but to be better in all areas of life. To watch Erin with my granddaughter is amazing. Erin always ends the session on a positive note and my granddaughter leaves with a beautiful smile and happy heart.
Erin teaches with love and passion not just with her students but with her horses; she is never too busy to help others or answer questions, always ready to help any and all. Erin has made 3 dreams come true not for just my granddaughter but for so many.

Randy Williams

I nominate Randy Williams

2014 Sportsmanship Award Nominees

Mark Holifield

On the Friday night before the Celebration, tragedy struck when a young man’s horse suddenly passed away. From this tragedy came a wonderful story illustrating the best of our membership.  Many of those on the show grounds during this tragedy stepped up to support this young man during a very difficult time.  The conversation quickly turned to finding Dallin a horse to show and one member stepped up to offer a horse to serve as this young man’s ride for the week.  Having ridden the mare only a short time prior to showing her, he was able to qualify for two championship classes.  An amazing moment for many spectators of the Celebration was during the qualifying and championship classes for the Men’s Class, when Mark Holifield coached and rode with Dallin through the entire two classes.  This was a true act of sportsmanship.

Barb Middleton

Entering the show ring for the first time is scary and when you are doing that in a class like a Ladies class, it is also intimidating.  Barb Middleton often rides in these classes and while she is an expert in the ring, she is also open and willing to assist new people.  Always courteous, encouraging and modest, Barb is the picture of good sportsmanship.  She congratulates her fellow competitors and coaches countless riders on the rail.  She doesn’t just coach riders from her husband’s barn.  I have witnessed her start to coach a rider whose horse was being trained by a different trainer when that trainer needed to leave to prepare for the next class.  She certainly had no obligation but said she knew the trainer hated to have to leave and the rider was doing well and wanted to encourage that.  That act of kindness speaks volumes for the type of person Barb is and is just one example of why she is a deserving recipient of the MFTHBA Sportsmanship Award.

Jennifer Stewart

Jennifer Stewart is a perfect example of what horse showing should be about.  She always rides to do her personal best and she always rides for the pure love it.  She is the first person to tell someone in the warm-up arena “good luck,” even if she is in the same class and she is the first person to congratulate the winner and celebrate their great ride.  Even when she is not in the arena, she always has an encouraging word and big smile on her face.  She exudes good sportsmanship and that is why she should be the winner of the 2014 Sportsmanship Award.