The Trainer of the Year award was designed to recognize the achievements of professional horseman and woman involved in the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse breed. The six nominees for the 2014 award represented the work ethic, dedication and hard work needed to make a living in the equine world.

“We were very pleased at the number of nominees we received this year. This year we had the most nominees we have had for the award since its inception in 2012 and the tightest margins between voting,” said Amy Stangl, MFTHBA Membership Committee Chairman. “It reflects the accomplishments of the nominees as well as the respect the MFTHBA membership has for all those nominated.”

“Our breed needs equine professionals like those nominated for this award,” added Dr. Joyce Graening, MFTHBA President. “Clifton Matlock, Erin Patterson, David Ogle, Geno Middleton, Johnnie Miller and Randy Williams have all made a positive impact on our breed and our Association.”

While it was clear that the MFTHBA membership admires all the nominated trainers, when the voting ended at midnight on February 2 only one could be named the 2014 Trainer of the Year. That trainer is a familiar name to the title. Erin Patterson, 2012 Trainer of the Year, was again voted by the MFTHBA membership to receive the award.

An all-around trainer, Mrs. Patterson has horses competing in both the versatility and performance arenas. Under her guidance, she had customers win the Youth Showmanship World Champion, Amateur Open English Pleasure World Champion, Open Amateur High Point Pleasure Horse, Amateur Owned 4 Year old Reserve World Grand Champion, Open Amateur 4 Year Old World Grand Championship, among many other accomplishments.   Mrs. Patterson also had great success with horses she showed as well. She exhibited Phantom’s Magical Rhythm owned by Jan Alford to the English Pleasure World Championship and Shes Something Special owned by Charles and Valerie Jordan to the Open 2 Year Old World Grand Championship.

The MFTHBA is grateful to all the equine professionals that dedicate their lives to the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse and congratulates Erin Patterson on being named the 2014 MFTHBA Trainer of the Year.

Mrs. Patterson will be formally recognized at the 2015 Spring Show and Three Year Old Futurity.