Home Attendee Provides Feedback on the MFT Stallion Tour Experience

Attendee Provides Feedback on the MFT Stallion Tour Experience

LogoThe MFT Stallion Tour recently received this feedback from Sandy and Rick Gramkowski of Belvidere, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Gramkowski attended the 2013 MFT Stallion Tour and wanted to provide their thoughts and comments on the event. The Stallion Tour Committee appreciates all the feedback we have received from stallion owners and attendees. We look forward to making the 2015 MFT Stallion Tour even better.

“We live in the Chicago area and both my husband (a non-horse person) and I travelled to Springfield, MO for the 2013 Missouri Fox Trotter Stallion Tour. The Stallion Tour was the most well-organized and informative horse event I have ever attended; every detail was meticulously planned. I coordinate corporate events for my company and the MFT group knocked the ball out of the park!

At check-in we received an amazing gift bag, were provided refreshments, and greeted by a friendly staff that introduced themselves and answered questions. The itinerary was well thought out giving enough time at each barn to talk with the stallion owners, allowing us the opportunity to get up close to the stallions, and to socialize with the other participants. Upon arriving at each barn, we immediately felt like family. The barn owners were warm, welcoming, and eager to make our visit memorable. Each barn was spacious and beautiful which provided for an enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere. Some stallions were ridden while others were shown in hand. The stallions not on the tour were showcased via narrated video on the bus while travelling between the different barns. We had an amazing time and learned a great deal more about the MFT breed.

Our sincere appreciation goes out to everyone involved in the event as they did a spectacular job! We met some of the finest people involved with the breed and for that, we will be eternally grateful. During the event, my husband continued to say what a great time he was having and how awesome the MFT family is. We cannot wait to attend the next Stallion Tour!”

Respectfully submitted, Sandy & Rick Gramkowski Belvidere, IL

More about the MFT Stallion Tour

MFT Stallion Tour attendees ask stallion owners questions and interact with the stallions.  Photo by Josephine Styron

MFT Stallion Tour attendees ask stallion owners questions and interact with the stallions. Photo by Josephine Styron

The MFT Stallion Tour began in 2012 in response to MFTHBA member feedback requesting assistance in marketing their stallions.  While the Tour is named for the one day event held in October, it is actually a robust marketing initiative that actively promotes stallions over a two year period.  Funded by participating stallions, Tour attendees and sponsors, a Missouri Fox Trotting Horse stallion owner will not find a more economical way to promote their stallion to breeders around the world.  The 2015 MFT Stallion Tour continues to build on the foundation built in 2012 and 2013.  The Tour recently launched a new website where participating stallions will be featured and has added a Prospect Showcase and Sale in response to stallion owner and attendee feedback.  In addition, unique giveaways that will promote the stallions well beyond 2015 are also in development.

For mare owners, the MFT Stallion Tour offers an easy way to find and locate stallions.  The Tour works to provide consistent information on participating stallions to allow breeders to get the information they need to make decisions on which stallion will be the best match for their mare.  The MFT Stallion Tour committee is continuing to look for additional resources it can make available to assist mare owners.  For those mare owners able to attend the MFT Stallion Tour day held in the Springfield, Missouri area, they get a unique experience of seeing the participating stallions all in one day.  Some stallions participate in person while those farther away are featured in videos.  In 2015, breeders will also get to evaluate offspring of participating stallions.  The new Prospect Showcase and Sale will be held the day following the MFT Stallion Tour and the new website will also showcase prospects from participating stallions.

Breeders and Missouri Fox Trotting Horse enthusiasts from around the country flock to the Springfield, Missouri area to attend the event, held every two years.  Attendees find it a great way to learn about the breed and connect with other Missouri Fox Trotter owners.  In addition, Tour attendees are treated to fantastic giveaway items and have the chance to win a free breeding to a participating stallion.

The 2015 MFT Stallion Tour will be held on October 24, 2015 with a Prospect Showcase and Sale featuring offspring from participating stallions on October 25, 2015.  Stallion entry is currently open.  For those wishing to attend the MFT Stallion Tour day, registration will begin in June.

For more information on the MFT Stallion Tour visit www.mfthba.com/stalliontour.