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The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association is excited to announce the addition of an Equine Trail Sports (ETS) competition to the 2025 MFTHBA World Championship Show & Celebration. Set for Saturday, September 6, this fun and welcoming event offers riders of all levels the opportunity to showcase their Missouri Fox Trotters in a supportive and engaging environment.

Open to All Registered Missouri Fox Trotters
This ETS competition is open exclusively to horses registered with the MFTHBA, regardless of age. While horses must be registered in the current owner’s name, the rider is not required to be a member of the MFTHBA or ETS—both organizations are waiving their membership requirements for this inaugural event to encourage participation and introduce more horsemen and women to the world of obstacle competition.

Event Schedule – Saturday, September 6
(Held in conjunction with the World Show & Celebration)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

• 5:00–6:30 PM – Early Check-In Available – Front porch of the MFTHBA office

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 – In Hand & Obstacle Course Events

• 8:00–8:45 AM – Check-In for New Arrivals
• 8:15 AM – Judge Meeting
• 9:00 AM – Rider Meeting
• 10:00 AM – First Riders Out on the In Hand Course
• Obstacle Course – First rider out 45 minutes after the last handler completes the In Hand course
• Lunch – Enjoy lunch at your leisure after your ride
• Judge Shout-Outs – Once all riders have completed their courses
• Awards Presentation – Immediately following shout-outs

Competition will take place on the MFTHBA’s permanent obstacle course.

Two Fun and Challenging Phases
The competition includes:

• In Hand (IH) – A dismounted obstacle course completed with halter and lead rope.
• Obstacle Course (OC) – A mounted challenge requiring a saddle (including treeless options) and headstall with reins. Open to all riding disciplines.

Whether you are new to ETS or an experienced competitor, these events are designed to be both fun and rewarding. No matter your background, if you have a registered Missouri Fox Trotter, this is your invitation to give it a try!

Awards & Divisions
Ribbons will be awarded for 1st through 6th place in three skill divisions—Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced. Additional divisions include:

• Junior (ages 13–17): 1st–3rd place
• Youngin’ (ages 7–12): 1st–3rd place
• Newcomer: 1st place

Please note: Because this show is limited to Foxtrotters only, no Lifetime or Tournament points will be awarded through ETS.

Affordable & Convenient
Online registration is encouraged to take advantage of early bird pricing. Onsite registration will include a $10 per entry surcharge. Payment for all amenities reserved online will be due on site and not collected at the time of online registration.

Learn More and Register Today
For complete details and to register, visit the ETS event page here:
ETS MFTHBA World Show Event Page

Questions?
Contact MFTHBA Region 2 Director Brent Strong at 801-602-8254 for more information.

We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting new addition to the Celebration—a great way to connect with your horse, try something new, and be part of the growing versatility movement within the Missouri Fox Trotter community!

Preparing to show at the MFTHBA World Show and Celebration? This guide provides everything you need to know about entering your horse, understanding class fees, and ensuring you’re ready for a smooth check-in process.

Entry Fees Overview

Horse Fee

• $10 per horse (one-time fee per horse entered)

Class Entry Fees

• Preliminary & Versatility Classes: $40
• Championship Classes: $45
• Youth Classes (all divisions): $10
• Open 5-Year-Old & Older World Grand Championship: $300
  • Includes the standard $45 championship class fee; the remaining $255 goes directly toward class payback.

Ranch Horse Cattle Fee

• $40 per cattle class entry

Cattle Sorting Fees

• Cattle Sorting Run: $15 per person / $30 per team
• Ranch Sorting Cattle Fee: $40

Pre-Entry Discount

A $5 discount is available for each class entered by the pre-entry deadline.

Note: This discount does not apply to the Open 5-Year-Old & Older World Grand Championship.

 

Pre-Entry Options and Deadlines

1. Mail-In Pre-Entries

• Entry forms will be available starting Monday, August 11.
• Entries must be received by the MFTHBA Office no later than Wednesday, August 27.
• Mail to:
  MFTHBA
  P.O. Box 1027
  Ava, MO 65608
• Include completed entry form and payment. To pay electronically, email the form and request an invoice from the office.

2. Online Pre-Entries via HorseShowTracker App

• Available starting Friday, August 15
• Deadline: End of day Friday, August 29
• Exhibitors must complete entries in the app

Important: In-app payment is not available. Fees must be paid in person at the show office.

Entries submitted after these deadlines will not qualify for the pre-entry discount.

Pre-Entry Pickup and Payment

• Exhibitors who pre-enter may pick up back numbers and pay (if needed) beginning Saturday, August 30 in the Show Entry Office.
• This process streamlines check-in and helps reduce wait times.

Membership & Documentation Reminders

To ensure a seamless experience, please complete the following by August 8:

• Purchase or renew MFTHBA memberships
• Obtain or renew Amateur/Professional cards
• Complete any horse transfers

Completing these steps in advance ensures accurate records and faster processing upon arrival.

 

Entry Requirements

For Horses:

1. Must be registered with the MFTHBA or the Missouri Fox Trotting Pony Registry
2. Must have a current negative Coggins (EIA) test—valid within one year
3. Out-of-state horses require a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection per Missouri law
4. All horse owners must be current MFTHBA members

For Exhibitors:

1. Must be a current MFTHBA member (except Lead Line riders)
2. Must hold either an Amateur or Professional card unless entering undesignated classes
3. Youth riders are exempt from card requirements in youth classes
4. Responsible for entering the correct class and meeting all entry requirements as outlined in the MFTHBA Rule Book
5. Must comply with all rules, standards, and policies. Poor sportsmanship or disruptions may result in disqualification and forfeiture of winnings.

 

Show Entry Office Hours

Opens: Saturday, August 30
Operating Hours:

• Saturday, August 30 – Friday, September 5: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday, September 6: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Lunch Breaks:

• The Show Entry Office remains open during lunch
• The MFTHBA Main Office will close during lunch

 

MFTHBA Office Hours During the Celebration

The MFTHBA Main Office will be open throughout the Celebration to assist members with registrations, transfers, membership renewals, and other services.

Office Hours:

• Friday August 29 through Friday September 5: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday, September 6: 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Lunch Break: Closed from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. daily, except Saturday September 6

We encourage exhibitors to take care of paperwork needs early in the week to avoid last-minute delays.

Additional Notes

• On-site entries will be accepted in the Show Entry Office
• HorseShowTracker App entries will not be active during the show—on-site entry must be completed in person
• Pre-entry is strongly encouraged to save money and minimize check-in wait times
• Cattle Sorting and ETS Trail Challenge will be taken separate from the Entry Office.  Please review event details for more information on entering these events.

 

Questions?

For assistance or additional information, please contact the MFTHBA Office: (417) 683-2468 or foxtrot@mfthba.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Ava for an exciting week of competition and camaraderie at the 2025 World Show and Celebration!