Each year the Trail Obstacle Challenge competition becomes more popular, and this year it will help support the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Youth Association (MFTHBYA). The 2015 Celebration Trail Obstacle Challenge will be held on Friday, September 11. Like in previous years, there will be three divisions: Open, Open Amateur and Youth. The competition will be held on the Fox Trot Playground located at the MFTHBA World Headquarters in Ava, Missouri. The entry fee will be $20 per entry with 50 percent of the entry money being paid back to the top 3 placing entries in each division. The remaining money will go directly to the MFTHBYA to support scholarships and other youth events.

“The Youth Committee is excited about this new fundraiser,” said Jessica Moore, MFTHBA Youth Committee Chairman. “We were looking for a new, fun way to raise money for the MFTHBYA youth programs.” The Trail Obstacle Challenge competition will replace the traditional Youth Auction as the primary form of raising money for the MFTHBYA.

To assist potential exhibitors in preparing for the Friday, September 11 event, the MFTHBA Membership Committee will be hosting a Trail Obstacle Clinic on Thursday, September 10. Pam Lynn and Alexis Zastoupil, both experienced obstacle challenge competitors, will be on hand to answer questions and give potential exhibitors pointers on successfully navigating the Fox Trot Playground. The clinic will run from 10 a.m. to noon.

“We hope people will come to the clinic on Thursday, learn a little about the obstacles, and then compete on Friday,” shared Amy Stangl, MFTHBA Membership Committee Chairman. “Attendees to the World Show and Celebration are welcome to take the horses to the playground to practice any time; however, the clinic is a great way to get questions answered or just get some tips on introducing your horse to obstacles.”

Entry forms for the Trail Obstacle Challenge will be available soon on the World Show and Celebration website. Participants may pre-enter the event. Entries will also be accepted at the show office during the show. All entries must be completed before the office closed on Thursday, September 10, at 4:30 p.m.

“We hope people will come out and have a little fun with their Missouri Fox Trotting Horse. It is also a great way to support the young members of our association,” added Moore.