When the final calculations were completed for 2019, one trainer was at the top of the list.  That trainer is Mr. David Ogle of Ash Grove, Missouri.  This is the third time he has been named MFTHBA Trainer of the Year.  He was also named Trainer of the Year in 2013 and 2018.

Mr. Ogle’s horses had a lot of success in 2019.  He trained the Ladies Three Year Old World Grand Champion. Grand Slamm, owned by Lloyd Dehner of Mansfield, Missouri, and the Ladies Three Year Old Reserve World Grand Champion, Manhattan Miracle, owned by Colleen Wilson and Amber Wilson of Bonner Springs, Kansas.  Mr. Ogle trained and rode the Open Two Year Old Reserve World Grand Champion, Ozark Celebration, owned by Dr. Julie Alford/Revocable Trust and Jamie Alford of Springfield, Missouri. At the Spring Show and Futurity,  Mr. Ogle trained and rode King’s Creole Queen owned by Becky Bailey of Russellville, Arkansas, to the Four Year and Over Open Championship at the Spring Show and Futurity.  In all, horses trained by Mr. Ogle placed in 24 Futurity classes, Championship classes, and World Grand Championship classes.

The Trainer of the Year award was designed to recognize the achievements of professional horsemen and women involved in the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed.  This year 33 trainers earned points towards the award in various disciplines:  versatility, model, and performance, which is an increase from last year. The new database will eventually be able to calculate the award automatically, and it will allow us to include other events outside of the shows at Ava in the final award calculations.

The MFTHBA is grateful to all the equine professionals that dedicate their lives to the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse, and the MFTHBA congratulates David Ogle on being named the 2019 MFTHBA Trainer of the Year.

Mr. Ogle will be formally recognized at the 2020 Spring Show and Three Year Old Futurity.

Rounding out the Top 10:

2. Mike Rutledge 3. Buck Thompson

4. Bryan Biggs 5. Erin Patterson 6. Geno Middleton 7. Randy Williams 8. Garrett King 9. Steve Dampier 10. Vance Vahle