This past weekend, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA) transitioned to our new Board of Directors. We want to extend our sincere gratitude to our outgoing board members, Brent Strong and Terry Messex, for their dedicated service to the MFTHBA. Both have made a lasting impact on our breed, helping to shape its direction and secure its future. Thank you for the time, passion, and leadership you’ve shared with our members and our horses.

We welcomed Jon Tanner, Region 3 Director, and Tracey Wygant, Region 8 Director, to the Board. They have big shoes to fill, but we know they’re up to the task and will continue the important work of advancing the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse and supporting our members.

The MFTHBA Board of Directors gathered in Ava, Missouri, for one of two in-person planning work sessions held each year. Prior to the November business meeting, the Board devoted significant time to training, strategic planning, and organizational discussions designed to position the Association for continued growth.

The team spent Friday in a nine-hour work session and reconvened on Saturday morning for an additional four and a half hours. This intensive weekend served as both an orientation for new Board members and a development opportunity for returning directors. The Board participated in Showing 101 training to help new members understand MFTHBA show operations and engaged in communication training designed to strengthen collaboration and effectiveness.

A portion of the workshop was also dedicated to discussing the fiduciary responsibilities of serving on the Board of Directors. Board members reviewed the expectations of nonprofit governance and the importance of exercising their duties of care, loyalty, and obedience—principles that ensure decisions are made in the best interests of the Association. At the conclusion of this session, each director signed the Oath of Office, reaffirming their commitment to the MFTHBA Board Code of Conduct and to upholding these fiduciary responsibilities in service to the membership.

During the work sessions, the Board reviewed the Association’s progress toward the goals outlined in the strategic plan, discussed individual regional goals for the coming year, and received an update on the ongoing QuickBooks audit. The audit and associated financial reporting updates are intended to provide clearer, more transparent information to both the Board and the membership.

The weekend concluded with the November business meeting on Saturday at 2 p.m., which was livestreamed for members on the Members Only site.

Key Actions from the November Meeting

Standard Class List Approved for 2026–2028
The Board approved the proposed standard class list for 2026–2028. The Standard Class List Committee dedicated the past year to reviewing the previous list, analyzing multiple years of data, and carefully considering every comment received from members and exhibitors. The resulting list reflects thoughtful feedback and provides exhibitors with the assurance that these classes will be guaranteed at the World Show and Celebration for the next three years, helping them plan.  The Board wishes to thank the members of this committee for their service and all participants in the feedback process.  The complete list of the 2026-2028 class is available HERE.

Legacy Championship Returns
The Board approved the Legacy Class Group’s proposal to host the Legacy Championship on Friday night of the World Show and Celebration for 2026–2028. The event, which celebrates the history and camaraderie of our breed, was well-received in 2025, and we are looking forward to its return.

Grounds Rental Fee Schedule Updated
Finally, the Board approved an updated grounds rental fee schedule for 2026. The Board approved rate increases across all ground rental areas. The update ensures the MFTHBA can continue to maintain and operate its facilities responsibly while covering increased vendor costs. While the MFTHBA remains committed to making the showgrounds accessible for outside events, it is equally important that rentals remain cost-effective and sustainable for the Association.

Official minutes will be posted on the Members Only Site once they are approved at the December meeting.