The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA) Board of Directors held its most recent meeting on April 21. The following is a general summary of the meeting. Please note that official meeting minutes will be available to members once approved at the next Board meeting.

1. Pleasure High Point Award Approved
   The Board approved the addition of a Pleasure High Point Award for the Spring Show and Celebration. This new award will recognize excellence in both English Pleasure and Country Pleasure classes within the performance arena. The Show Committee secured a sponsor to fully cover the cost of the award, making it possible to implement this new recognition for exhibitors.
2. Proposed Versatility Rule Changes to Be Posted
   At the Versatility Committee’s request, two proposed rule changes will soon be posted on the MFTHBA website for member review and feedback. These proposals will be available for at least 60 days.
3. Judges Committee Recommendations Approved
   The Board approved a request from the Judges Committee to renew judges’ cards and approve a few judges for one-year grandfather cards.
4. DNA Finalization for Two Foals Approved
   Based on recommendations from the genetics laboratory, the Board approved finalizing registration for two foals that had a single system exclusion in their DNA parentage testing. This decision aligns with best practices and guidance from the International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG).
5. Member Outreach in Region 10
   The Board approved a request from Region 10 Director Jim Fitzpatrick to obtain contact information for MFTHBA members in Virginia and Ohio. Director Fitzpatrick will contact members to inform them about upcoming National Trail Rides (NTRs) in their area.
6. Lease Agreement for MFTHBA Property Approved
   A one-year lease agreement was approved for unused MFTHBA property.

Reminders:

• Spring Show camper reservations are due by April 30.
• The next MFTHBA Business Meeting is scheduled for May 19 at 6:30 p.m.

We appreciate our members’ continued involvement and encourage everyone to stay connected through updates on the MFTHBA website and our social media accounts.