With four months complete in 2015, we thought it was a perfect time to sit down with various MFTHBA committees and personnel to discuss what they are working on. In this Question & Answer article, we talked with Chris Patterson, MFTHBA Show Committee Chairman. Be sure to check back throughout the month of May for more Q&A sessions.

What new things can exhibitors expect at the 2015 Spring Show and Three Year Old Futurity?

Mr. Patterson: “First and second place will be awarded at the gazebo as usual.  All other ribbons will be given at the gate so that people can show off their horse as they ride on the track to receive their ribbon.”

Are there any new classes that exhibitors should expect on the showbill?

Mr. Patterson: “New classes: No profession training for past 90 days:  3&4 year olds A & B;  5 & over A & B; Open Pony Model, youth or adult, no stallions; and classic horse has been changed to 10 and over.”

Editor’s Note: Check out the complete schedule here: https://mfthba.com/springshow/pdfs/2015_Spring_Show_Class_Schedule.pdf

There has been some discussion of hosting a high point competition for exhibitors in the performance arena, can you provide more details?

Mr. Patterson: “There will be a high point exhibitor award for in three divisions:  open, amateur and youth.  The purpose of this award is to encourage exhibitors to participate in more classes.

1.  Exhibitors must nominate for the  High Point award
2. Each time they enter a class they must notify the person tracking high point
3. The points given for each class is based on the number of entries in that class. First place will receive points equal to the number of entries up to 10 points and the points will decrease by one each for 2^nd through 10^th.  Everyone in the class, including those who place, will receive a participation point. Therefore, the maximum number of points available for any one class is 11:  10 points for 1^st (if there are 10 or more entries) plus 1 participation point. This is designed to encourage exhibitors to encourage others to enter their classes in order to make the classes bigger and make more points available.
4. We are still working on prizes, but so far we have Jackets and handmade leather halters for 1^st in each division, sweatshirts for 2^nd and feed from MFA.
5. In addition, all high point participants will be entered to win a golf cart rental for the 2016 futurity.”

There is a bigger push this year for people to pre-enter their classes.  What is the advantages to exhibitors to pre-enter?  When do pre-entries need to be submitted?

Mr. Patterson: “The advantages of pre-entry are it is cheaper and you don’t have to wait in line at the office.”

Editor’s Note: Pre-entries are due May 22. The entry form can be found here: https://mfthba.com/springshow/pdfs/SSentryblank.pdf

Meet Chris Patterson: Mr. Patterson is a second generation Missouri Fox Trotting Horse owner and breeder. He showed in his first MFTHBA show in 1970. While he has owned many great horses throughout his involvement with the MFTHBA, the entire Patterson family is proud of their current stallion, Time to Tango, 2014 Amateur Owned World Grand Champion. He has served the MFTHBA in many leadership positions over the years.