Question and Answer Series: MFTHBA Youth Committee
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 Jessica Moore, MFTHBA Youth Committee Chairman. Be sure to check back throughout the month of May for more Q&A sessions.
- What is the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Youth Association?
Ms. Moore: “The MFTHBYA is a youth program that provides education and enjoyable activities for members 17 and under. The MFTHBYA offers programs that give youth the opportunity to learn and practice business skills in the horse industry, help worthy causes and events, and engage in leadership positions. The program emphasizes good horsemanship and recognizes those youth who show initiative and interest in owning, riding and raising Missouri Fox Trotters. The MFTHBYA also encourages good sportsmanship through a friendly, competitive atmosphere. New this year in an incentive program – a booklet that any youth member, anywhere, can fill out and turn in for a reward at the end of the year. All MFTHBA members that are 17 years or under as of January 1st of that calendar year are automatically members of the MFTHBYA.”
- At the Spring Show and Three Year Old Futurity, the Youth Committee will be selecting the Youth All-Star. Tell us a little about the process that goes into selecting this young person to represent the MFTHBA.
Ms. Moore: “All Teen Delegates from the previous year are eligible to compete for the All-Star position. The competition will involve a written test, horsemanship demonstration, speech, interview and impromptu questions. In past years, this competition has taken place prior to the Spring Show, but this year we have decided to hold it immediately after the seminar on Thursday, June 11. The winner of the competition will earn the title of All-Star, as well as a $1,000 college scholarship. The All-Star will represent the MFTHBA at national events and be a leader and role model for all youth members.”
- At the same event, the committee will also be hosting the annual Youth Seminar. This year’s seminar is during the show versus prior to like past years. Why the change?
Ms. Moore: “There were several reasons for the change to the annual Youth Seminar. First, the youth committee wanted to allow as many youth as possible to attend the seminar. We had heard from the past years that many people couldn’t make it down a full day before the Spring Show started and therefore would miss the seminar. We wanted to open the seminar up to every youth, not just the ones who lived close enough to Ava. Second, we were informed of the changes to the Versatility class schedule, moving all those classes to Friday and Saturday, and decided to take advantage of some available time during the week. Since the youth performance classes take place Wednesday evening, we decided many youth wouldn’t be available for the seminar until Thursday. By keeping the seminar fairly short, 9am-1pm, we will not interfere with other activities happening on the show grounds that day.”
- What can participating youth expect to do at the Youth Seminar?
Ms. Moore: “This year’s seminar will include topics such as Versatility Tips, Roping, Shoeing, Equitation and Grooming presented by some of the top trainers in the Fox Trot breed. There will also be a short fun short at the very end of the seminar for everyone to participate in. Youth can bring a horse for the seminar if they want, but they do not need one. Each participant will receive a t-shirt, a certificate, and a free pizza lunch!”
- What are some of the advantages to youth getting involved with the MFTHBA Youth Program?
Ms. Moore: “Meet new friends, learn about fox trotters, earn rewards, and help shape the future of the breed!”
For more information on the MFTHBA Youth Seminar or other MFTHBYA activities, contact the MFTHBA office at (417 ) 683-2468 or foxtrot@mfthba.com.
Meet Jessica Moore: Ms. Moore has been a longtime supporter of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse. As a youth, she participated in MFTHBYA activities and competed in youth classes at MFTHBA shows. In 2006, she graduated from the University of Missouri with a B.S. in Animal Science. She has continued to support, show and raise Missouri Fox Trotting Horses. This is her first year as MFTHBA Youth Committee chairman.