Ranch sorting will be included at both MFTHBA national shows this year.  In 2016, the MFTHBA offered a free clinic to members during the World Show and Celebration.  The feedback from participants as well as from the post-show survey showed that there was significant interest in expanding the inclusion of ranch sorting at MFTHBA events.

“We were lucky to team up with Cornerstone Productions to host the ranch sorting clinic,” shared Amber Wilson, MFTHBA Region 4 Director.  “Jeff Holman and his crew have been wonderful to work with.  They conducted a great clinic and are very enthusiastic about helping us incorporate ranch sorting competition into our breed shows.”

The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse is bred to be an all-around horse with many owners utilizing their horses on working cattle ranches.  The breed’s rich history as a working cattle horse makes the sport of team sorting is a natural fit.

Members of the MFTHBA Board of Directors and the MFTHBA Versatility Committee recently met with Cornerstone Productions to discuss their interest in helping the MFTHBA expand from clinics to jackpot competitions.

“The MFTHBA continues to look for ways to engage its members to be involved with this great horse,” shared Chad Hindman, MFTHBA Region 7 Director.  “The MFTHBA is excited about the opportunity to work with Cornerstone Productions and build upon one of the top family equine sports across the world while using the Missouri Fox Trotter,”

“Cattle sorting is an event where riders of all ages and competition levels can compete; therefore, our goal is to grow this from a one-time clinic as of last year to a well-recognized event within our breed,” added Mr. Hindman.

At the January 2017 Board of Directors meeting, the MFTHBA Board voted to commit to a five year plan to grow the ranch sorting competition.  The Association wants to have enough participation to justify handing out World Grand Champion Ranch Sorting titles by 2022.

To reach that goal, the focus in 2017 will continue to be on education along with adding in some jackpot ranch sorting competition.  This year’s Spring Show and Three Year Old Futurity will include two days of ranch sorting clinics.  The clinics will be held on Wednesday June 7 and Thursday June 8 in the Versatility Arena.  Like last year, clinic participation is free to MFTHBA members.  Non-members are welcome to participate for a $40 registration fee which includes a MFTHBA membership.  Participants may attend one or both days of the clinic.

The clinics will be followed by our first MFTHBA ranch sorting jackpot on Friday June 9.

Ranch sorting will also be incorporated into this year’s World Show and Celebration.  “We are working with Cornerstone Productions to finalize the plans for both the Spring Show and the Celebration,” shared Aaron Stanifer, MFTHBA President.  Additional information will be shared in the coming months.  Keep an eye out in future issues of The Journal and on MFTHBA.com for more information.