




Note: A new Show and Celebration website is coming soon.
The MFTHBA World Show and Celebration is the premier annual gathering of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse community. Held each year during the week of Labor Day in Ava, this signature event brings together exhibitors, breeders, owners, and enthusiasts from across the country and around the world.
The Celebration features top-level competition in performance, model, versatility, ranch sorting, and ranch horse classes, along with occasional educational clinics, special events, and a lively vendor area. Designed to be both competitive and welcoming, the World Show and Celebration showcases the Missouri Fox Trotter’s talent, disposition, and versatility while creating an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike.
Table of contents:
Please reference the MFTHBA Rule Book.
Learn more about the MFTHBA World Headquarters & Showgrounds.
All owners of a horse and the exhibitor must be current members of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association, unless otherwise noted.
Model
Model classes are conducted in hand. Horses are evaluated on how closely they conform to the breed standard for conformation. Judges also assess the horse’s flat foot walk as part of the overall evaluation.
Performance
In the performance ring, Missouri Fox Trotters are judged on their ability to perform the breed-standard gaits.
Typical performance tack includes a western saddle and a standard bridle with brow band and cavesson. Horses also wear ribbons in the mane and forelock, which help illustrate the rhythm and timing of the gait. Specific classes may allow or require exceptions to standard tack.
Versatility
Versatility classes encompass a broad range of disciplines, which may include:
These classes generally follow the similar rules and guidelines as other breed competitions for those disciplines, with the expectation that horses will perform a fox trot in most classes.
Division requirements apply to both the Three-Year-Old Futurity/Spring Show and the Show & Celebration unless otherwise noted. For complete and official rules, refer to the Official Handbook: Rules, Standards & Policies.
Horse Ownership
Exhibitor
Horse Eligibility
Horse Ownership
Exhibitor
Horse Eligibility
Horse Ownership
Exhibitor
Horse Eligibility
Professional’s Family Member Exception
Horse Ownership
Exhibitor
Horse Eligibility
Training Restrictions
Horse Ownership
Exhibitor
Restrictions & Safety
The main Schedule of Events is found in the following printable PDF.
The Celebration National Trail Ride will be held at North Fork River Ranch, West Plains, MO September 3-5, 2026.
Rides will start 10:00 am each day.
The rides will be about 2-3 hours, depending on the heat. We may go back out for evening rides if there is enough interest. Beef and Chicken Lasagna will be provided for the meal Friday evening at 5:30. We are asking everyone to bring a side. There will be drawings for door prizes. If you are riding for points be sure and allow time to fill out the required paperwork, before the ride. Please have your MFTHBA membership number and your horses registration number with you at sign up.
Everyone’s welcome to come and ride whether you are riding for points or not. Maybe you just want ride with some great horses and their owners, or just come by and visit with us.
Wayne Goodman
Trail Committee Chair
870-283-2501
Note: MFTHBA members from Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, or 10 earn double points when they participate in the National Trail Rides at the World Show and Celebration if they ride two or more days. The National Trail Ride Program not only provides organized trail rides around the country for Missouri Fox Trotting Horse enthusiasts to participate in but they also recognize MFTHBA members for their involvement. After earning 10 points, MFTHBA members receive a beautiful belt buckle with additional awards at 20 and 30 points. Learn more about the National Trail Ride Program.
ALL horses entering the show grounds MUST have a current negative Coggins (EIA) test AND a Certificate of Veterinary Inspections within 30 days if they are from a state other than Missouri.
Thursday, September 10th:
Friday, September 11th:
Saturday, September 12th:
Cornerstone Arena and Campground, LLC. Rt 72 Box 2377-1
Alton, MO 65606
Jeff Holman- 417-270-2722
Entry Fees: $15 per person, per run – CASH ONLY
First run for everyone will include the one-time cattle fee of $40.
Classes:
Membership Renewals
Memberships renew annually on January 1.
Show and Celebration Camper Reservations Deadline
Camper reservations must be submitted by June 30.
Recommended Administrative Deadlines
To avoid delays during the busy show season, exhibitors are strongly encouraged to complete the following in August:
Horse transfers
Membership purchases or renewals
Exhibitor card purchases
Important Transfer Requirements:
Horses competing as Amateur Owned and Trained must be transferred at least 60 days prior to the Show and Celebration.
For an immediate family member to exhibit a horse in Amateur Owned classes, the horse must be transferred by March 1.
Missouri Fox Trotting Horse World Show & Celebration
The Show and Celebration begins the Sunday prior to Labor Day in Ava, Missouri.
Early Entry Deadline
Early entries must be submitted by September 2.
Tickets for the Fall Show and Celeberation will be added to the Store in July or August. Visit the MFTHBA Fox Trot Store.
Driving Directions:
From Springfield, Missouri (approximately 1 hour drive time)
U.S. 60 East to the Missouri 5 (Mansfield/Ava) Exit
Turn Right onto Missouri 5 South
Showgrounds is approximately 12 miles and is located on the right side of the highway
Airports
Branson Airport: http://flybranson.com/
Driving Directions from airport to Ava, Missouri, using Google Maps
Springfield-Branson National Airport: http://www.sgf-branson-airport.com/
Driving Directions from airport to Ava, Missouri, using Google Maps
Ava
Super 8: 417-683-1343
MFTHBA RV Hookup Rental at the Showgrounds 417-683-2468 or foxtrot@mfthba.com
MFTHBA Stall Rental 417-683-2468 or foxtrot@mfthba.com
Gainesville
Antler Motel: 417-679-4292
Vaught’s Restaurant & Motel: 417-679-1081
Mansfield
Mansfield Woods Cabin Rentals–417-924-1345 or www.mansfieldwoods.net
The Weaver Inn: 417-924-2600
Seymour
Americas Best Value Inn: 417-935-9888 or www.abviseymourmo.com
Seymour Country Inn: 417-935-9888
Mountain Grove
Travelodge: 417-926-3152
Days Inn: 417-926-5555
Mountain Grove Motel: 417-926-6101
Marshfield
The Dickey House: 417-468-3000 or www.dickeyhouse.com
RV and Trailer Rentals
RV Repair Near Me: 417-533-7530 www.rvrepairgroup.com/
MFTHBA Text Updates
Your privacy matters. No mobile information is shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
MFTHBA General Updates
Stay connected with important news, announcements, and reminders from the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association. Members and supporters can expect 2–4 brief, timely messages per month, designed to keep you informed without overwhelming your inbox.
To subscribe, text MFTHBA to 209-209-2478.
MFTHBA Showgrounds & Event Updates
Ideal for those attending MFTHBA-sponsored events at the Ava showgrounds, this option provides event-specific updates, including schedule changes, special announcements, and on-site information. During event weeks, you may receive daily messages to keep you up to date.
To subscribe, text MFTEvents to 209-209-2478.
These optional text updates are another way the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association helps members and participants stay informed, prepared, and connected.
Show Entry Office Hours
Opens: Saturday, September 5
Operating Hours:
EXHIBITORS: Don’t forget, you must re-enter all championship classes!
MFTHBA Office Hours During the Celebration
The MFTHBA Main Office will be open throughout the Celebration to assist members with registrations, transfers, membership renewals, and other services.
Office Hours:
We encourage exhibitors to take care of paperwork needs early in the week to avoid last-minute delays.
The Youth, Amateur, and Professional Application forms can be found on the MFTHBA Show Forms page, you will also find the Camper Spot Reservation and Golf Cart forms on the same page for your convenience.
All horses entering the showgrounds must have a current negative Coggins (EIA). A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is required on horses from outside Missouri. These papers must be presented at the entry office at the time of the initial entry or pre-entry pickup. Once the horse is issued a back number, the papers do not need to be presented for future entries.
A $10 per horse fee will be assessed.
Each horse will receive a Horse Pass Sticker once paperwork is verified. Horses may not enter a class without this verification.
The Board strongly recommends that all horses be vaccinated for equine influenza prior to arrival.
All horses entered in the Spring Show must be registered with either the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association or the Missouri Fox Trotting Pony Registry.
Horse owners and the exhibitor must be current MFTHBA members. If the horse is co-owned, both owners must be members. For classes designated as Open or Amateur, the exhibitor must also have an exhibitor card. The MFTHBA strongly recommends that owners and exhibitors purchase memberships and exhibitor cards at least 45 days prior to the show. This will help streamline the entry process.
Exhibitors are responsible for entering the correct classes. Exhibitors are strongly encouraged to review their entry receipts carefully to confirm that all intended classes have been entered correctly.
The entry receipt is required if there is a question or dispute regarding a horse’s entries.
Exhibitors may also review posted entries through HorseShowTracker.
Entry information is shared on HorseShowTracker after the Show / Entry Office closes each day.
Exhibitors with paid subscriptions to HorseShowTracker may view entries prior to office closure.
Reviewing receipts and posted entries early helps avoid delays or issues once the show begins.
Entries will be accepted only during Show / Entry Office hours.
Saturday–Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Lunch: The Show / Entry Office remains open and does not close for lunch.
Important Entry Deadlines:
Versatility class entries: Close the day prior.
Evening performance & model class entries: Close at 4:00 p.m.
Saturday entries: Close at 2:00 p.m.
The Board of Directors reserves the right to combine or split classes and to revise the class schedule as necessary to ensure efficient and fair competition.
MFTHBA World Show and Celebration
Ethical, sportsmanlike, and professional behavior, along with the humane treatment of horses, is expected of all exhibitors, trainers, agents, and spectators. Intimidation, abusive language, or aggressive behavior will not be tolerated on the showgrounds.
Only photographers and videographers contracted by the MFTHBA are authorized to publicly sell photographs or video from the event.
Youth 11 years of age and under may exhibit only in designated youth classes, jockey change, and costume classes.
Youth 6 years of age and under must have an attendant present in the arena while exhibiting.
It is recommended that all youth 11 years of age and under wear an ASTM/SEI-certified helmet while exhibiting.
Dogs are permitted on MFTHBA showgrounds on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
A maximum of two dogs per campsite is allowed unless prior arrangements are made with the MFTHBA.
Seeing eye and service dogs are exempt.
North: Northwest of Barn 13, west of the road
South: Below the hill, south of Camper Spaces 1–20
West: Below the hill, west of the Versatility Arena
If using areas outside the designated dog walk zones, owners must carry a pooper scooper and clean up after their pets.
Dogs are not permitted in spectator seating areas at any of the five arenas on the showgrounds. Service dogs are exempt.
The following breeds, as determined by the MFTHBA insurance carrier, are not allowed on MFTHBA property:
Pit Bull
American Bull Terrier
Yankee Terrier
Rottweiler
Wolf Hybrid (Tundra Shepherds)
Akita
Chow Chow
Presa Canario
Any trained guard dog
Any dog with vicious tendencies or a history of biting
Mixed-breed dogs that include any prohibited breed are also not permitted.
Owners or handlers of prohibited, aggressive, confrontational, or excessively barking dogs will be required to remove the animal from the showgrounds.
All golf carts and utility vehicles must display a current MFTHBA-issued permit.
Proof of current insurance is required to operate any golf cart or utility vehicle on MFTHBA property.
Operators must be at least 16 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.
Alcohol, smoking, and dogs are prohibited in the spectator seating areas of the Dale Esther Arena and the Versatility Arena.
The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association works with designated photographers to capture the World Show and Celebration experience while ensuring a safe, respectful, and well-organized environment for exhibitors, horses, and spectators.
Main Arena: Remember Wynn Photography
Versatility Arena: Meeko Photography
Information regarding the Versatility photographer will be posted once confirmed.
Professional photographers and videographers are not permitted on the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association World Headquarters and Showgrounds without express written permission from the MFTHBA.
The following equipment is not allowed without prior written approval:
Professional photography equipment
Cameras with lenses 4 inches or longer
Camera support pods or tripods
Video cameras of any size mounted on a tripod
All media personnel must:
Check in with the MFTHBA Office
Request and display official media credentials
Conduct all photography and videography without disrupting activities on the grounds
Violation of the MFTHBA Visitor and Media Policy may result in immediate removal from the premises.
Any photographer or videographer capturing images or video at an MFTHBA event automatically grants the MFTHBA full permission to access, use, and publish those photos or videos at no charge.
No written release is required
Images and video may be used for promotional, educational, historical, or archival purposes
In addition, all exhibitors and horse owners participating in MFTHBA events grant permission for the MFTHBA to use their likeness, name, horse’s likeness, and related images or video for promotional and informational purposes without compensation.
Individuals or organizations wishing to conduct professional photography or videography should request permission in advance.
To request media approval:
Contact the MFTHBA Office at foxtrot@mfthba.com
Include a brief description of:
Intended use of photos or video
Equipment to be used
Dates and locations requested
Await written approval before bringing professional equipment onto the grounds
Approval is at the discretion of the MFTHBA and may include additional conditions or restrictions.
The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association is pleased to welcome vendors to the World Show and Celebration. Our events bring together exhibitors, trainers, breeders, families, and spectators from across the country, creating an excellent opportunity to connect with a highly engaged and supportive audience.
Vendor participation plays an important role in the overall show experience. From equine services and tack to apparel, art, and specialty items, vendors help create a vibrant atmosphere that enhances the event for everyone in attendance.
Vendor spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage interested vendors to submit their application early to secure preferred placement. If you have a specific location request, please include that information with your application, and we will do our best to accommodate it.
Our team is committed to making the vendor experience positive, organized, and exhibitor-friendly. If you have questions or need additional information, the MFTHBA office is happy to assist.
We appreciate your interest in being part of the Celebration and look forward to welcoming you to Ava.
For questions or assistance:
MFTHBA Office
Phone: (417) 683-2468
Email: foxtrot@mfthba.com






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636-583-2244
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lakeyhay@yahoo.com
https://lakey-and-lakey.com/
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nwequinesvc@gmail.com
Clinic: 479-521-5558 Cell: 479-601-3017
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Shrable Fertilizer
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(417) 935-2024
https://www.facebook.com/ShrableFertilizerandFeed/
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(417) 683-2139
cterry@fcnbinsurance.com
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(417) 935-2405
KT’s Foxtrotters
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417-679-4885
ktsfoxtrotters@aol.com
Linda Shaddy
Tri Mi Stables
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GWHA
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Huss Perf Horses
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St Louis Affiliate
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