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Showing your Missouri Fox Trotter

Competing with your Missouri Fox Trotting Horse is a rewarding way to showcase the partnership you’ve built together while highlighting the versatility, athleticism, and willing disposition of our remarkable breed. Missouri Fox Trotters continue to excel in a wide range of open-breed competitions, including trail, endurance, ranch horse, roping, field trials, jumping, and dressage. Many also participate in exciting disciplines such as barrel racing, cowboy mounted shooting, and even mounted archery.

The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association proudly partners with numerous organizations to recognize the achievements of registered Missouri Fox Trotting Horses across these disciplines. Through these partnerships, members can earn special awards and recognition while promoting the breed in diverse and meaningful ways.

National High Point & Show Recognition Programs

One of the key ways the MFTHBA supports and recognizes exhibitors is through the Horse Show National High Point Program. This program celebrates members who promote the Missouri Fox Trotter in the show ring and documents accomplishments that become part of each horse’s official record.

Expanded in 2022, the National High Point Program was developed to support local shows, encourage participation, and provide meaningful year-end recognition. The program offers flexibility while maintaining clear standards, making it easier than ever for shows and exhibitors to get involved.

Recognized Shows

Recognized Shows allow events to welcome Missouri Fox Trotters without requiring MFTHBA-carded judges or strict adherence to MFTHBA class rules. These shows:

  • Are promoted by the MFTHBA

  • Provide visibility for participating horses

  • Allow results to be added to the horse’s official record

  • Automatically apply Medal Program points where applicable

This option offers flexibility for show managers while still delivering value to exhibitors and horses.

Point Shows

Point Shows follow MFTHBA rules, use MFTHBA-carded judges, and offer designated point classes. Results from Point Shows count toward:

  • National High Point Awards

  • Trainer of the Year

  • Stallion of the Year

Point Shows receive the same promotional support as Recognized Shows, while also contributing directly to MFTHBA year-end awards and standings.

Sponsored Buckle Series Program

In addition, shows that include Missouri Fox Trotting Horse classes may participate in the MFTHBA Sponsored Buckle Series Program. This program allows local show managers to develop high-point awards, such as buckles, that recognize exhibitors’ accomplishments while further promoting Missouri Fox Trotters at the local level.

Together, these programs reflect the MFTHBA’s commitment to supporting exhibitors, partnering with show managers, and recognizing achievement—no matter how or where you compete. Whether you attend one local show or compete throughout the year, there are meaningful opportunities to be recognized and to promote the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse.

In addition to supporting open-breed and local shows, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association also proudly sponsors and hosts several of the breed’s premier events, including the Spring Show and Three Year Old Futurity, the World Show and Celebration, and the MFTHBA Cowboy Classic. These events provide additional opportunities for exhibitors to compete, learn, and connect while showcasing the Missouri Fox Trotter in a welcoming, well-supported environment.

Learn more about showing at MFTHBA-sponsored shows on our Show Basics page.