The 142^nd running of the Kentucky Derby took place on May 7, 2016.  While there was much talk about the favorite, Nyquist, and challengers, such as Exaggerator, pre-race coverage also spent a lot of time on the fashion of the day, namely the hats worn by the women and men in attendance.

Derby hats have been worn since the first race 142 years ago, but they really came into fashion in the 1960s.  During the 70s and 80s the trend died down a little, but it picked back up in the 90s.  After the Royal wedding in 2011, the Derby hat was taken to new heights and now it is a major talking point on Derby day.

Although hats are a major focal point on Kentucky Derby day, the flamboyant hats can be found at horsing events around the world.  The trend has become that wherever there are horses, there are hats.  So why not at the MFTHBA Spring Show and Three Year Old Futurity?  We definitely have horses, and we like to have a lot of fun.

The MFTHBA Membership Committee is hosting the first annual Futurity Hat Day at the 2016 Spring Show and Three Year Old Futurity.  The committee encourages all women and men to bring their favorite Derby hat or fascinator to the Futurity, or better yet, create your own elaborate hat especially for the Futurity.  There is no blueprint, so just let your imagination run wild.

Everyone is encouraged to wear their Futurity hat on Friday, June 10^th, to the show.  Take a picture wearing your hat at the selfie booth, post it on social media (Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram) and use the hashtag #MFTFuturity2016.  On Saturday, the person with the most “likes” will be announced as the winner of the first Futurity Hat Day.  If you are new to using hashtags, please find an MFTHBA Membership Committee member for assistance.  They will be happy to assist you.

Why did the Committee choose Friday instead of Thursday or Saturday?  The Spring Show features the Missouri Fox Trotting three-year-olds.  This is the first show for these horses and the committee knows that people will be busy making sure that these horses are at their best.  Friday features senior horses which would allow more people to participate in the fun.  Even if you plan to show on Friday night, you can still wear your Futurity hat at some point and take your picture at the selfie booth.

As the committee works to build this event in future years, the Membership Committee is planning to add a charity component to the event.  The winner of this year’s Futurity Hat Day will be able to select the charity organization for next year’s event.  What a great opportunity to have fun with your Fox Trotter friends and to help an organization that is near and dear to your heart.

Stay tuned for additional information about the first annual MFTHBA Futurity Hat Day.  Until then, start working on those hats!