Partner Organizations

American Endurance Ride Conference

www.aerc.org

From the youngest junior riders to seasoned competitors who travel far and wide, endurance riders across the United States and Canada share a common passion—a love of their horses, a desire to experience beautiful trails, and just enough competitive spirit to test themselves mile after mile. Riders participate in Limited Distance (25–35 miles) and Endurance (50 miles or more) competitions, choosing whether to pursue regional and national awards or simply enjoy earning mileage with a trusted trail partner. The American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) offers junior-level recognition in many categories and provides opportunities for riders of all ages to be rewarded for their accomplishments.

Through the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association partnership with AERC, the MFTHBA proudly recognizes the achievements of registered Missouri Fox Trotters competing in AERC-sanctioned events. To be eligible, horses must be registered with the MFTHBA, and the horse’s owner(s) must be members in good standing of both the MFTHBA and AERC during the year the miles are earned.

Awards are based on the total mileage accumulated by the horse, with both AERC Endurance and Limited Distance miles counting toward recognition. Horses may accumulate mileage across multiple categories. The MFTHBA recognizes the Top Five horses in each category, with ties broken using the horse’s completion percentage for the year. Awards are presented to the horse’s owner.

MFTHBA–AERC Recognition Categories

• High Mileage – Limited Distance (Top 5 Missouri Fox Trotters recognized)

• High Mileage – Endurance Distance (Top 5 Missouri Fox Trotters recognized)

This partnership highlights the Missouri Fox Trotter’s stamina, heart, and reliability—celebrating the breed’s success wherever the trail leads.

North American Trail Ride Conference

www.natrc.org

The North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) offers competitive long-distance trail rides for riders of all equine breeds and disciplines. NATRC events emphasize safety, sportsmanship, education, and trail horse advocacy, combining qualified veterinary and horsemanship judging with a fun, responsible, and family-friendly atmosphere. These rides provide a meaningful way to test conditioning, partnership, and horsemanship while enjoying time on the trail.

Through its partnership with NATRC, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association proudly recognizes the accomplishments of Missouri Fox Trotters competing in NATRC events. The MFTHBA awards a yearly Regional High-Point winner in each NATRC region, as well as an Overall Missouri Fox Trotting Horse High-Point winner.

To be eligible for MFTHBA recognition, horses must be registered with the MFTHBA, and the horse’s owner must be a current MFTHBA member. NATRC requires that riders also hold a current NATRC membership. This partnership highlights the Missouri Fox Trotter’s reliability, heart, and versatility while celebrating success in competitive trail riding across the country.

Western Dressage Association of America

www.westerndressageassociation.org

The Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) blends the traditions of Western riding with the principles of classical dressage, honoring the horse as a living symbol of the American West while emphasizing harmony, balance, and partnership between horse and rider. Western Dressage celebrates thoughtful horsemanship and a strong foundation, making it an increasingly popular discipline for riders across breeds and backgrounds.

The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association is pleased to partner with the WDAA to encourage Missouri Fox Trotting Horse participation in Western Dressage competition. Through this partnership, the MFTHBA sponsors classes at the WDAA World Show, has supported gaited horse high-point awards, and actively promotes WDAA activities to MFTHBA members. As participation continues to grow, the MFTHBA remains committed to expanding recognition opportunities and highlighting the success of Missouri Fox Trotters competing in the sport of Western Dressage.

Top Trail

www.toptrailhorse.com

Top Trail is one of the fastest-growing and most innovative online mileage programs for trail horses, providing riders with an easy way to track miles and celebrate time spent on the trail. Through its partnership with the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association, the MFTHBA recognizes the Top Five annual mileage earners riding registered Missouri Fox Trotters.

To be eligible for MFTHBA recognition:

• The horse must be registered with the MFTHBA

• The horse’s owner must be a current MFTHBA member during the year miles are earned

• The horse must be enrolled in the Top Trail program

• The rider must join the MFTHBA affiliate group within Top Trail

How to Get Started with Top Trail

1. Register at www.toptrailhorse.com

2. Create your account and add your horse(s), including MFTHBA registration information

3. Select a 30-day free trial or a one-year membership

   • After the trial period, a one-year subscription is required to continue logging miles

4. Request membership in the MFTHBA affiliate group

   • Rules and group links are available at:
     https://www.toptrailhorse.com/affiliate-groups/

5. Start uploading your trail rides

6. Enjoy the journey—and the miles along the way!

Trail Horse of the Year Recognition

As an added honor, the top mileage Missouri Fox Trotting Horse on the Top Trail leaderboard at the end of the calendar year—who is also enrolled in the Fox Trot America program and has a completed hours log submitted by the end of January—will be named the MFTHBA Trail Horse of the Year. This distinguished horse will be permanently recognized with its name added to a plaque in the MFTHBA Hall of Fame.

This partnership celebrates what Missouri Fox Trotters do best—cover miles comfortably, confidently, and willingly—while recognizing the riders who enjoy every step of the trail.

American Horsemen Challenge Association

http://americanhorsemenchallenge.com/

The American Horsemen Challenge Association (AHCA) offers family-friendly competition through dynamic obstacle course events that test horsemanship, partnership, and problem-solving skills. Designed to welcome all riders, disciplines, and skill levels, AHCA events provide an engaging and supportive environment while offering meaningful competition. Points are tracked nationally, allowing riders and horses to qualify for the AHCA National Finals, where competitors vie for recognition, prizes, and cash awards.

Through its partnership with the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association, the MFTHBA proudly recognizes the High-Point Missouri Fox Trotting Horse at the AHCA National Finals. To be eligible for this award, the horse must be registered with the MFTHBA, and the horse’s owner must be a current MFTHBA member during the competition year. This partnership highlights the Missouri Fox Trotter’s versatility, willingness, and confidence as they succeed in skills-based obstacle challenges.

Equine Trail Sports

https://www.equinetrailsports.com/

Enjoy a wide variety of trail challenges, obstacle courses, and recreational rides in a fun, welcoming, and family-friendly environment. Equine Trail Sports (ETS) events provide riders the opportunity to explore private ranch lands and scenic public parks, strengthen the bond with their horse, and build lasting friendships along the way. Events are open to all breeds of horses, donkeys, and mules, making ETS an inclusive experience for riders of all backgrounds and skill levels.

Through its partnership with ETS, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association proudly recognizes Missouri Fox Trotting Horses competing in ETS events. To be eligible for MFTHBA recognition, horses must be registered with the MFTHBA, and the horse’s owner(s) of record must be members in good standing of both the MFTHBA and ETS during the competition year in which points are earned.

Awards are based on points accumulated by the horse, and a minimum of four (4) ETS events must be attended to be eligible for Tournament Awards. The MFTHBA recognizes a High-Point Missouri Fox Trotting Horse in each ETS region. Each regional winner receives a custom award, with the horse’s name included. Awards are presented to the owner of the horse.