Home Three Year Old Futurity to be Held in Conjunction with 2020 Mid-America Grand Slam

Three Year Old Futurity to be Held in Conjunction with 2020 Mid-America Grand Slam

The 2020 Three Year Old Futurity will be held in conjunction with the 2020 Mid-America Grand Slam. Pictured is the 2019 Open Three Year Old Futurity Champion, Grand Slamm.  Grand Slamm is owned by Lloyd Dehner of Mansfield, Missouri.

A few weeks ago, the MFTHBA announced the delay of the 2020 Spring Show and Three Year Old Futurity.  The MFTHBA Board of Directors has been working on options for this year’s show.  Recently, the Board voted to host the MFTHBA Three Year Old Futurity in conjunction with the Mid-America Grand Slam scheduled to be held at the MFTHBA World Headquarters and Showgrounds in early July.

“In reviewing the options available and in talking to MFTHBA members, this option seemed to make the most sense for our exhibitors,” shared Mark Mackie, MFTHBA President.  “We appreciate the Mid America Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association Board of Directors accommodating our classes.”

To accommodate the nine Three Year Old Futurity classes, the Mid-America Grand Slam will expand by a day.  The show will be held July 8-11, 2020.  Three-Year-Old Futurity preliminary classes will be held on Wednesday, July 8 followed by Championship classes on July 11.  These nine classes will follow MFTHBA rules and will be managed by the MFTHBA.  The remainder of the show schedule in the Dale Esther Arena will be managed by the Mid America Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MAFTHBA).

Three Year Old Futurity horse owners can anticipate receiving judge ballots from the MAFTHBA.  “The Mid America Board offered to include our horse owners in their judge selection process,” added Mr. Mackie.  The MFTHBA Board of Directors will have a representative present throughout the ballot counting process.

While Three Year Old Futurity horse owners are participating in the Grand Slam balloting process, owners should know judges selected will not entirely make up the judges for the Three-Year-Old Futurity classes.  The MFTHBA plans to utilize five judges versus the three-judge system utilized by the Grand Slam.

Those planning to attend may take advantage of the MFTHBA’s special Spring Show camper spot reservation rate.  Weekly camper spot reservations are just $175 and will include two weekly show passes.  Those not reserving before the show utilizing this special will pay $25 per day.

Because of the importance of all aspects of the Springs Show, following the decision to move the Three Year Old Futurity classes to the Mid-Am Grand Slam in July, the MFTHBA Board requested both the Trail Committee and the Versatility Sub-committee look at adding these events from the Spring Show in July as well.  Initial indication from the MFTHBA Trail Committee is that trail rides will not be held in July because of concerns of heat.  “While the Mid-America Grand Slam features performance classes, we hoped to also incorporate the other features of the Spring Show, including versatility classes, ranch sorting, and trail rides, into the July event,” shared Mr. Mackie.  “While I am disappointed we won’t be hosting our traditional National Trail Rides during this event, I understand the concern of the trail committee regarding the heat.”

Details on the viability of hosting versatility events are still being determined.  The Versatility Sub-Committee is currently reaching out to past exhibitors to gauge the interest in participating in classes.  If the committee determines there is interest, details will be announced soon.

If you plan to attend in July, please watch the Spring Show website (www.MFTHBA.com/springshow) for additional details.