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Two Prominent Stallions Pass Away

Recently, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse breed lost two prominent stallions.  On Friday October 21, 2022, Southern Sunrise passed away at 32 years of age.  The following day, his son, Southern Playboy passed away at 27 years of age.   “Both of these Hall of Fame Stallions have had an impact on our breed and will be missed,” shared MFTHBA President, Mark Mackie.  “There is no doubt that they have made our breed better and that their legacy will carry on for generations to come.”

Southern Sunrise

Southern Sunrise owned by 4P’s Ranch

Southern Sunrise was sired by Southern Jazz and out of the mare Lad’s Misty.  He was bred by Larry Stevens (Marshfield, Missouri).  Southern Sunrise stood most of his career with Mr. Stevens.  He was purchase by 4P’s Ranch (Wichita Falls, TX) in 2012.

Southern Sunrise’s offspring were accomplished in the show ring, having won in model, performance and versatility competition.  In 2014, he was inducted in the MFTHBA Hall of Fame in recognition for his impact on the breed.  At the time of his induction, Southern Sunrise had producer more than 780 offspring.

Many owners recognized the great disposition he passed on to his offspring.  The willing disposition of his offspring made them great for amateur riders in the show ring and even better partners on the trail.  The impact he had on countless breeding programs over the years was substantial.

Read more about Southern Sunrise at https://mfthba.com/76-2/

Southern Playboy

Southern Playboy owned by Clyde Connelly

A beautiful palomino stallion sired by Southern Sunrise and out of the mare Missouri Laurel, Southern Playboy represented a lifetime of breeding for owner Clyde Connelly.  Southern Playboy’s mare line goes back to one of the mare’s that started his breeding program, Playboy’s Annie Laurie.  Mr. Connelly bred, owned, trained, and shod Southern Playboy his entire life.

Southern Playboy won many championships in his showing career, but the most notable was in 2006 when he won the Open 5 years and older World Grand Championship.  He remains the oldest horse to have won this prestigious class.

His breeding career was even more decorated having produced offspring to win in the model, performance, and versatility arena.  He has also had many offspring become valued trail horse, endurance, competitive trail, and obstacle challenge winners.

Southern Playboy was inducted into the MFTHBA Hall of Fame in 2017.  Read more about Southern Playboy at https://mfthba.com/education/2017-hall-of-fame-inductee-southern-playboy/

The MFTHBA thanks Southern Sunrise and Southern Playboy for the impact they have had and will continue to have on our breed.  These two stallions were loved by Missouri Fox Trotting Horse owners around the world and their impact will continue to be seen through their offspring.