Horse Fans Gather in Missouri for Fox Trotting Horse Show and Celebration Sept. 4-10
Ava, Missouri (PRWEB) August 31, 2011
Horse fans will gather in Ava, Mo., Sept. 4-10 for the 53rd Annual Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA) Show and Celebration. Hundreds of riders from around the world will compete for cash, prizes and the title of 2011 MFTHBA World Grand Champion. Trail rides will leave from the show grounds each morning at 9 a.m., and all riders with proof of a negative Coggins test are welcome. The event will also feature a beer garden each night, shopping, food, and the Budweiser Clydesdales on parade Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Call +1-417-683-2468 or visit http://www.mfthba.com for information.
The Missouri Fox Trotter, the official horse of Missouri, has received several national accolades this year: Friends of Sound Horses named a Fox Trotter Horse of the Year, and the Americas Favorite Trail Horse TV series selected three Missouri Fox Trotters in the top 100 finalists. A winner will be selected by audience votes when the reality show airs September 13 on HRTV.
Some of the best gaited horses in the country are shown at the MFTHBA Celebration, and many are actually bought and sold here during the event, said Clyde Connelly, MFTHBA President. The Celebration is also a wonderful opportunity for families to come and enjoy horses; theres something for everyone and its not expensive to have a good time here.
The horse show will feature model (halter), gaited performance, and a host of versatility competitions. More than 150 classes will be held in two arenas throughout the week. Springfield Web TV will broadcast the show live: http://springfieldwebtv.com/shows/equestrian.html.
We enjoy showing all of our Fox Trotters, but Grand Central has been a truly amazing horse to own, said Vic and Alice Rowden, owners of the 2010 World Grand Champion. Hes beautiful, talented and has an incredible heart that has brought him recognition and winners garlands four years in a row.
The MFTHBA youth will hold an auction Thursday, Sept. 8, after the show. Proceeds will fund special projects for young members like the MFTHBA Youth Achievement Program and Youth Seminar. The MFTHBA youth will also have a BBQ stand near the Versatility Arena, featuring meat from the School of the Ozarks. Lunch specials are $ 5.00.
Celebration sponsors include the following: Platinum Sponsor: Harry Patterson--Boss Man Saddlery/4Ps Ranch/Patterson Auto Center; Gold Sponsor: Montana Silversmiths; Silver Sponsors: Horseware Ireland; Brandreth Farms--John and Samantha Brandreth, Talking Rock, Ga.; Miller Ranch--Lothar and Monika Rowe, Scottsdale, Az.; Special Patron Sponsors: MFA, Inc.; Hyde Ranch--Kent and Janice Hyde, Springfield, Mo.; Ava Lion's Club; Kirsten Klindworth--Great Trail Horse, LLC; Class Sponsors: Pacific Coast Fox Trotter Assn.; Foxey Rhythm Ranch--Brian and Debbie Levillie, Stockton, Mo.; Dr. Ruth Ellen Massey, Rogersville, Mo.; United Insurance; Kansas City Regional Fox Trotter Assn.; Contributor: Larsen Farm and Lawn.
The MFTHBA show grounds are located in Ava, Mo., on Hwy. 5, one mile north of the junction of Hwy. 5 and Hwy. 14. Daily tickets are $ 5, Monday - Thursday, and $ 6 on Friday and Saturday. Weekly passes are $ 30. Children ages six and under get in free.
About the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA)
Fox Trotters originated in Missouri as ranch horses bred for smooth riding gaits as well as stamina for mountain riding and heavy ranch and farm work. They are known for versatile athleticism, the naturally smooth flat walk and fox trot gaits, and an endearing, trainable personality. Since 1948, the MFTHBA has worked to promote the Fox Trotter gaited horse and support a registry for horses that meet the breed standards of gait and conformation. There have been more than 96,000 registered Fox Trotters since the breed was formed in 1948.
Horse lovers wanting to learn more about gaited horses, in particular the Missouri Fox Trotter, can subscribe to new email publications from the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association
(MFTHBA). Visit http://www.mfthba.com to sign up.
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