Jun 12, 2008

The 29th Spring Show and 3-Year-Old Futurity is now under way at the headquarters and show grounds of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association here. Fans of the Missouri fox trotting horse began gathering last week and by the weekend the camper area was filling up as folks moved in to enjoy the activities. About 130 young horses have been nominated to compete in three Futurity divisions for a total of almost $35,000 in prize money. A futurity horse show is one in which horses of a designated age are shown for the first time under saddle. Horse owners pay nomination fees in advance to enter their horses in the futurity, and that money is paid out in prizes to the winners. The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association held its first 3-year-old Futurity in 1980 with just 24 horses nominated. Total prize money distributed that year was $4,640. In addition to the Futurity classes, the 2008 spring show began on Wednesday night, June 11, with classes for youth, ladies and non-Futurity horses. Preliminary futurity classes will be held tonight (Thursday), with the championships in the three divisions on Saturday night. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. each evening at the MFTHBA show grounds on Highway 5, about one mile north of Ava. Beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, fox trotters will compete in versatility events, including barrel racing, jumping, reining, driving and trail classes. The Boss Man 3-year-old Ranch Horse Versatility Futurity will be held Thursday morning in the versatility arena, where 3-year-old horses will compete in cutting, roping, working cattle and western pleasure events. The MFTHBA annual Youth Seminar was held at the Ava show grounds on Tuesday, June 10. Beginning at 9 a.m., youth were able to attend sessions on the fox trot gait, proper show attire, negotiating trail obstacles, grooming, tack cleaning and other areas of interest. A youth-only fun show rounded out the day of learning. Guided trail rides will leave the show grounds at 9 a.m. each day, Tuesday through Friday. Participants need to bring their own horse, sack lunch and cross ties. “The spring show and Futurity is a great way to promote the Missouri fox trotting horse because it brings people together in one place to see all the talents the fox trotter possesses,” said Gene Donley, president of the MFTHBA. “Every aspect of our great horse is on display – performance, versatility and trail. Professional trainers and owners who train their own horses at home all have a place to compete. We look forward to the Futurity all year and always have a great time.” The MFTHBA will hold its 50th anniversary Celebration in Ava Aug. 31 through Sept. 6.