World Grand Champion Fox Trotter Will be Crowned Saturday Night
The 55th annual Show and Celebration of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association is under way at the show grounds north of Ava this week.
On Saturday night the 2013 World Grand Champion will be crowned, but prior to that there’s a lot of fox trotting to be done.
Thursday night’s show includes some very important classes because that’s when Missouri Fox Trotters qualify for the World Grand Champion stake class on Saturday night.
Hundreds of beautiful Missouri Fox Trotters and thousands of their fans are in Ava for the show that began on Sunday and will run through Saturday, Sept. 7.
Exhibitors and their registered Missouri Fox Trotters are competing for cash, prizes and the coveted title of 2013 MFTHBA World Grand Champion.
Horses will be exhibited in more than 150 classes during the week. Various events outside the arena are also being held to highlight the versatility of the State Horse of Missouri as well as provide socializing and education for their owners.
On Friday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m., a trail obstacle jackpot will be held on the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) approved practice course located on the MFTHBA grounds.
On Saturday Sept. 7, events will begin at 10 a.m. with a Missouri Fox Trotting Horse sale followed by a clinic conducted by trainer Geno Middleton.
Saturday evening activities will begin with the induction of members and horses into the Hall of Fame and a parade of past World Grand Champions, followed by the final competition and crowning of the 2013 World Grand Champion.
Regular admission daily tickets are $5 through Thursday, and $6 on Friday and Saturday. Weekly passes are $30.
Daily trail rides are also being held through Friday. Rides are open to all riders, regardless of the breed of horse and you do not have to be an exhibitor to participate. All horses entering the show grounds will need proof of their horse’s negative Coggins test and a certificate of veterinary inspection. Call 1-417-683-2468 or visit www.mfthba.com for information.
The MFTHBA show grounds are located at Ava, Mo., on Highway 5, one mile north of the junction of Hwy. 5 and Hwy. 14.
