Annual Fox Trotter World Show and Celebration Runs Sept. 2-8
Above is the 2017 World Grand Champion Missouri Fox Trotter, C.I.A., shown last year by Thomas J. Williams for Adam Jokisch, of Freeburg, Ill.
Local horse enthusiasts may be interested in joining the trail rides, especially the Bud Hutchison Memorial Ride to be held on Monday, Sept. 3.
AVA, Mo. –– Hundreds of beautiful Missouri Fox Trotting Horses and thousands of their fans will arrive in Ava, Mo., from Sunday, September 2 through Saturday, September 8 for the 60th Annual Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA) World Show and Celebration. Exhibitors and their registered Missouri Fox Trotters will compete for cash, prizes and the coveted title of 2018 MFTHBA World Grand Champion.
Horses will be exhibited in more than 133 classes from Sunday through Saturday.
Various events outside the arena will be held to highlight the versatility of the State Horse of Missouri.
On Friday, Sept. 7 at 9 a.m., the first ranch sorting World Champions will be crowned at a ranch sorting jackpot presented by Cornerstone Productions. Evening activities on Saturday will begin with the induction of members into the Hall of Fame, followed by the final competition and crowning of the 2018 World Grand Champion.
Attendees might also enjoy the fun dog show on Friday or the poker run competition on Saturday.
There is a full week of competition that includes classes in model (halter), gaited performance, and versatility (ranch horse, horsemanship, showmanship, western pleasure, etc.) competitions.
During the show, vendors will offer everything from food to fashion, with items located throughout the 130 acre grounds.
Guests may also enjoy visiting the Hall of Fame and Museum located in the headquarters building, or shopping for official Missouri Fox Trotter items at the Fox Trotter Store in the Roy Williams Pavilion.
Regular admission daily tickets are $5, Monday through Thursday, and $6 on Friday and Saturday. Weekly passes are $30.
All horse owners are invited to enjoy trail rides departing from the show grounds during the week, Monday through Friday mornings. The trail rides are open to all riders, regardless of breed of horse, and you do not have to be an exhibitor to participate. However, all horses entering show grounds will need proof of their horse’s negative Coggins test and a certificate of veterinary inspection.
The MFTHBA show grounds are located in Ava, Mo., on Hwy. 5, one mile north of the junction of Hwy. 5 and Hwy. 14. For accommodation or show information, please email foxtrot@mfthba.com.
For a complete list of events scheduled visit https://mfthba.com/celebration/event-information/special-events/
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. Today there are more than 100,000 registered Fox Trotters worldwide. Visit www.mfthba.com
