Sep 4, 2008

The 50th anniversary Show and Celebration of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association is under way at Ava and will continue through Saturday night. Rain this week no doubt will have an affect on the shows, as the association squeezes 167 events into the seven-day affair. At times, shows will be going on simultaneously in two arenas with classes scheduled to show at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., each day. Versatility classes include showmanship, reining, trail, ranch horse events, and timed events. Horses showing in the versatility classes will be working toward high points in six different categories. The high point winners will be recognized at the start of the World Grand Champion show on Saturday night, which begins at 6 o’clock. The Show and Celebration will conclude with the naming of a new World Grand Champion Missouri Foxtrotter on Saturday night. However, Thursday night’s show is very important to the exhibitors because tonight’s bill includes qualifying events for the World Grand Champion Open 5 Years & Older class as well as the amateur 5-and-over class. An added feature of the Golden Anniversary Show and Celebration will be a parade of Grand Champions on Friday night, Sept. 5, prior to the night's first class. A full dozen former World Grand Champions are scheduled to participate in this special feature event. Those planning to participate are: 1993, Missouri's Charming April M; 1994, Missouri's Charming Princess M; 1996, Pancho Villa A; 1998, Sundust's Red Lady J; 2000, Patriot's Scud Buster; 2001, Patriot's Traveling Spitfire; 2002, Southern Brandy; 2003, Prince Jester; 2004, Cardinal's Gunslinger A; 2005, Hey Ace M; 2006, Southern Playboy; and 2007, Frank's Kansas Red D. Immediately following the show tonight (Thursday) there will be a karaoke contest and youth benefit auction. The first place winner in the late-night karaoke will take home $100 in prize money, with second place taking $50. The National Foal and Yearling Sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, will offer the chance to bid on 79 registered Missouri Fox Trotting weanlings and yearlings consigned by members from several states. The annual Affiliate Meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, in the Hall of Fame room. The annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Saturday afternoon, Sept. 6, in the Hall of Fame room adjacent to the world headquarters office. The association has not made public the names of those being inducted this year. Trail rides have been scheduled each day this week, and the final two rides will be held on Thursday and Friday. Those planning to participate will meet directly across from the association headquarters office at 9 a.m. Today’s ride will be in the vicinity of Crystal Lake east of Ava and Friday’s ride will go to the Elk Ranch at Brown Branch.