AVA, MISSOURI – Hundreds of beautiful Missouri Fox Trotting Horses and their fans will arrive in Ava, Mo., from Sunday, September 5th through Saturday, September 11th for the 63rd Annual Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA) World Show and Celebration. The week also coincides with the newly designated Missouri Fox Trotter Week signed by Missouri Governor Parson earlier this year.
Exhibitors and their registered Missouri Fox Trotters will compete for the coveted title of 2021 MFTHBA World Grand Champion. Horses will be exhibited in more than 138 classes from Sunday through Saturday. Various events outside the arena will be held to highlight the versatility of the State Horse of Missouri. 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 2021 World Grand Champion. The final night’s performance will be live-streamed by TDH Media.
There is a full week of competition that includes classes in model (halter), gaited performance, versatility (ranch horse, horsemanship, showmanship, western pleasure, etc.), and ranch sorting competitions. Throughout the show, vendors will offer everything from food to fashion located throughout the 130-acre grounds. Guests may also enjoy visiting the Hall of Fame and Museum located in the headquarters building, or selecting official Missouri Fox Trotter items at the Fox Trotter Store in the Roy Williams Pavilion.
Following the evening performance on Monday, attendees will enjoy listening to award-winning bluegrass band The Baker Family, presented by Crawford Auction Service.
On Wednesday, the MFTHBA will highlight the need to find a cure for cancer. During the Wednesday evening session, a special class has been added to the schedule where individuals may show in support or memory of someone impacted by cancer. Entry fees for the class will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
On Friday night will be military appreciation night. Active military and veterans will receive free entry into the show on Friday. Special events will begin at 5 p.m. when a military honoree meet and greet will be held at the Roy Williams Pavilion on the showgrounds. To kick off the show, active military and veterans will be asked to join the opening ceremonies. Golf carts will be provided for those that
need assistance.
Regular admission daily tickets are $5, Monday through Thursday, and $6 on Friday and Saturday. Weekly passes are
$30.
All horses entering the show grounds will need proof of their horse’s negative Coggins test and a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI). 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 more information on the event, visit MFTHBA.com/celebration.
2021 Missouri Fox Trotting Horse World Show and Celebration
Calendar of Events
Celebrating Missouri Fox Trotter Week
All Week Events
Membership Drive Special
Wednesday, September 1 through Saturday, September 4 (pre-show event)
National Trail Ride, North Fork River Ranch, West Plains, Missouri
Friday, September 4 (pre-show event)
National Trail Ride Participant Dinner, North Fork River Ranch, West Plains, Missouri
Saturday, September 4 (pre-show events)
10 a.m. New Attendee Welcome Session, Hall of Fame Room
6 p.m. MFTHBA Membership Dinner, Versatility Arena, RSVP requested
Cornhole Tournament Sign-ups during Membership Dinner
Sunday, September 5
9 a.m. Versatility Competition, Versatility Arena
6 p.m. Evening Show Session, Dale Esther Arena
Monday, September 6
9 a.m. Versatility Competition, Versatility Arena
6 p.m. Evening Show Session, Dale Esther Arena
Following the Show: The Baker Family presented by Crawford Auction Service
Tuesday, September 7
9 a.m. Versatility Competition, Versatility Arena
6 p.m. Evening Show Session, Dale Esther Arena
Wednesday, September 8
**Cancer Awareness and Cure Day. Special class offered with entry fees going to St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital**
9 a.m. Ranch Horse Competition, Versatility Arena
6 p.m. Evening Show Session, Dale Esther Arena
Thursday, September 9
9 a.m. 1st Round Ranch Sorting Qualifications, Versatility Arena
6 p.m. Evening Show Session, Dale Esther Arena
Following the Show, Karaoke, Roy Williams Pavilion
Friday, September 10
**Military Appreciation Night. Active military and veterans get in free to the show**
9 a.m. 2nd Round Ranch Sorting Qualifications, Versatility Arena
5 p.m. Military Honor Reception, Roy Williams Pavillion
6 p.m. Evening Show Session, Dale Esther Arena
Military and veterans in attendance are asked to participate in the opening ceremonies for the
show
Saturday, September 11
9 a.m. Ranch Sorting World Championship, Versatility Arena
6 p.m. Evening Show Session, Dale Esther Arena
