Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association

03/20/2025

📢 March Board Meeting Highlights 📢

Catch up on the latest updates from the MFTHBA Board! From welcoming a new affiliate to approving new sponsorship opportunities, and more.

🔹 Southern Fox Trotters approved as a new affiliate
🔹 New sponsorship opportunity with vinyl banners
🔹 DQP program update & search for additional inspectors

📅 Plus, don’t miss upcoming events like the MFTHBA Workday (March 27-29) and the Indiana Equine Roundup!

📖 Read the full summary here 👉

19MarMFTHBA March Board Meeting SummaryThe MFTHBA Board of Directors held its March meeting on Monday, March 17, 2025, approving several key items and updates. New Affiliate Approved: The board approved the Southern Fox Trotters as an official MFTHBA affiliate. We welcome this new organization and e...

03/20/2025

Outdated post! Internet and phones have been restored.

Update from the MFTHBA Office

Yesterday’s intense winds caused some disruptions, and our internet and phones are still down. Thank you for your understanding—we hope to be up and running again soon!

03/20/2025

Dear MFTHBA Community,
We value your insights and experiences as dedicated members of our organization. Your feedback is crucial in helping us understand what we’re doing well and where we can improve. We invite you to take a few moments to complete this survey, designed to gather your thoughts on our programs, events, and initiatives. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are considering joining, your voice matters. Together, we can create a vibrant future for the Missouri Fox Trotter Horse Breed Association. Thank you for making a difference!

Link to survey:

https://s.surveyplanet.com/a46ay13q

03/19/2025

Check it out! The MFTHBA is excited to share an amazing video from our Utah affiliate's National Trail Ride! We've got lots of trail rides planned this year, and they’re a fantastic way to connect with fellow MFT owners, soak in some stunning scenery, and best of all, earn prizes as MFTHBA members. Don’t miss out on the fun and adventure—join us on the trails! 🐎💚

Send a message to learn more

03/19/2025

Way Back When Wednesday – Traveler’s Jester

Traveler’s Jester – 86-28828
A legendary Missouri Fox Trotter with a lasting legacy!

This sorrel stallion was sired by the great Missouri Traveler E and out of a daughter of Zane’s Charming Lad, bred by Marshall Robberson. His impact in the show ring and breeding shed solidified his place in MFTHBA history.

✨ Show Accomplishments:
🏆 Reserve Champion 3 yr old Mid-America
🏆 1990 4 yr Old World Champion
🏆 1991 Reserve World Grand Champion

✨ Sire of Champions:
🌟 2004 RWGC Jester’s Charming Princess
🌟 2003 WGC Prince Jester
🌟 WC Another H***y
🌟 WGC Jester’s Charming King R
🌟 WGC Jester’s Charming Legend
🌟 WGC Jester’s Special Time M

His influence continues to shape the breed, producing champions that carry his exceptional talent and pedigree. Do you have any memories or stories about Traveler’s Jester? Share them in the comments!

’sJester

Traveler’s Jester
By Josephine Cozean Styron

travelers-jester“I’ve had never a horse before that makes the hair stand up when you ride him and makes cold chills go up your spine. He is a thrill to ride. The sweat is flying, his ears are flopping. Unless you’ve experienced a foxtrot like Traveler’s Jester can perform, you don’t know what a foxtrot is,” said Larry Robbins of Farmington, Arkansas, about his World Grand Champion stallion.

“Once you’ve felt what a good foxtrot is, nothing else satisfies.”

Robbins feels his horse’s greatest accomplishment is the winners he has put on the ground. Traveler’s Jester sired World Grand Champion Prince Jester and World Grand Champion Jester’s Charming Legend, as well as several World Champions. Although Robbins feels his stallion is a stronger producer of males, the stud has also sired some outstanding mares, such as World Champion Jester’s Charming Princess.

Traveler’s Jester did well in the ring himself. “At the 1990 Spring Show, my dad, Keith Robbins, was watching Traveler‘s Jester in the arena,” said Robbins. “Marshall Robberson owned him, and his son-in-law, Jim Hallum, was riding him. Every 30 feet Jester would squeal.” But, Keith Robbins was still impressed. “One of my dad’s greatest strengths is that he is a great evaluator of horses. He can tell how a c**t will be when it’s only a few days old. He knew how a horse should be,” said Robbins.

Robbins then watched the four-year-old stallion. “ He caught your eye,” said Robbins. “We wanted to buy him, but Marshall wouldn’t even price him.” With the help of Jerry Middleton, the Robbins men bought Jester and turned him over to Brian Oglesby for about two months of training. “Brian got him over the squealing, with Jerry’s help,” said Robbins.
“When he came into the ring, Jester was ready to go,” said Robbins. “Jester had started to come out.” When Traveler’s Jester was announced the 4-Year-Old World Grand Champion, beating such horses as the Middletons’ Gold Strike, it gave Robbins a “tremendous feeling. He came out of nowhere to win it. Some people were a little surprised. But he had the breeding, and he had the ability to really turn it on and show.”

Red Ruby was the Reserve Champion. In 1991, the two would reverse places.

“Traveler’s Jester has that unique foxtrot that has what you’re looking for,” said Robbins. “The front, back, tail, shake, and the cockiness that says ‘Just look at me,’”
said Robbins. “The minute you look at him, you know he’s got it.”

Jester’s cockiness showed up in an unusual place in 1986. “When Jester was 10 years old, we were just beginning to ride Outlaw’s Patriot. One day Patriot got out and into Jester’s lot. When we got there, Jester was standing over Patriot, looking at me like ‘Look here at what I’ve done.’ He didn’t hurt Patriot, he just put him on the ground,” said Robbins.

Robbins appreciates Jester’s many other qualities, such as his intelligence and his kindness to people, especially children. “Another thing I love about him is that he has more heart than any horse I’ve had,” said Robbins. “ Lots of horses have ability, but they may quit or you may have to use spurs. Jester is not that way. Just set him where he is supposed to be; he won’t quit.”
These days the 24-year-old stallion is taking it easy. “He’s done his due. He doesn’t have to prove anything,” said Robbins.

But, Jester still has “the moves.” Last summer Robbins rotated Jester from pasture to pasture using a Polaris buggy to move him; the stallion literally stopped traffic. “He has a natural foxtrot that you didn‘t have to teach him,” said Robbins. “My wife says that Jester’s foxtrot could still win.”

Source: MFTHBA website.

03/17/2025

Share your MFT pictures from this past weekend! What have you been doing with your fox trotter?

03/16/2025

Get ready! Spring patterns and challenges will start coming out April 1st. If you have a particular pattern (Showmanship, Horsemanship or Ranch) you like or ideas for obstacle challenges, let Cheyenne Dunham know. Join their versatility facebook group. Will get the link posted in the comments!

03/16/2025

📸 MFTHBA Cover Photo Contest – Enter Now! 📸

Want to see your Missouri Fox Trotter featured as our cover photo? Enter our monthly MFTHBA Cover Photo Contest! 🎉

✅ The winner is chosen by YOU based on the photo with the most likes!
✅ A new winner every month – so keep entering!
✅ If you entered last month, please enter again!

Drop your best Missouri Fox Trotter photo in the comments and start gathering those likes! Let’s showcase the beauty of this incredible breed! 🐴✨

03/14/2025

The office will be closed for the rest of the day due to a power outage. We apologize for any inconvenience. It will reopen on Monday morning at 8:30 a.m. Central Time.

03/14/2025

A shout out to one of our youth Members!
Boone Biggs

Born into a family with a rich legacy of Missouri Fox Trotter ownership, Boone Biggs has inherited a deep-rooted passion for these exceptional horses. Having been around them his entire life, Boone’s love for riding and dedication to the breed continue to grow.

One of the most remarkable qualities of Missouri Fox Trotters is their gentle disposition, making them a safe and reliable choice for riders of all ages. Boone’s mare, Time Out, exemplifies this trait. This year, Boone and his friend Arden Antisdel decided to compete in the Jockey Change class—a decision that sparked an instant passion for the class. At the Region 4 Fall Festival, the final show of the season, a special moment was captured as Boone assisted Arden onto Time Out for the second half of the class.

Beyond riding, Fox Trotters impart valuable life lessons, shaping Boone’s character and experiences. Through his journey with these incredible horses, he is building lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories that will stay with him for years to come.

Picture Credit: Marty Maynard Photography

Special Thanks to Meg Biggs for sharing this incredible write up!

03/12/2025

Way Back When –
Hawkeye’s Black Sambo

Let’s take a step back in time to honor a standout stallion in Missouri Fox Trotter history—Hawkeye’s Black Sambo (F-1372).

This striking solid black stallion was born in 1962, bred by Arthur Gimlin and owned by Duane D. Scott. A son of Hawkeye TWH, he carried strong bloodlines through his dam, a E Kissee Diamond/Blankenship Diamond mare.

Hawkeye’s Black Sambo made his mark in the show ring, earning the title of 1969 Mid-America Champion. But his legacy didn’t stop there—he also sired the well-known Sambo’s Magic Marker, contributing to the breed’s development for generations to come.

Do you remember this legendary stallion or have stories about his impact? Share your memories below!

03/12/2025

Congratulations, Steve Dampier! 🎉🏆

The MFTHBA proudly congratulates Steve Dampier on his induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame today! Steve’s dedication and accomplishments have left a lasting impact, and we are thrilled to see him receive this well-deserved honor.

A special thank you to Matt Bova, Region 7 Director, for representing the MFTHBA at the induction ceremony.

Join us in celebrating Steve’s achievement!

03/11/2025

MFTHBA Workdays – March 27-29

Join us for workdays at the MFTHBA Showgrounds! We’ll be tackling general maintenance and cleanup to get the grounds ready for the season.

📅 Dates: March 27-29
🕛 Times: Thursday at noon through Saturday afternoon
📍 Location: MFTHBA Showgrounds
📞 Contact: Roy Harms – 417-298-4337

Your help makes a difference! Come lend a hand and support the breed we love.

03/08/2025

Supporting Sam Gerhardt: A Benefit Trail Ride for a True Fox Trotter Advocate!

For decades, Sam has been a dedicated member of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse community. As a long-time owner and passionate trail rider, he has spent countless hours in the saddle, showcasing the breed’s smooth gait and gentle disposition. His leadership as President of FoxTROT and Co-Chair of the MFTHBA Affiliate Committee has helped strengthen and grow our Fox Trotter family.

Now, as he faces a battle with cancer, it’s our turn to support him. What better way to honor his love for the breed than with a Benefit Trail Ride? Join us for a day of camaraderie, beautiful trails, and the smooth ride only a Missouri Fox Trotter can provide—all in support of a man who has given so much to our community.

See the flyer for details on how you can ride, donate, and show your support for Sam. Let’s saddle up and ride for a cause!

03/07/2025

Interested in becoming a carded MFTHBA judge? Here’s your chance!

📅 Date: May 3rd
⏰ Time: 10:00 a.m.
📍 Location: Mount Vernon, MO
💲 Cost: $25 (includes judge’s card)

To become a judge, you must meet the requirements outlined here: https://mfthba.com/judges-clinics/

Preparation Steps:

✅ Review the MFTHBA Rule Book
✅ Watch Gaits of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse video
✅ Watch the MFTHBA Judging Seminar video (available under the Education tab on the MFTHBA website)
✅ Complete the written judge’s test (found under Forms and Downloads → Judges Forms → Judges Test) before attending and bring your completed test to the seminar

Attendees will also have the opportunity to apprentice judge during the Spring Kickoff Horse Show!

📌 Can’t make it on May 3rd? Another seminar will be offered during the Spring Show & Three-Year-Old Futurity in Ava, MO.

Take the next step in supporting our breed, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse—become a judge!

03/06/2025

📢 Attention MFTHBA Stallion Owners! 📢

Breeding season is just around the corner! Mare owners are searching for the perfect match to produce their next champion, trail, versatility or all around prospect. If your stallion will be standing to the public this season, now is the time to showcase him!

📸 Drop a photo, share his pedigree, accomplishments, and any special incentives you offer. Let’s help mare owners find the perfect sire for their next foal!

03/05/2025

The phones and internet are down at the MFTHBA office this morning.