Any milestone anniversary should be celebrated. Fifty years of success, growth and dedication needs to be shouted about. Mid America Foxtrotting Horse Association will celebrate their 50th Anniversary during the annual show July 6 – 8th at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, MO. “The show has taken different shapes over 50 years”, says President Mitzi Nichols, “but every group of organizers has taken pride in the history of the show.” Mid-America started as a single night horse show in the August of 1968 following the organization of the group in 1967. Over the coming years, the event would grow to one of the premier 3 day events in the breed and become a major precursor to horse and riders vying to become World Grand Champions. The roster of MidAm Champions reads as a who’s who of foxtrotter history. You can check out the show’s past champions here.
Mid America added the Two Year Old Futurity in 1972 adding to the excitement and expectation of the show. “No one knew that the Two Year Old part of the horse show would be so successful. But, people love to watch young horses and the Futurity quickly became the show of the Summer for many of us.” says Tom Owen, a Mid-America member and 50 year participant.
In 2009, Mid America combined their Spring Show and Two Year Old Futurity with the Mid-America Summer show to form the Grand Slam. They also added a new concept in the successful Four Year Old Maturity Championship classes for both Open and Amateur competitors. The Grand Slam continues to be one of the largest and most well attended horse shows in the breed. Board Member and Historian, Maxcy Dimmick says, “The Grand Slam has always been a family friendly show. We offer lots of youth classes with trophies and payback, plus 4 pony classes. Mid-America also has a tradition of recognizing its members’ achievements. We present a Lifetime Achievement Award, a Sportsmanship Award, and a Youth Sportsmanship Award every year. In addition, to two $500 college scholarships for starting and continuing education students.“ Scholarships are awarded at the Grand Slam show. To be considered, contact any MidAm board representative.
For the first time the Mid-America board has added a colt starting clinic, on Saturday, July 8th from 9:00 – 1:00, as part of the show weekend offering. Malachi Himes, trainer at Alias Smith and Jones Ranch, will be demonstrating his tested natural techniques.
A few MidAm fun facts:
- “Quicksilver,” owned and ridden by John Evans of Lebanon, won the first Two Year Old Futurity in 1972.
- Geno Middleton has won the Senior Championship at MidAm 8 times, the most of any exhibitor to date. His first riding “Madam Sensation”, owned by Pop Jenkins and Geno Middleton, in 1986 and most recent on “Prince Jester Sez Who”, owned by Steve Wood in 2009.
- Wayne and Helen Jones of Waynesville, MO top the list as owners of Senior MidAmerica Champions with 4, a great list of horses including “Diamond Duke”, “Sundust Red Lady J.”, “Missouri Anne Rue” and “Twister’s Lady Luna J.”
Stay tuned to LetsGoFoxtrot.com for Mid America show updates.
