Upcoming Events
Next Week Is the Week! Annual Membership Meeting
Our annual meeting is more than business - it's a chance for our vibrant MAPFHA community to reconnect, reflect, and dream big together.
Please join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, welcome new members, and discuss the exciting path ahead. Your voice matters, your ideas matter, and your presence truly makes a difference.
We kindly ask members to reserve their seat in advance. Please email info@mapfha.org to ensure their are enough chairs setup for everyone.
You can also renew your 2026 MAPFHA membership ahead of time or renew/join at the meeting - we'd love to have you be an official part of our MAPFHA community for the year ahead!
Let's come together and keep the heart of Mid-America Paso Fino strong.
Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:00am Pier 500, 500 1st St, Hudson, WI 54016 We look forward to seeing you!
Gearing Up for the 2026 Minnesota Horse Expo — Paso Fino Volunteers Needed!
The Minnesota Horse Expo returns April 24–25–26, 2026, at the State Fairgrounds—and excitement is already building. With the Coliseum and surrounding construction scheduled to be completed in early April, plans are moving forward for another outstanding weekend celebrating horses, horse people, and the equine industry.
MAPFHA is preparing to join again this year, and we’re looking for volunteers to show off their Paso Finos. The Horse Expo is one of the best opportunities of the year to connect with new riders, answer questions about Paso Finos, and share what makes our breed special.
Whether you can show off your Paso Fino, talk with attendees, assist with set-up or tear-down, video breed demos or simply share your enthusiasm for horses, every volunteer makes a difference. No experience is necessary—just a friendly attitude and a willingness to help represent MAPFHA.
Adding to the excitement, the PRCA Rodeo is returning to the 2026 Minnesota Horse Expo, bringing even more energy, spectators, and opportunities to reach a wider audience. This year’s Expo is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.
Contact events@mapfha.org to learn how you can volunteer, mark your calendar, and spread the word. Let’s make the 2026 Minnesota Horse Expo a standout event for MAPFHA!
Gaited Sport Horse Show — Volunteers Wanted
MAPFHA is planning a Gaited Sport Horse Show for 2026, eligible for the PFHA Sport Horse Program, with a tentative date and location pending contract signatures—and we’d love your help bringing it to life.
This open show will welcome Paso Finos and all gaited breeds for a fun, inclusive day of sport-focused and rail classes designed to showcase versatility, athleticism, and fun. We’re also planning a cash Super Horse Jackpot—one horse and rider team, four classes, one Super Horse Jackpot Winner!
We’re looking for volunteers to help shape the class list, brainstorm awards, assist with planning, or lend a hand on show day. No experience required—every idea and every hour makes a difference.
Want to be part of it? Message the MAPFHA Facebook page or contact the Events Team to join the volunteer group. Let’s make 2026 the year we grow gaited sport horse opportunities—together!
Breed Ambassadors
Congratulations to Breed Ambassadors Tracy and Jinx!
MAPFHA is proud to celebrate Tracy Porter and her Paso Fino, Jinx, on earning the Bronze Medal in the Liberty Achievement Program. This accomplishment reflects dedication, partnership, and the trust built between horse and handler—hallmarks of true horsemanship.
The Liberty Achievement Program recognizes the bond, communication, and training that allow a horse to perform willingly and confidently at liberty. Tracy and Jinx exemplify these qualities, showcasing the intelligence, presence, and versatility of the Paso Fino breed.
As Breed Ambassadors, Tracy and Jinx continue to inspire others through their journey and achievements. Congratulations on this well-earned milestone—we look forward to seeing what you accomplish next!
Information
Michael Gascon Clinic in Wisconsin
Train with The Horse Guru: Private Wisconsin Clinic - August 2026 An exciting opportunity in Wisconsin—a private two-day clinic with Michael Gascon - The Horse Guru will be hosted by Clifford and Julie Easton at their farm on August 8–9, 2026.
This exclusive event is limited to 10 riders, with no auditors permitted. The cost is $1,200, with a $600 deposit required to reserve your spot, and riders may haul in or camp on-site.
For more information or to request the registration form, please email cjwe99@gmail.com or text Cliff at 920-268-7148.
Saddle Up! Turn Riding Season into Recognition with PFHA
As riding season approaches, now is the perfect time to think about how your miles in the saddle can earn recognition through Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) recreational rider programs. Whether your plans include casual trail rides, organized competitions, or trying something new with your horse, PFHA offers programs that reward participation, dedication, and the unique versatility of the Paso Fino.
For riders who simply love to ride, Pasos for Pleasure and Ticket to Ride make it easy to turn everyday riding into awards. Log your time in the saddle through Pasos for Pleasure and earn cumulative hour patches, gift awards, and annual Top Ten recognition—no competition required. Ticket to Ride focuses on participation in non-show activities such as trail rides, parades, benefit events, and drill teams. Every five qualifying activities earns a completed ticket that is entered into a prize drawing held at the PFHA Grand National Championship Show.
If your riding season includes organized trail events, PFHA’s Competitive Trail, Endurance Trail, and Pleasure Long Distance Trail programs recognize Paso Finos that excel in sanctioned rides. Points earned through approved NATRC and AERC events count toward annual Horse of the Year titles, publication in Paso Fino Horse World, and Society of Merit Awards—making every mile count toward long-term recognition.
Looking to branch out? The Sport Horse Program rewards Paso Finos and riders who compete successfully in all-breed disciplines outside the traditional Paso show ring. With an annual application and points tracked throughout the PFHA show year, this program highlights the breed’s ability to shine in a wide range of competitive environments.
Riders interested in goals without competition will appreciate the Trail Horse Testing Program, which evaluates a horse’s trail skills against a clear standard of performance. Horses can earn Junior, Senior, or Master level designations permanently recorded in the PFHA registry—valuable recognition for both owners and future buyers. PFHA also offers national AERC and NATRC Breed Awards, providing prestigious, no-cost recognition for top Paso Fino riders and horses. As you plan your riding season, make sure your time in the saddle counts—PFHA has a program for every way you ride.
Attend the PFHA Annual Membership Meeting — January 31
The PFHA Annual Membership Meeting will be held January 31, and members will be voting on the proposed 2025–2026 Rule Changes at this meeting. These decisions directly impact how our association operates and how our shows, programs, and membership experience evolve.
The PFHA 2025–2026 Rule Change Proposals are now posted at pfha.org. While they may not be the most exciting reading, they are the foundation of how PFHA moves forward. Proposals include items ranging from membership rules to class and program changes.
Taking time to review the proposals—even a quick skim—will help you understand what’s being considered before the vote. Being informed ensures your voice carries weight when these items come to the floor.
Your participation matters. Attending the Annual Membership Meeting and reviewing the rule change proposals is one of the most direct ways you can help shape the future of PFHA.
Check Out the Paso Fino Horse Association Final Magazine
Be sure to take a look at the final PFHA magazine edition. MAPFHA is proudly featured on page 45, followed by a touching memorial on page 46 honoring long-time MAPFHA member Lynda and her beloved horse, Chaco.
It’s a meaningful read and a wonderful reflection of the people and horses who have shaped our community.