Upcoming Events
Annual Membership Meeting
When: May 10, 2025
Where: Fort Ridgely State Park, Farmhouse
Host: MAPFHA Board
You're invited to join us for our Annual Membership Meeting on May 10th at Fort Ridgely State Park in Fairfax, MN. The meeting will take place at the farmhouse near the horse camp, which has been reserved for our event.
Ballots for open board positions have been mailed. Please mail them back by May 2nd to ensure they arrive in time to be brought to the meeting.
This is also a perfect time to share your thoughts and ideas on the direction of MAPFHA. We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your valuable input!
MN Horse Expo April 25 - 27
MAPFHA will be representing Paso Finos at the 2025 MN Horse Expo, happening April 25-27. The Expo is moving to a new location—Canterbury Downs! If you’ve never been to or it's been a long time since you've visited the race track, this is the perfect opportunity to explore it. Join us to meet the horses, shop, and watch demonstrations. Don’t miss out!
6 spots open for the Trail Horse Clinic
When: May 31 - June 1
Where: RnR Ranch St. Croix Falls, WI
Clinician: Tracy Porter
Register for our 2-day Trail Horse Clinic, based on the PFHA THT curriculum. This clinic is intended to help prepare your horse for the trail, no matter where they are in their training journey. Whether you’re looking to provide experience for a young horse, get ready for trail season, practice for the next PFHA THT, or simply learn something new, this clinic is the perfect opportunity!
The Trail Horse Clinic will cover:
- Trailer Loading
- Grooming and Tacking
- Groundwork: leading, lunging, turns on forehand and haunches
- Saddle Exercises: transitions, leg yields, side pass, turns on forehand and haunches
- Interacting with other horses
- Maneuvering through trail obstacles
- Understanding your horse's temperament and how to support their progress
We’re so excited to see you and your horse there! It’s going to be a wonderful experience full of learning, growth, and fun! Register on our website!
Gaited Horse Clinic
When: June 21 - 22
Where: Outback Ranch, Houston, MN
Clinician: Liz Graves
We’re thrilled to host a Gaited Horse Clinic with the renowned clinician Liz Graves, designed to provide individual attention and support to each participant. With the goal of keeping the clinic small and focused, we’re limiting it to just 6 to 9 participants, ensuring everyone gets the personal guidance they need.
The clinic will be held at Outback Ranch in Houston, MN, a beautiful location that offers the perfect setting for both learning and relaxation. Outback Ranch features a spacious outdoor arena for our clinic sessions, along with miles of scenic trails to enjoy in the evening. The facility also offers electric camping, cabin rentals, stalls, and pastures, making it a convenient and comfortable option for both you and your horse.
Liz Graves brings decades of experience working with all gaited breeds, and her approach is focused on understanding each horse’s unique needs and abilities. Whether your horse is struggling to stay in gait or you're looking to refine your skills, Liz’s unparalleled knowledge will provide invaluable insights and practical techniques to enhance your horse’s gait, overall performance, and connection with you.
We can’t wait to welcome you to this special clinic and help you and your horse achieve your best!
Join Us at the Spring Kick-Off May 10-11th!
2025's Spring Kick-off will be at Fort Ridgley Start Park in near Fairfax, MN. Come join us for a weekend of riding and comradery. Make sure to reserve your spot soon through the MN State Park service website. We can’t wait to see you there!
Members have already reserved sites E3-E8, if you are wondering where other's are camped.
Information
ASK THE TRAINER IS BACK!!!!!!!!
Now that Spring has officially hit- The Professional Paso Fino Trainers Association and Membership Committee is ready to get started with “Ask the Trainer” sessions again in April.
This month, PFHA members can send in training questions to CHARLIE & MILDA MINTER JR. of Heritage Farms & Stables in Lexington, North Carolina.
Charlie and Milda Minter’s passion for horses began at NC State University, where they met as Animal Science majors. With deep roots in the equine world—Charlie’s family were part of the founding members for the Paso Fino Horse Association and Milda competed in 4-H with Saddlebreds. They launched a Paso Fino professional training career in California before founding Heritage Farm and Stables in Lexington, NC in 1996.
With over 40 years of experience, the Minters have produced numerous Paso Fino National Champions, trained successful youth and amateur riders, and hosted clinics across various disciplines. Both have been recognized as PFHA Trainers of the Year and Charlie has served as a judge for over 25 years. Milda remains active in show management for the Piedmont PFHA.
Their three daughters, Shannon, Christina, & Morgan continue the family legacy. Shannon Maloy is serving as a missionary, while middle daughter, Christina Straus trains professionally and coached Team USA at the 2018 Youth Mundial. Youngest daughter Morgan had an outstanding youth career and continues to be very competitive within PFHA.
The Minter family’s dedication continues to shape the Paso Fino community both in and out of the show ring.
Please send your member questions to PPFTA President by Wednesday- April 16