Upcoming Events
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!
5 Spots Open
Gaited Horse Clinic
When: June 21 - 22
Where: Outback Ranch, Houston, MN
Clinician: Liz Graves
We’re just two registrations away from meeting the minimum needed to hold the event. If we don’t reach that number soon, we may need to cancel. Please consider registering if you would like to attend!
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!
Call in & Chat!
Join us every odd month on Thursday's at 7 PM for an informal and fun gathering! We chat about upcoming events, share ideas, and, of course, catch up with friends.
All members are welcome—whether you're looking to contribute or just want to enjoy some friendly conversation. No pressure to speak up or attend regularly—just come as you are!
We’d love to see you there!
- May 29, 2025 (moved for the PFHA Membership Mtg)
- July 24, 2025
- September 25, 2025
- November 20, 2025 (adjusted for the holiday)
Dial by your location • +1 309 205 3325 US • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 863 0223 5962
It is the same login information for all of 2025, feel free to save it to your calendar.
Past Events
MAPFHA Annual Meeting Summary
Date: May 10, 2025
Location: Fort Ridgely State Park, Spring MAPFHA Opener
The annual MAPFHA membership meeting was held on May 10, 2025, during the Spring MAPFHA Spring Kick-Off at Fort Ridgely State Park. Six board members and four general members were in attendance.
Returned mail-in ballots were counted just prior to the meeting and witnessed by the board. A total of 32% of MAPFHA members participated in the vote. As a result of the election, Susan Bartel was elected Secretary, and Chuck Hauser was re-elected as Treasurer and Regional Delegate.
The meeting included a summary of current business, approval of the 2024 annual meeting minutes, a membership report, an events report, and a treasury report. The floor was then opened for new business, allowing members to bring forward any additional topics or concerns.
Meeting was adjourned
Spring Kick-Off Camping and Riding Weekend Recap
Our Spring Kick-Off Camping and Riding Weekend at Fort Ridgely State Park was a great success! Under sunny—though unseasonably hot—skies, members gathered to enjoy a weekend of riding, camping, and camaraderie.
The historic setting and scenic trails made for a beautiful backdrop, and riders took full advantage of the park’s well-maintained paths and open spaces. Whether around the campfire or on horseback, laughter and conversation flowed throughout the weekend.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event so enjoyable. Much fun was had by all!
Be sure to visit our website to view photos from the weekend—we captured some great moments on the trails and around camp.
Paso Fino Pride at the 2025 Minnesota Horse Expo
MAPFHA was proud to represent the Paso Fino breed at the 2025 Minnesota Horse Expo with two ambassadors—Sundancer’s Paxon and Sofia del Sol Naciente. They showcased the beauty and gentle nature of the Paso Fino throughout the weekend.
Paxon and Sofia participated daily in the Parade of Breeds, held both in the exhibition tent and on the Canterbury Park racetrack. They also shined during the dedicated breed demonstration, where their smooth gaits and presence captured the attention of spectators.
Sofia was especially popular in the stabling area, happily greeting visitors with affectionate nuzzles and drawing in passersby of all ages. Her friendly personality made her a standout among the Expo crowd.
MAPFHA representatives Ben and Montana were on hand throughout the weekend, engaging with curious newcomers and reconnecting with longtime members. It was a wonderful opportunity to share knowledge about the breed, build new connections, and reminisce about past MAPFHA adventures.
We thank everyone who stopped by to visit, support, and celebrate the Paso Fino with us. It was a weekend full of great conversations, unforgettable moments, and Paso Fino pride!
News
MAPFHA Invited to Aisle of Breeds at the Minnesota State Fair
MAPFHA is excited to announce that we’ve been invited to showcase our Paso Fino horses in the Aisle of Breeds at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair, along with a special gaited breed demonstration. It’s a fantastic opportunity to represent the Paso Fino breed and engage with the horse community.
However, we need member participation to make this happen! If you’re interested in exhibiting your horse at the fair, please reach out to us. If no one steps up, we won’t be able to take part in this exciting opportunity.
Don’t miss out—contact us today to get involved!
Information
Attention MAPFHA Members: Breeders, Sellers, and Horse-Related Businesses
Are you a Paso Fino breeder, seller, or do you own a horse-related business? MAPFHA wants to support YOU! As part of our commitment to strengthening our community, we’d love to connect with members who are involved in breeding, selling, or offering services related to Paso Finos and the equine industry.
If you breed or sell Paso Finos, provide training, offer tack, or specialize in other equine services, please let us know. We’re eager to help promote and support your business within the MAPFHA network. By working together, we can strengthen our community and ensure our members are aware of the fantastic resources available.
Reach out today to share what you do—we’d love to help support your business!