Upcoming Events
MAPFHA Annual Meeting - Let's Gather!
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, 2025
- 11:00am
- Pier 500, 500 1st St, Hudson, WI 54016
We look forward to seeing you!
Let’s Build Something Amazing Together in 2026!
Open Gaited Fun Show - Volunteers Needed - Community Growing
MAPFHA is dreaming big for 2026 - and we’d love for you to be part of it!
We’re planning an Open Gaited Fun Show that brings together Paso Finos and all gaited breeds for a day filled with rail classes, fun classes, cheering crowds, and genuine community connection. This is just another event - it’s a chance to build something new, welcoming, and joy-filled for gated riders across our region.
Why This Matters.
Events like this don’t just “happen”.
They grow from the enthusiasm, ideas, and teamworks of riders who want to see a stronger, more connected community. When we come together to create something fun and inclusive, people feel invited, horses get celebrated, and our region becomes a place where new friendships and new traditions flourish.
We Need Volunteers to Bring the Momentum
To keep this project moving forward, we’re gathering a small but mighty team of volunteers who want to:
- Help shape the class list (rail + fun)
- Brainstorm show themes and awards
- Scout possible venues
- Assist on show day (big jobs or small ones - we take all!)
You don’t need prior show experience - just a love for horses and community.
Even one hour of time, one idea, or one “I can help with that!” keeps the momentum going.
Your contribution - big or small - truly matters.
Let’s Grow Our Gaited Community
This show has the potential to bring in new riders, reconnect old friends, and introduce people to the joy of gaited horses in a low-pressure, supportive environment. The more hands we have, the more we can build a fun, vibrant event that people look forward to.
Ready to Help Build Something Special?
Reach out to the Events Team Here or message the MAPFHA Facebook page and we’ll add you to the volunteer group. Let’s make 2026 the year we create a show that brings our gaited community together like never before.
Let’s do this - together!
News
End-of-Year Holiday Message From our President
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every MAPFHA member, volunteer, and supporter. This year was full of movement—both on the trail and within our community—and none of it would have been possible without you.
2025 Highlights: This was one of our most active years yet! Together, we:
- Hosted a MAPFHA booth at the Equestrian Workshop, introducing many new riders to the Paso Fino breed
- Presented a beautiful MN Horse Expo Exhibit—our biggest public outreach event of the year
- Enjoyed four camping get-togethers filled with trail miles, camaraderie, and new friendships
- Held a well-attended Trail Horse Clinic
Even with a few weather curveballs—forcing us to cancel the gaited horse clinic (extreme heat) and our fifth camping weekend (torrential rain)—our community stayed positive, flexible, and eager to plan for what’s next.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Behind the scenes, planning is already underway for clinics, open gaited events, more trail rides, and continued outreach across the Midwest. Your participation—big or small—helps ensure these opportunities continue to grow.
As you plan for the new year, please consider:
- Renewing your PFHA membership and selecting MAPFHA as your region (PFHA members who choose MAPFHA receive a free MAPFHA regional membership)
- Inviting a friend, trainer, or fellow enthusiast to join our MAPFHA community
- Volunteering with an event, committee, or outreach effort—every helping hand strengthens our region
On behalf of the MAPFHA Board, I wish you a warm and happy holiday season. May it be filled with rest, joy, and plenty of time spent with the horses you love.
We’re excited for all the miles, memories, and new faces 2026 will bring. Thank you for being part of our Paso Fino family.
With gratitude, Ben Davidson MAPFHA President
Information
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.
Why PFHA Memberships Matter - And How You're Helping MAPFHA Grow
Did you know that every PFHA voting membership directly supports our Paso Fino community locally? As a PFHA region, MAPFHA needs at lead 20 full members to remain officially recognized by the national association.
Because of you, we are not only meeting that requirement - we're exceeding it!
Here's where you membership stands today:
- 26 PFHA Full (voting) Members
- 6 PFHA Rec Rider Members
- 20 Regional-Only MAPFHA Members
- Total 52 Active MAPFHA Members!
Every PFHA member who selects MAPFHA as their region automatically receives a free MAPFHA membership. For those who aren't PFHA members but still want to be involved locally, we offer Regional-Only memberships through our website. Together, these memberships create a strong, connected, and growing community across MN, WI, IA, SD, ND, NE, and beyond!
Why does it matter?
Your PFHA membership:
- Keeps MAPFHA officially recognized as a PFHA region
- Ensures we have a voice in national programs and decisions
- Supports our ability to host clinics, fun shows, trail events, and community gatherings
- Helps promote the Paso Fino breed across the region
- Strengthens our foundation for exciting activities planned for 2026 and beyond
Your engagement - whether as a PFHA member, a Recreational Rider, or a Regional-Only member - helps fuel everything we do. thank you for being part of the momentum and for helping keep the Midwest firmly on the Paso Fino map.
Together, we're building a vibrant, welcoming region for every type of rider - and we're just getting started!
PFHA 2025- 2026 Rule Change Proposals
It may not be the most exciting reading, but is is the foundation of how our association moves forward. The PFHA 2025-2026 Rule Change Proposals are posted, and these are the items that will be reviewed and voted on at the January PFHA Board meeting.
If you want to understand what's being considered - from Membership Rules to Class changes - now is a great time to take a look. These proposals are the nuts and bolts that shape our shows, programs, and member experience.
Check them out - here
Your awareness and feedback truly matter. Even a quick skim helps you stay informed and connected to what's happening at a national level.