Welcome to MAPFHA!

Background

The Mid America Paso Fino Horse Association (MAPFHA) was established in 1979 by a small group of Paso Fino enthusiasts who met for a trail ride and a meeting. From that original trail ride, the region grew as knowledge of the smooth gaiting horses became more widely known. In our heyday, membership was close to 200 single and family members who owned around 500 registered Paso Finos, and several members developed breeding farms, became trainers, and held regional shows (Heartland Classic).

Members enjoyed a variety of activities such as fun shows, Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) shows, organized trail rides, Minnesota Horse Expo, breed demonstrations, local parades, 4H for children, and of course, pleasure riding.

Membership Activities

As nationwide horse interest and rider populations have declined, so has our regional membership. Breeders, trainers and show people have grown older, retired and reduced or changed activities. Many enjoy spending quality time introducing their grandchildren to horses and horse sports.  Current MAPFHA members are avid Paso Fino enthusiasts however, joining in group trail rides, competing in endurance distance riding, participating in local parades, having fun at 4H shows and getting to know the versatility of their amazing Paso Finos.

A handful of new Paso Fino owners have demonstrated interest in distance riding competition, and the regional President serves as a mentor for those new competitors after earning top national placings several years and while still actively competing. Group trail-riding trips in the South Dakota Black Hills continue their appeal, as do the spring and fall organized trail rides at Minnesota parks. Saturday night potlucks are a favorite time for socializing.

Mid America’s Future

Our region offers many riding disciplines and opportunities for horse enthusiasts. Minnesota is one of the top ten states supporting the horse industry, and the 3-day Minnesota Horse Expo draws some of the largest attendance crowds in the country. Several county and state parks, and state forests offer scenic horse trails and modern campgrounds which are fully used in early summer and fall. Local saddle clubs host 4H, WSCA shows for children, and rodeos are popular events at community celebrations. As members continue to be actively involved in various horse activities, public awareness and renewed membership numbers will follow as interest in all gaited horse breeds surges in the Upper Midwest and across the nation.

Mid America PFHA Area: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Manitoba in Canada with a few members located in western Wisconsin.

Mid America (MAPFHA) has a Facebook page for local communication, and the website has been recently renewed and updated, www.mapfha.org .

Nancy Drumsta, President

MidAmericaPFHA@gmail.com