25th MSQHBF Is History This year’s MSQHBF show had all the things that those who attend expect…..fun (and rain) good classes (and rain) and then the sun came out. Chairman Dianne Higgs laments that EVERY single year, it is just BEAUTIFUL the weekend before and out of nowhere comes a chance of showers on Tuesday of show week that finds its way to the first couple of show days. “One thing I have to say is that is despite the mud and the drizzle Thursday and Friday, everyone seemed to be having a good time, she added. Exhibitors enjoyed a very special BBQ dinner Thursday evening that was personally served by MSQHBF Auction Coordinator Bettie Jensen of Arlington, TN and MSQHBF Volunteer Pat Roberts of Munford, TN. Donning aprons and chef’s hats, Bettie and Pat served up Three Pigs BBQ and mass amounts of banana pudding. The show kicked off Friday morning moving along with a steady stream of exhibitors in halter and performance classes. Keeping the show moving, Rodney Martin of Millington, TN worked with the judges, show announcer Haskell Sheets of Kevil, KY and ring stewards Richard Booker of Millington and Fred Keywood of Memphis to get people in and out of their class. The annual auction featured the services of 28 stallions. Many of the fees are still available and will offer all the same benefits: a fee at half the advertised price, a free entry for the weanling in MSQHBF (can be nominated as 2 YO) and the chance to win an added $1,000 weanling award like Dick and JoAnn Parks of Brownsville, TN did this year with their entry. Fees must be purchase on or before Jan. 31, 2008. Contact Bettie Jensen at 901.382-1669 for details. A list of fees available is posted on the group’s web site: http://www.midsouthqhbreeders.com. Other Saturday highlights included the presentation of colors by Ms. Tennessee Rodeo, Ashley Bennington of Millington, TN. Sue Perry, also of Millington gave an outstanding vocal rendition of The Star Spangled Banner. Of course, standards such as Chuck Hutton Memorial Walk Trot Class and Southaven RV All Age Walk Trot drew the crowds in. The big winner of the evening was Josh Young from Bethel Springs, TN aboard Red Hot Color (Invest in Color) n winner of this year’s Bobby Davis Memorial Two Year Old Breeders Snaffle Bit Class. Show results and pictures on these classes and more will be featured in next month’s MSHR. Although the Mid South Breeders Futurity has a 25 year reputation as a leader in quarter horse competitions, the downturn in the economy was felt. “Like other shows, ours experienced a bit of a drop in entries, particularly halter, said Higgs. The economy and the breeding business in general play a direct role in this. There has been very preliminary discussion of the feasibility of combining select futurities which would serve to substantially increase the purses and the expenses of staging these events, “she said. Our AQHA competitors would realize these benefits as well. There are several in area organizations that are interested in exploring this as a viable answer to what shows are facing today. It is hoped we can sit down and prepare a proposal that would appeal to the members of each, said Higgs. Deadline to enroll stallions to qualify foals born in 2008 is January 31, 2008. The owner and stallion must “reside” within select counties in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi. Rules, regulations and enrollment forms are available on the web site or by contacting Dianne Higgs, Chairman at 901.876.5221.