In spite of a pandemic that ground the world to a halt, with the enthusiastic and strong support of our Morgan community, the World Morgan Futurity chalked up another successful year featuring some of our breed’s finest youngsters on display at the 2020 Morgan Grand National & World Championship Horse Show in October. Offering a total payout of $94,685, including Jackpots, and Auction Rewards and our impressive Auction Bonus, the Futurity enjoyed well-filled performance classes and in-hand classes.
The Yearling in hand division offered $14,725 of prize money in classes for fillies, geldings and colts. Each World Champion earned $1,750 and the Reserve World Champions received $1,350. The winning Gelding was RRVE Validation, owned by Red River Valley Enterprises LLC and shown and trained by Bert Earehart. Taking home the Filly World Championship was Saralin Slam Dunk, owned by Saralin Morgan Horse Farm and trained by Tim Roesink. The Colt class was won by the Stolen Aces Farm entry of Stolen Perspective, trained by Andy Marlett. All three yearlings were eligible for the Auction Rewards and each winner received an additional $1,695, divided among the horse owner, sire and dam owner and the trainer.
The Two-Year-Old division had a good showing with a total of nine youngsters showing in hand, five in Park Harness and 10 in Pleasure Driving, all competing for their portion of the $25,295 jackpot. Each World Champion earned $1,730 and Reserve earned $1,375. One of the winners of the two-year-old division earned an additional $760 in Auction Rewards.
With Morgan versatility in the forefront of the Three-Year-Old division, the $29,780 jackpot for these 2017 models was spread through seven different classes. A total of 37 entries made the gate calls for these classes and each World Champion earned $1,250, while Reserve World Champions earned $1,000. An additional $760 in Auction Rewards premium was added to the total of those eligible. Sire owners, dam owners and trainers also received payout for Auction Rewards eligible three-year-olds.
The Futurity Alumni division paid out $19,880 to 18 different horses. This option is sometimes overlooked by breeders and it is definitely worth examining! Four-year-old Alumni horses pay $50 into the alumni program annually to stay eligible, and then $150 per class entered at the Grand National. This group took home outstanding dividends for their efforts, averaging over $1,100 per horse, with Indian Creek SeahorseSam earning a respectable $2,100 for his efforts in two classes.
If you’re serious about breeding Morgan Horses on a national level, there are no greater rewards available than the recognition provided by the World Morgan Futurity and the growing premiums it provides. And to breed a foal eligible for the $10,000 Auction Bonus, choose a sire and make sure you’re the high bidder in the AMHA/WMF Stallion Service Auction!