Racking horse show to return to Dexter

By Jonathon Dawe

Daily Statesman

DEXTER, Mo. -- The Dexter Chamber of Commerce hopes to attract a large crowd Saturday at the Dexter fairgrounds as the 25th annual Missouri State Racking Horse Show will be taking place.

Dexter Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Janet Coleman said she anticipates a larger crowd than average.

"We just hope people decide to make this year, the 25th year, the one they decide to come out and see the show," Coleman remarked. "One of the goals of the Chamber of Commerce is to continually bring quality events into the community." According to Coleman, the Racking Horse show has been an event sponsored by the Dexter Chamber of Commerce nearly half of its 25 years.

"It used to be, years ago, a racking/walking show that lasted two days," Coleman said. "We'd like to see it return to that eventually because we think that would have the maximum impact for the community as opposed to just being a one-day event." Aside from the area residents who turn out for the show, Coleman said there are usually exhibitors from eight different states who participate in the show. One of the reasons for that could be, according to Coleman, because the show in Dexter is the only sanctioned show in Missouri where the points awarded count elsewhere. The show is also affiliated with the National Horse Show Commission, the Racking Horse Breeders Association and the National Racking Horse Sweepstakes.

The USDA allowed a registry to be established to perpetuate the racking horse as a new breed. Until then the racking horse was not protected by a registry or a uniform set of rules.

During competition the racking horse is shown in three natural gaits: the show walk, the slow rack, and the fast rack. According to Coleman the gait of the horse is A naturally occurring condition in the horse but is finessed by the trainer and the rider.

"They're judged by how the rack of the horse has been developed," Coleman explained. "By how smoothly the horse and rider move as one." Coleman said the Dexter Chamber of Commerce, for the third consecutive year, has paid a little extra to make this show double-points show.

"We hope that will attract more exhibitors," Coleman said. "We will be paying out about $6,200 in prize money. This certainly isn't a money-making thing for the Chamber of Commerce. What little money is made with this show goes directly back into the racking show." Coleman said money from past shows has gone towards purchasing new lights, vinyl fencing and a chad track.

According to Coleman, while many of the areas involved with putting on the show are filled by people who are hired, such as judges, horse inspector, photographer and so-on, the show would not be able to run without volunteers.

"There are so many areas for volunteers to work," Coleman said. "A lot of the jobs, like registration, are done by people who have volunteered to do it more than once before. Some of the jobs you can explain the day of the show and have someone do them, but certain spots like the person who needs to be in center ring, need to be filled by people who know what they are doing." One of the things that will be done differently this year in observation of being the 25th show is, in addition to the prize money and horse shoe of roses awarded to each stake class winner will be a silver eagle dollar.

"We just want people to come out and enjoy themselves and enjoy the show," Coleman said. "The show has, in the past, had a history of attracting rain. But the weather is supposed to break and be clear by Saturday, so we hope for a good turnout and a good show." Jonathon Dawe may be reached via e-mail at jdawe@dailystatesman.com