The Masters of Foxhounds Association has announced they are offering $750 in cash and prizes to a hunt member and a hunt club that uses registered Thoroughbreds who are excelling in second careers as either field or staff horses.

“There are a great number of excellent Thoroughbreds in hunts across America,” said Ed Kelly, president of the board of MFHA. “We’re pleased to honor these exceptional athletes, many of whom have found productive second careers through MFHA registered hunts.”

Executive Director Dennis Foster noted that some of his best hunting horses have been off-the-track Thoroughbreds. “They are one-of-a-kind and the only breed that has that second wind when other breeds give out. The Thoroughbred contribution to foxhunting goes beyond just ex-race horses. Their influence on other breeds makes them the most important horse in foxhunting,” he said.

The MFHA will be offering four awards. Details and applications are available at MFHA.org and ecovertside.net:

1) Staff Horse of the Year: Nominated by a registered and recognized hunt’s MFH, the Staff Horse of the Year exhibits the best qualities of the Thoroughbred and the hunt horse: game, bold, fearless, fast and rideable. The staff hunt horse is truly a special animal that everyone in the club admires for his qualities. Must be a registered Thoroughbred, with proof of registration as provided at www.tjctip.com. Award: $250 to the hunt club and engraved or embroidered prize (cooler, halter, etc., provided by T.I.P.), and an engraved perpetual trophy.

2) Field Member Horse of the Year: Field Master nominated, this horse exhibits the best qualities of the Thoroughbred and field horse: a fine jumper, polite in the field, well mannered at the trailer. Must be a registered Thoroughbred, with proof of registration as provided at www.tjctip.com. Award: $250 to member and a cooler.

3) Adult Essay Contest Winner (entries open Jan. 15 and close on April 15): The best true-story essay about a Thoroughbred in the hunt field. Award: $250.

4) Best Junior Essay Contest (entries open Jan. 15 and close on April 15): Open to entrants under 18. Award: prize.

Winners of the essay contests will be published in Covertside Magazine, while the two Hunt Horse of the Year winners will be announced and awarded at the Masters of Foxhounds Association Annual Meeting in New York City in 2014.

For application and further information, go to mfha.org.