The MFTHBA Board of Directors has approved a series of Rule Book changes to be published for member review.  These changes will be voted on by the Board of Directors this coming December.

MFTHBA members should not be alarmed at the number of changes proposed.  “One of the objectives of this year’s Board was to clean up our Rule Book,” shared Dr. Joyce Graening, MFTHBA President.  “We have quite a few formatting and consistency issues that we want to correct.”

The majority of the changes proposed focus on correcting consistency issues within the rule book as well as updating form names that have changed over the years and correcting formatting issues.

There are a few areas that may be of particular interest to MFTHBA members.  These include:

• Removing some of the requirements to publish items in The Journal. In the last few years the publication of this magazine has shifted from monthly to every two months and on occasion it may be published less frequently than that based on news, advertisers, etc.  Some rules in the rule book require the MFTHBA to publish items for “two issues” or for “60 days.”  Depending on when these items need to be published it could turn a 60 day wait to resolve an issue into 120 days or more.  When the rule book was first published, two issues of the Journal would have corresponded to 2 months.  With the current publication schedule this is a minimum of 120 days.  Furthermore, depending on when an item is ready for distribution it could be up to a 60 day wait till the next magazine comes out, stretching a 120 day wait to 180 days.  These restrictions hamper the ability of the MFTHBA to conduct business and serve our members.

The majority of the MFTHBA now receive information electronically from the MFTHBA.  That was not the case when the rules were originally written.  “Currently approximately 3 percent of our membership is opting to receive the printed version of The Journal magazine.  We estimate less than 30 percent of printed Journal subscribers do not have an email on file with the association,” shared Dr. Graening.  “The remaining members are receiving direct information through MFTHBA members email blasts, text messages or our website.”

Accompanying these Rule changes is a Bylaw Change regarding this same issue.  MFTHBA members will be receiving the Bylaw change in their MFTHBA Ballots.  All modification to the Bylaws require the membership to vote.

• Requiring judges to take a test prior to renewal. This requirement would be an addition to the MFTHBA Rule Book.  Currently, judges are required to renew their card every three year.  To renew they simply submit a request to renew and a $25 payment.  Requiring judges to complete a test will help ensure that every judge periodically reviews the Rule Book.  “Our judges not only need to understand the gaits of the breed, but they also must understand procedures, tack requirements for each class and other requirements,” shared Dr. Graening.  “While the test will be an open book exam, it will help us ensure that judges are reviewing the rule book prior to their renewal.”

• Detailed judge violation policy. In the event that a judge makes a procedural error when judging, the MFTHBA typically sends them a letter outlining what error occurred.  These letters are meant to be an educational opportunity and to assist our judges in implementing the MFTHBA Rule Book correctly.  While this process occurs, there is not detailed documented procedures. Therefore, the MFTHBA is proposing adding a procedure to the MFTHBA Rule Book that addresses this issue.  This will help ensure the program is consistently implemented and assist our judges in understanding the process.  As you will note in reading the rule, which begins on page 10 of the Rule Change Document, the minor violation category is focused on education.  “We didn’t want to have a heavily punitive system but rather one that focused on education to ensure our judges consistently implement the MFTHBA policy and procedures,” shared Dr. Graening.

The policy also addresses actions to be taken in the event that a judge commits a moderate or major violation.  “We currently have a procedure for moderate and major violations in our Rule Book, but the penalties did not address the impact on a judge’s card.  This policy is meant to outline that procedure,” shared Graening.

• Updating the show classifications. The major change in the show portion of the rule book is updating the descriptions of Novice and Limited Exhibitor to match the Apprentice and Restricted descriptions we have used the past several years.  This update also modifies the Novice rule to apply to either a rider or a horse but not to both in the same class.  “Opening the Novice Rule to apply to the horse as well as the rider, increases the flexibility for our show managers.  There are a lot of circumstances where exhibitors may be interested in a Novice Horse class, especially in the versatility arena,” said Dr. Graening.

MFTHBA members are encouraged to review the proposed changes. The attached document lists the current rule, the proposed change, and the reason for the proposed change.  This added detail makes the document lengthy; however, the MFTHBA Board of Directors hopes the added detail will assist members in understanding the need for the change.

Over the next several months, all members are encouraged to share any concerns or questions they may have about the proposed updates with their Regional Director.  A list of Directors and their contact information can be found on the MFTHBA Board of Directors page.  https://mfthba.com/the-mfthba/board-of-directors/

 

Proposed Rule Changes