2024 MFTHB Rule Book

140 6) After the contestant has demonstrated horse’s cutting ability, the contestant will direct the turn back riders to move out of the way to the side of the arena. Contestant then drives the designated cow between the marker and the corner of the pen and then on into the pen. 7) Contestants do not have to wait until 90 seconds has elapsed to pen the animal. 8) Contestants will be allowed to grasp the saddle horn. 9) The class is over when the animal is penned, or the 2 minutes 30 seconds time limit is up. Whistle will blow when the time is expired. 10) Contestants will be penalized if cow returns to the herd or if cow is not penned when time has expired. Penning more than the designated cow will result in points being deducted. 11) If time and number of cattle permits, the judge has discretion of giving a new cow to a contestant if: a cow won’t or can’t run; cow won’t leave end of arena; cow is blind or won’t yield to the horse; or cow leaves arena. C. Judging Considerations: Scoring will be 100% on horse’s performance and ability. Consideration and credit will be given to those horses that demonstrate excellence in their herd work, setting up the cow to be cut and working in the center of the arena. Consideration and credit is also given for the degree of difficulty of the cow drawn and for the ability to drive and pen the cow within the time allotted. Contestants will not be penalized for reining the horse during the cutting portion, but horse should display natural cutting ability. D. Scoring/Penalties: 1) Scoring will be on the basis of 0 to 100 with 70 denoting an average performance. 2) Zero Score will be given for: a) Turning Tail to Cow b) Illegal equipment. c) Excessive disturbance of herd. d) Two hands on reins except snaffle or bosal (Junior horse). 3) 5 Point Penalty will be given for: a) Quitting cow. b) Losing cow. c) Not penning cow before 2-1/2 minute time has expired. d) Penning more than one cow. e) Not driving cow between marker and corner of pen prior to penning. 4) 3 Point Penalty will be given for: a) Cattle picked up or scattered. b) Spurring on the shoulder. c) Pawing or biting cattle. d) Cow reaches back fence (If cow is lost, only greater (5 point) penalty is charged) 5) 1 Point Penalty will be given for: a) Losing working advantage. b) Toe, foot, or stirrup touching horse's shoulder. c) Working out of position.