2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

102 B. Class Procedures: 1. Each exhibitor will be worked individually from the gate. A working order will be announced before the class. 2. The course pattern to be used must be posted at least one hour before the scheduled start time of the class. 3. Except for junior horses shown with hackamore (bosal) or snaffle bit, only one hand may be used on the reins. It is permissible to change hands on the reins when required to work an obstacle, i.e. gate or slicker, etc. While the horse is in motion, rider’s hands shall be clear of horse and saddle. 4. Horses will not be required to work on the rail. The course design is to be set up for each horse to show the trail walk, flat foot walk, fox trot and lope somewhere between obstacles as a part of its work. Gait between obstacles shall be at the discretion of the judge. Quality of gait between obstacles is to be considered as part of the obstacle score. Enough space must be provided for a horse to flat foot walk, fox trot, and lope for the judge to evaluate these gaits. 5. A flying lead change cannot be required, but it can be optional. 6. If disrupted, the course shall be reset after each horse has worked. At no time, shall the course be reset until the exhibitor has completed the pattern. 7. If at any time a trail obstacle is deemed to be unsafe by the judge, it shall be repaired or removed from the course. If it cannot be repaired and horses have completed the course, the score for that obstacle shall be deducted from all previous works for that class. C. Judging Considerations: 1. Credit will be given to horses negotiating the obstacles with style and some degree of speed, providing carefulness is not sacrificed, and to horses showing the capability of picking their own way through the course when obstacles warrant it. The horse must willingly respond to the rider’s cues on more difficult obstacles. 2. A horse shall be penalized for any unnecessary delay while approaching the obstacles. Horses with artificial appearance over obstacles should be penalized. D. Scoring: 1. Scoring shall be on the basis of 0 - Infinity, with 70 denoting an average performance. Each obstacle score should be added or subtracted from 70. Each obstacle will be scored on the following basis, ranging from +1 ½ (Excellent) through -1 ½ (Extremely Poor). Final score is also subject to penalties that should be subtracted if a penalty is assessed. Obstacles scores are to be determined and assessed independently of penalty points. E. Faults/Penalties: 1. Penalties should be assessed per occurrence as follows: a) ½ Point Deduction shall be assessed for the following: 1) Each tick of log, pole, cone or obstacle. b) 1 Point Deduction shall be assessed for the following: 1) Each hit of or stepping on a log, pole, cone or obstacle. 2) Break of gait at walk or fox trot for two strides or less. 3) More than one front foot or more than one hind foot in a single-stride slot or space. 4) Skipping over or failing to step into required space. 5) Split pole in canter-over. c) 3 Point Deduction shall be assessed for the following: 1) Break of gait at walk or fox trot for more than 2 strides. 2) Out of lead or break of gait at canter (except when correcting an incorrect lead). 3) Knocking down an elevated pole, cone, barrel, plant obstacle, or severely disturbing an obstacle. 4) Stepping outside the confines of an obstacle with one foot (back- thru, bridge, side pass, box, water box, etc.). d) 5 Point Deduction shall be assessed for the following: 1) Letting go of gate or dropping rope gate.