2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

114 intimidation, or be excessively nosed out, giving a resistant appearance. The horse should have a relaxed head carriage showing response to the rider’s hands, with a moderate flexion at the poll. 3. Horses to be ridden with light contact or on a reasonably loose rein. 4. The horse should cross the log at both the trail walk and the lope without breaking gait or radically changing stride. D. Scoring: 1. Scoring will be on the basis of 0 - Infinity, with 70 denoting an average performance. Each maneuver of the pattern will receive points from +1 ½ (Excellent) to -1 ½ (Extremely Poor). These points will be added/subtracted from the base score of 70. Penalty points will be scored separately from maneuver scores and will be deducted to arrive at the final score. E. Faults/Penalties: 1. One-half (½) penalty point will be assessed for each occurrence of the following: a) Tick or light touch of log b) Non-simultaneous lead change. 2. One (1) penalty point will be assessed for each occurrence of the following: a) Hitting or rolling log/pole b) Out of lead more than one stride either side of the center point and between the markers. c) Splitting the log (log between the two front or two hind feet) at the lope. d) Break of gait at walk or fox trot up to two strides. 3. Three (3) penalty points will be assessed for each occurrence of the following: a) Not performing the specific gait or not stopping when indicated in the pattern within 10 feet of the designated area. b) Out of lead at or before the marker prior to the designated change area or out of lead at or after the marker after the designated change area. c) Additional lead changes anywhere in pattern (except when correcting an extra change or incorrect lead). d) Break of gait at the lope (except for simple lead change). 4. Exhibitor will have five (5) penalty points assessed for each occurrence of the following: a) Failure to change leads (including cross-cantering) beyond the next designated change area. b) Blatant disobedience, including kicking out, biting, bucking and rearing. 5. Additional faults to be judged according to severity in maneuver scores: a) Opening mouth excessively. b) Anticipating signals c) Stumbling. d) Head carried to high or low. e) Over-flexing (nose carried behind the vertical). f) Excessive nosing out (resistant). 6. Faults/Penalties to cause disqualification: a) Willful abuse. b) Off course. c) Knocking over marker. d) Completely missing log. e) Major refusal - stop and back more than two strides. f) Severe disobedience including balking, rearing, kicking g) Excessive schooling. h) Over-turn of more than ¼ turn i) Equipment failure or use of prohibited equipment. j) Fall of horse or rider. F. Equipment and Attire: See Section 5, Paragraph A through C.