2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

117 1. 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) Not driving cow between marker and corner of pen prior to penning. d) Excessive disturbance of herd. e) 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. 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. Section 15. Hunter Hack/Hunter Over Fences Class Description: These classes are pattern classes and are judged classes. Hunter Hack horses are first required to follow a pattern that shall include two fences, 2 feet (60cm) to 3 feet (90cm) in height. Horses are then shown both ways of the ring at the flat foot walk, fox trot and canter. At the discretion of the judge, contestants may be asked to hand gallop, pull up or back and stand quietly following the last fence. The Hunter Over Fences course will consist of eight fences, of at least four different obstacles. An obstacle may be jumped more than once. Fence heights are to be a minimum of 18 inches and a maximum of three (3) feet. Work on the rail may be required at the discretion of the judge but shall not include work other than that mentioned for the Hunter Hack classes. A. Arena Arrangements: Hunter Hack: The course shall consist of two fences, a minimum height of 2 feet (60cm) to a maximum height of 3 feet (90 cm). If the fences are set on a line, they are recommended to be in increments of 12 feet (3.5 meters) but adjusted to no less than 48 feet between fences. A ground pole is recommended for all fences (a pole as long as the jump, laid on the ground just below the jump or approximately 18 inches from the base on the approach side). Hunter Over Fences: 1. There will be a minimum of four obstacles; horses are to make a minimum of eight jumps Fence heights are to be a minimum of 18 inches and a maximum of three (3) feet. 2. A simple fence such as a post and rail should be used for the first obstacle on any course. It is recommended the first obstacle be no more than minimum height (18 inches). 3. Post and rail fences must have a minimum of two rails per fence, excluding ground pole. The maximum space between rails should not be more than 12 inches. A ground pole (a pole the