2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

123 B. Class Procedures 1. Timing shall begin as soon as the horse’s nose reaches the starting line and will be stopped when the horse’s nose passes over the finish line. 2. A clearly visible starting line must be provided. An electric timer or at least two watches shall be used, with the time indicated by the electric timer or the average time of the watches used by official timers to be the official time. 3. The contestant is allowed a running start and may begin his run from either the left or right side of the first pole. He must start by crossing the center line between the upright markers, turn around the second pole, cross over the center line again between the markers, then round the first pole and run back across the finish line. C. Judging Considerations: The Stake Race is a timed event; the judge will make determinations based only on the criteria listed below. D. Scoring: Scoring is based on run time, adding any time faults incurred to total time. E. Faults/Penalties: 1. The following will result in a five second time penalty. a) If the hat or helmet is not on the exhibitor’s person for the entire time the exhibitor is in the arena. 2. Faults which will be cause for disqualification a) Failure of a contestant to cross the start and finish line between the marker b) Failure of a contestant to cross over the center line between the markers before turning the second pole and cross back over the center line after turning the second pole. c) If an upright marker or pole is knocked down. d) At the discretion of the judge, an exhibitor may be disqualified for excessive use of a bat, crop, whip or rope in front of the cinch. F. Equipment and Attire: See Section 5, Paragraphs A through C