2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

129 Section 4. Equipment and Attire: See Versatility Competition - Section 5, Paragraph A through C. Section 5. Ranch Horse Conformation A. Class Description: The purpose of this class is to preserve the natural history of the fox trotter as a useful ranch animal and to demonstrate the positive combination of balance, structural correctness, and movement appropriate to the breed to allow them to soundly contribute to daily routines in ranch setting . The horses are to be saddled and ridden into the ring individually. They are to demonstrate a flat foot walk to the judge and fox trot away. Each entry will be lined up by the ringmaster along the rail, facing the center of the arena with ample space between. B. Class Procedures: 1) All entries ride into the ring individually. The entry is to demonstrate the flatfoot walk to the judge and fox trot away in a straight line. The class will be lined up by the ringmaster along the rail, facing the center of the arena with ample space between each entry. Each exhibitor will then dismount, proceed to ground-tie and unsaddle the horse, placing the tack alongside the horse on the left side. When unsaddled, the exhibitor may then take up the reins and stand the horse up for inspection by the judge. Bits will be checked by the judge during this class. Exhibitors showing the horse in a bosal will follow the same procedures, ground tying the horse with the lead portion of the mecate. 2) The judge will proceed down the line, inspecting each horse on each side, front and rear. After all horses have been inspected by the judge, and the judge’s card is ready to be marked, the exhibitors will be signaled to re-saddle their horses, and riders may remount for presentation of awards. 3) Judges are encouraged to bring in the next conformation class when the previous class is saddling, placing them on the opposite side of the arena. C. Judging Considerations 1) In this class the horse is judged on conformation. Conformation is defined as the physical attributes necessary to perform under saddle. In general, the horse should possess eye appeal with an attractive head; refined throat latch; well-proportioned trim neck; long sloping shoulder; deep heart girth; short back; strong loin and coupling; long hip and croup. These characteristics should be coupled with straight and structurally correct legs and feet that allow the horse to travel in a free and natural manner. The horse should show balance and uniform muscling. Manners will also be considered as part of the judging. Section 6. Ranch Pleasure: A. Class Description: Ranch Pleasure is a rail class; horses will work both ways of the arena at the prescribed gaits. A good pleasure horse has a free-flowing stride of reasonable length in keeping with his conformation and covering a reasonable amount of ground with little effort. The motion should be balanced and flowing with the head carried in a natural position in keeping with the horse’s conformation as dictated by breed standards. B. Class Procedures: 1) All entries will enter the arena on the rail to the right promptly, at a fox trot. Entries will be asked to work both ways of the arena at a trail walk, flat foot walk, fox trot, lope and hand gallop as instructed by the judge. Entries will also be asked to reverse at the fox trot and may be asked to reverse at the lope, at the judge’s direction, turning away from the rail for any change of direction. 2) Horses will be asked to halt on the rail and back five steps one way of the arena. 3) The horse should be shown on a reasonably relaxed rein, but with light contact and control. C. Judging Considerations: 1) This class will be judged on the performance, manners and attitude of the horse.