2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

130 2) The flat foot walk and the fox trot should be free moving and void of peggy, short-strided motion. The lope should be a definite 3-beat gait of moderate speed, performed on the proper lead, and showing good use of the hindquarters. 3) The horse’s expression should be alert, mannerly, and without the appearance of dull, sullen, lethargic, drawn or overly tired attitude. 4) Maximum credit should be given to the flowing, balanced and willing horse that gives the appearance of being fit, alert and a pleasure to ride. Section 7. Ranch Versatility A. Class Descriptions: 1) This event is intended to display the working ability and willingness of a horse to complete work suitable for the type of activity one would expect on a normal day’s work on the ran 2) Contestants will work from the gate individually. They will be required to perform one of the pre-approved Ranch Versatility Patterns, which will include reining maneuvers and trail obstacles. B. Class Procedures: 1) A working order will be announced, contestants will work from the gate individually. All horses will be judged immediately upon entering the arena and judging will cease after the last maneuver. Any fault incurred prior to the commencement of a pattern will be scored accordingly. 2) Contestants will be required to perform a pre-approved pattern consisting of 10 obstacles/maneuvers. The 10 obstacles/maneuvers will include the following: gate, logs, elevated ground pole/jump, circles, lead changes, right rollback, left rollback, stop, back and drag obstacles (Drag obstacle: 15 to 16-inch tire attached to 25’ to 30’ rope). 3) The three pre-approved Ranch Versatility Patterns are at the end of the Ranch Horse section. C. Judging Considerations: 1) The best reined horse should be willfully guided with no apparent resistance. Any movement by the horse made on his own must be considered a lack of control. 2) Any deviation from the pattern must be considered a lack of control and therefore faulted accordingly. 3) Credit will be given for smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness and authority in performing the various maneuvers while using controlled speed. 4) More credit will be given for flying lead changes, although simple lead changes are allowed. Sliding stops are expected to be those of a working ranch horse. D. Scoring/Faults: 1) Scoring will be on the basis of 0 to100, with a maximum of 10 points per obstacle/maneuver. 2) The following will result in no score: a) Use of illegal equipment, including wire on bits, bosals or curb chains. b) Use of tack collars, tie downs or nose bands. c) Use of whips or bats. d) Use of any procedure which alters the movement or circulation of the tail. e) Failure to provide horse and equipment to appropriate judge for inspection. f) Disrespect or misconduct by the exhibitor. g) Failure to complete the pattern or attempt obstacles as written. h) Equipment failure that delays completion of the pattern. i) Spurring in front of the cinch. j) Use of free hand to instill fear. k) Touching horse or saddle with free hand (exception: amateur and youth contestants may grab saddle horn during jump obstacle only). 3) Faults against the horse will be scored accordingly: a) Opening mouth excessively when wearing a bit.