2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

133 Section 8. Working Cow Horse Class description: This event is limited to cow work only. Scoring emphasis will be based on the horse maintaining control of the cow at all times, exhibiting superior cow sense and natural cow working ability without excessive reining or spurring. A. Arena Arrangements: Cones or markers shall be set at the half point mark on the long side of the arena fence, and sixteen feet (16’) from each corner on the short and long sides of the arena fence, for a total of ten (10) cones or markers. This results in two (2) on each long side and two (2) for each corner. B . Class Procedures: 1 ) All cow work must be completed within a two (2) minute time period . Each contestant’s time begins upon receiving the cow in the arena, and the contestant shall not be past the halfway point of the arena. 2) Boxing: The exhibitor shall work the cow on the prescribed end of the arena for sufficient time to demonstrate the ability of the horse to hold the cow on that end. The horse should exhibit superior cow sense and natural cow working ability without excessive reining or spurring. In the head-to-head working position, the degree of difficulty shall be considered. 3) Turning on the Fence: After a reasonable amount of time, the contestant shall take the cow down the fence, making at least one turn each way on the fence. A good turn on the fence may be defined as when a cow, while being run down the fence on one side of the arena, is turned the other direction and held near the same fence while being run in a new direction. During the turn, the horse should use himself in a controlled, athletic manner, using his hocks to stop and drive out of the turn, while using his front end to balance and turn. To be considered a turn, the exhibitor must be close to the cow to be the cause of the turn. The turn must be tight enough so as not to be considered just circling the fence. More than two good turns in each direction should not result in extra credit but also should not be penalized unless the cow is thereby too exhausted to circle correctly. One turn each way may not necessarily result in extra credit if the horse and/or cow are out of control. 4) The contestant shall then take the cow to an open part of the arena and circle it at least once in each direction.