2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

11 ARTICLE IV Section 1 . Membership and Eligibility. A. All applicants for membership shall file a written application in such form as the Board of Directors shall from time to time determine. Ownership of a horse is not a requirement for membership. B. Memberships, which are non-transferable, shall be of four categories: Lifetime, Individual, Youth and Corporate. 1. Lifetime membership is for persons 18 years of age and over and will include all privileges and rights afforded to MFTHBA members as outlined in the MFTHBA Official Handbook for the life of the member at a onetime membership fee. For any member, currently under the age of 18 having previously acquired a lifetime membership all rights and privileges with the exception of voting rights will be honored; at such time the member attains age 18 as of January 1, of the then current year, all rights and privileges of membership, including voting, will be available. 2. Individual membership for persons 18 years of age and over includes all privileges and rights afforded to MFTHBA members as outlined in the MFTHBA Official Handbook. A yearly fee is required to maintain membership in the association. 3. Youth membership is for youth 17 years of age and under and is limited in its privileges. A yearly fee is required to maintain membership in the association. See details outlined in the MFTHBA Official Handbook. 4. Corporate membership includes all privileges and rights afforded to MFTHBA members as outlined in the MFTHBA Official Handbook with the following exceptions: Corporate membership shall be entitled to one vote; corporation’s official name, officers, and authorized parties to sign documents or conduct business for the corporation must be on file in the MFTHBA office by January 1 of each year. It is the corporation’s responsibility to keep MFTHBA informed of authorized parties conducting business for the corporation. A yearly fee is required to maintain membership in the association. C. A person voting on behalf of a corporation is not eligible to vote an individual or lifetime membership. D. No member under the age of 18 as of January 1 of the current year is eligible to vote. E. Current members who have maintained their membership in good standing, i.e., financial obligations to MFTHBA have been met, and no membership suspensions or membership terminations have been imposed by the MFTHBA Board of Directors, will have equal rights, interest and responsibilities with respect to MFTHBA and its property. Such members will have the right to vote under normal MFTHBA voting procedures, and hold office and committee assignments, except as otherwise limited. Section 2. Disciplinary Rules A. Membership is a privilege, not a right, and as such the members are subject to the Bylaws, rules and regulations of MFTHBA. Members may be disciplined, suspended, fined and/or expelled for cause after an appropriate hearing in accordance with such rules and regulations as adopted from time to time by the Board of Directors.