2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

22 GENERAL VIOLATIONS Section 1. Rules Violations A violation is the commission of any act by any person, firm or corporation that is prejudicial to the best interest of the MFTHBA and contrary to its Bylaws, Rules, Standards and Policies. Any of the foregoing entities shall be deemed guilty of a violation who shall engage in the following: A. Cruel and Inhumane Treatment: Treat any horse in a cruel or inhumane manner, including but not limited to the prohibited conduct specified in the General Show Rules section of this Handbook. Cruelty to horses other than Missouri Fox Trotting Horses is included in this prohibition, as it indicates a general course of dealing with horses which is unacceptable by the MFTHBA. For violation of this rule, an MFTHBA member may be censured, disciplined, suspended, fined and/or expelled from the MFTHBA. A non-member may be denied MFTHBA privileges. This prohibition against cruelty included, but is not limited to, MFTHBA members, their agents, representatives and employees, the action for which members are also responsible. When any violation occurs during a horseshow or horse-related event, the member in violation may be asked to leave the grounds immediately. If legal chargers related to cruel and inhumane treatment are filed against a member, the member in violation shall also be temporarily suspended from any activities involving the showing, selling, training or exhibition of any horse until such time as the issue shall be settled by means described in Section 2, below. B. Fraudulent Practices: Knowingly misrepresenting any material fact pertaining to a horse or MFTHBA document or falsifying any MFTHBA document. 1. No person shall represent as a registered Missouri Fox Trotting horse any horse other than the horse for which said certificate was issued. 2. No person shall, for the purpose of registration, alter in any way, change, or attempt to hide or alter the natural markings of a horse, whether by surgery, dye, or any other manner. 3. No person shall register or attempt to register a horse under another name or alter, change, or otherwise falsify in any way a registration certificate. 4. No person shall provide false information to the MFTHBA or any person regarding the name, age, parentage, or registration status of a horse. 5. As determined by the Board of Directors, subject to complaint resolution process as outlined in Section 2 of this rule, any act or acts of falsification of registration which adversely affects the accuracy of registrations under the MFTHBA’s jurisdiction may result in censure, discipline, suspension, fine, revocation of membership or loss of any or all privileges of the MFTHBA, along with associated penalties. 6. Ownership of an issued registration certificate remains with MFTHBA. It is issued in reliance on a written application submitted and attested by the owner at time of foaling, and under the express condition that MFTHBA has the privilege to correct and/or cancel the certification under MFTHBA rules, standards and policies should the information provided be false. 7. When registration or transfer of registration has been obtained by means of misrepresentation or fraud, the Board of Directors may take appropriate action as provided under the General Violations provisions of this handbook, and the Board also has the option to refuse to receive subsequent applications of any kind signed by any person or persons implicated in said misrepresentation or fraud. C. Abuse of MFTHBA Officials or Personnel: Engage in abusive or intimidating conduct toward or do physical harm to any Director, Officer, MFTHBA staff member or employee, show judge or show personnel while in furtherance of their official duties. Bribe or attempt to bribe a judge, DQP or other show official or fail to report to the Board of Directors a bribe or attempted bribe of a judge, DQP or other show official. D. Personal Conduct: Commit physical threat or attack upon a person or during a show, make hostile actions or threatening remarks, or use or consume prohibited or illegal substances on show grounds. E. Prohibited Actions-Suspensions: Any person, while under MFTHBA or HPA suspension, or horse(s) owned by any suspended person, cannot participate in any MFTHBA-affiliated activities other than as a spectator. F. Ethical Behavior: Act, incite, or conspire with any other person to act in a manner contrary to the rules and regulations of the MFTHBA, or prejudicial to the best interest of the MFTHBA or act in a manner