2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

25 Minor Violations: covers those rules which relate to voluntary activities, where non- compliance or disregard of a rule occurs. These situations are such that they do not directly affect another member. Examples would include but not be limited to disregard of leash requirements for pets, smoking prohibitions, disorderly conduct, operation of motorized vehicles on show grounds not in compliance with restrictions, etc. Not included in this category are those show-related issues where a judge, DQP or show management successfully handles the non-compliance, therefore making further action under this provision unnecessary. The rulings and decisions of show officials, including show management, judges, DQP’s and ring stewards, are final; and those taking part in MFTHBA affiliated shows agree to these conditions by their participation. A show protest, however, can be deemed to fall within this category, if so ruled by show management. Moderate Violations covers those rules which have an impact on another member or members and/or the MFTHBA and have to do with personal and professional conduct which is unbecoming or unprofessional. Issues of poor sportsmanship or disrespect to judges, DQP’s or other show officials would be included in this category. Major Violations involves issues of ethical behavior, cruel and inhumane treatment of horses, falsification of documents, bribery or attempted bribery in connection with an MFTHBA function, physical threats or assault upon another person or that person’s property at an MFTHBA function, and actions of an illegal nature for which legal measures may be sought. Any member who has been convicted of any felony by a court of competent jurisdiction or has been convicted of a misdemeanor affecting the horse industry, shall be subject, after hearing before the Board of Directors, to any fine, sanction or termination of membership the Board of Directors votes to impose. Penalties to be assessed for Rule Violations: 1 st Offense 2 nd Offense 3 rd Offense __________________ ( within 24 Months of 1 st Offense) (within 36 Months of 1 st Offense) Minor Warning citation $50 for 1 st Offense plus 3 rd Offense, advance to Violation $50 fine, suspended $50 for 2 nd Offense “Moderate” pay $300 Penalty (Remains open, 24 Mos.) Total: pay $100 Moderate Warning citation $150 for 1 st Offense + 3 rd Offense, advance to Violation $150 fine, $150 for 2 nd Offense “Major” pay $500 (Remains open, 24 Mos. ) Total: pay $300 Major $500 for 1 st Offense + Additional $500 1 st Offense, 3 rd Offense, $2,500 + Violation Board Review + $1,000 for 2 nd Offense Board Review Total: pay$1,500 + Board Review In addition to Major fines levied against the member, the Board of Directors will review such violation(s) to determine if additional actions against the member involving censure, suspension or termination of membership are warranted based on the seriousness of the violation. D. Sanctions : If found responsible for an offense, the member shall be subject to the following sanctions in addition to those listed above: 1. Censure: A vote of censure by the Board of Directors may be entered and registered under the member’s name on the permanent record of the MFTHBA. 2. Suspension: A vote of suspension may occur, in which event the suspended person is forbidden for the time specified in the findings to hold or exercise office in the MFTHBA or participate in any MFTHBA-affiliated activities in any capacity other than as a spectator. Any decision and action by the Board of Directors providing for the suspension of membership shall set forth a specific time period for such suspension, after which the Board of Directors may entertain consideration of a request by that member for reinstatement of full membership. 3. Termination of Membership: A vote by the Board of Directors to revoke a member’s current membership and all related privileges with the MFTHBA and permanently prohibit a member