2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

60 1. Amateur Status: A person is an amateur who, upon attaining age 18 as of January 1 of the then current year, does not engage in any activities which would cause him/her to be classified as a professional. See No. 2, Professional Status as shown below. An amateur may exhibit in any class that is not restricted to them as to age, gender, or other requirements in these rules or on the show bill. The following will not affect amateur status: a) Standing a breeding stallion, buying or selling, or boarding horses does not affect a person’s amateur status; b) The writing of horse related books or articles c) The acceptance of remuneration for judging, working as a farrier, or serving in the capacity of DQP or other show employee at horse shows, sales exhibitions; d) Winnings, paybacks or awards as a result of placement in a class. e) Conducting educational clinics and/or seminars where the presenter’s expenses may be covered/reimbursed, with no additional remuneration, provided that member otherwise meets the requirements as an amateur. 2. Professional Status: Any individual 18 years of age or older as of January 1 of the current year will be considered a professional if they accept remuneration to show, train, or assist in training a horse, or instruct another person in riding, driving, training or showing a horse (whether or not a registered Missouri Fox Trotting Horse). 3. Youth Status: Youth 11 and under are restricted to Youth Classes only. Youth age 12-17 as of January 1 of the then-current year, may exhibit in any class that is not restricted to them as to age, gender or other requirements in these rules or on the show bill. For youth ages 12-17, an Amateur Card marked to indicate youth membership is required to exhibit in MFTHBA Amateur classes. a) A consent form signed by the parent or guardian is require b) With the exception of a weanling colt in a halter-type class, a stallion shall not be exhibited by a youth at any show. c) Youth attain Amateur status as of January 1 of the then current year after reaching age 18. Professional status in lieu of Amateur status may be obtained at that age, provided other professional requirements are met. D. Misrepresentation of Status: Any person who is a Professional and falsely represent themselves to be an Amateur in order to exhibit in Amateur classes, and any person who falsely participates or provides false information in the application process for a change of status, shall be subject to disciplinary action. Section 3. Tack & Equipment: A. General (see 700 Show Rules, Policies & Procedures Versatility Competition Section 5 Versatility Tack & Equipment) 1. The standard bridle includes a browband and cavesson. Colored browband and cavesson are appropriate except where specified otherwise. Western-type bridles are permitted except in classes where specified otherwise. Bitless bridles are permitted. 2. Bits should be of the grazing, snaffle, curb, half-breed or hackamore type. No cruel or inhumane bits or similar devices will be permitted. The cheek will not be more than 9 1/2" excluding any rings that are added to the cheek to attach the reins . Curb chains are permissible and must be at least one-half inch in width (1/2”). Wire or solid curbs are prohibited regardless of how padded or covered. b) Curb bit - a leverage bit. The headstall is attached in a slot or ring (fixed opening) above the mouthpiece. The reins are attached in a ring or slot (fixed opening) below the mouthpiece. A Curb bit generally has shanks; but if the rein is attached below the mouthpiece in a different ring or slot, leverage is created whether there are visible “shanks” or not, and the bit is considered a curb bit. A curb strap or curb chain is attached to the cheek piece or purchase.