2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

68 2. Novice Division Classes: a) Novice designation may apply to either the Horse or the Rider but not both in the same class. It should be clearly listed on the show bill whether the class is a Novice Rider or Novice Horse class. b) Horse Ownership : Must meet the ownership requirements designated by the Division listed on the show bill (i.e Open Amateur designated classes will meet the ownership requirements outlined for Open Amateur Division). c) Exhibitor : Must meet the ownership requirements designated by the Division listed on the show bill. In Novice Rider designated classes, exhibitors may not have won a Reserve World Championship, a Reserve World Grand Championship, or 1st place in any MFTHBA class in the competition area (i.e. Performance, Model, Versatility or Ranch Horse), excluding Novice/Apprentice and Youth divisions. In Versatility only, Novice designation will be applied for a specific class (i.e. Western Pleasure, Reining, etc.). Once an individual has won an Amateur Novice or Amateur Apprentice Division Championship they may no longer show in Amateur Novice/Apprentice classes. Youth who have exhibited and won in Non-Youth classes in the competition area of the designated class (i.e. Performance, Model, Versatility or Ranch Horse) may not show in this division. Person eligible for Novice classes as of January 1 of the current year will remain a Novice for the calendar year. d) Horse to be Exhibited: Must meet the ownership requirements designated by the Division listed on the show bill. In Novice Horse designated classes, the horse may not have won a Reserve World Championship, a Reserve World Grand Championship, or 1st place in any MFTHBA class in the competition area of the designated class (i.e. Performance, Model, Versatility or Ranch Horse). In Versatility only, Novice designation will be applied for a specific class (i.e. Western Pleasure, Reining, etc.). A horse eligible for Novice classes as of January 1 of the current year will remain a Novice for the calendar year. H. Other Class Designations : 1. Pony Classes : Designated Pony classes are Missouri Fox Trotting Pony Registry classes. Only MFTPR registered ponies are eligible to participate in designated pony classes. The pony may be tentatively or permanently registered. Tentatively registered ponies may be height inspected prior to entering a class. 2. Out of State: Exhibitors may hold either an Amateur or Professional card. The exhibitor must also reside outside the state of Missouri. 3. Specialty: The term “specialty” is used to designate the class as a two gait (flat walk and fox trot) class versus the traditional aged horse which require a flat walk, fox trot and canter. In the Open division, specialty would be used to designate a two-gait class for horses 4 years and older. In Amateur Divisions, it would be used to designate a two-gait class for horses 5 years and older. 4. Senior Citizens: Age requirement for the class will be set by show management and will be clearly defined on the show bill. 5. Show Pleasure Trail Class-2 Gait : This class is judged on the performance of the horse over and thru obstacles, with emphasis on manners, response to the rider and attitude. At least six obstacles will be used. There are 3 mandatory obstacles; 1. Opening, passing through and closing a gate 2. Riding over at least four logs or poles. These can be in a straight line, curved, zigzagged or raised. 3. Backing obstacle. Optional obstacles include. Serpentines, wooden bridge, mailbox, side pass, carry an object, tarp on ground, etc. Faults that will result in a no score on a particular obstacle but does not mean disqualification include: doing an obstacle differently than described on the pattern, missing, not attempting or not completing and obstacle or wrong gait. Disqualification from the class will occur for illegal equipment, more than one finger between split reins, except when changing hands to work an obstacle (note special rules for horses 5 years and under), or obviously cueing the horse on the neck to lower the head. Please refer to the MFTHBA rules for details regarding how the Trail Class is scored. a) Trail/ Western Pleasure/Country Pleasure (if riding Western): Western show apparel, split or romal reins required, cowboy hat or helmet required, no cavessons, ribbons or gag bits. See 700 Show Rules, Policies & Procedures Versatility Competition, Section 5, A – C