2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

72 (b) Rear foot should be oval shaped, with short toe and heel (c) Legs should be moderate width when viewed from rear (3) Legs should appear set on the corners of the body 4) Gait, 15% a. Stride, 5% (1) Free moving (2) Rear foot over striding front foot track b. Rhythm, 5% (1) Up and down movement of head while being led in hand (2) Movement or ripple of tail while being led in hand c. Tracking, 5% (1) Traveling in a straight line (2) Rope walking, paddling, or winging to be considered for severe penalty 5) Conditioning and General Health, 10% a. Fleshing, 5% (1) Horse should not be overly fat or thin (2) Cresting of neck should be discounted b. Hair Coat, 5% (1) Should be shiny with a healthy luster (2) Should be shed and trimmed to meet standards of the region 2. Exhibitors of horses shown at halter may be instructed by the judge through the ring person to reset or move their horse to another location in the arena for comparative or other purposes. J. Ladies Sidesaddle Class: For hundreds of years, sidesaddle was considered the only way for a lady to proceed properly on horseback. The sidesaddle nearly disappeared between WWI and WWII. 1. General: All sidesaddles are required to be in a safe, rideable condition whether new, original or renovated. Breakaway and/or safety stirrup of modern size is recommended. Pads may be used with a sidesaddle in all styles except Hunt Seat. Avoid using a pad over 1 inch in thickness as the extra thickness can cause the sidesaddle to roll. Breast collars are optional. Colored or decorative browbands, cavessons and show ribbons identify sidesaddle mount as a Missouri Fox Trotter and may be used if appropriate for the rider’s attire. Sidesaddle attire should not interfere with the movement of the horse. 2. Equitation: The saddle must fit both the horse and rider for a secure and easily obtainable seat. The rider should be squarely balanced on the centerline of the horse. The rider’s breeches seam should line up with the center back of the saddle and the horse’s spine. The saddle should allow the rider to sit level with weight maintained through the thigh of the right leg. The rider does not sit back on her seat bones, nor lean to either side. Shoulders and hips should be square with care being given that the right shoulder remains back. In the event the shoulder moves forward, the right hip will as well, destroying the rider’s square seat. The right leg, secured around the upright horn, should hang naturally, ready to press against the horse’s shoulder when needed. The right foot may be carried level or with toe slightly downward to secure the knee on the upright horn. The right boot should be fully covered by the rider’s skirt or apron. Left heel should be slightly down and away from the horse’s side so that the left knee can rest against the saddle. The stirrup length should be adjusted so that a hand can be slid between the and the left knee, or about 1 inch. The rider’s hands may be carried either up close to her body, using an extra long rein, or down on either side of her knees. Above all, the rider should project stillness, sitting quietly in the saddle, with little movement in the back, shoulders, hands and legs. 3. Attire: The styles of attire, white quite varied, should reflect appropriateness for one to ride a horse. Whether modern or period attire, it should not interfere with movement of the horse. The