2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

79 B. Gaits: 1. Flat Foot Walk: Unless otherwise specified, any time a walk is called for it is to be a flat foot walk (FFW). The flat foot walk shall be a flat, four beat ground covering gait, performed in a square rhythmic free- flowing manner. When correctly performing the flat foot walk, you will hear a steady, equal four beat cadence produced by the hooves, the head shake will be more animated than in the fox trot, and the rider will be getting a smooth ride. 2. Trail Walk: A slow relaxed careful walk on a loose rein with the horse’s head lowered. The trail walk would be appropriate when maneuvering in classes where there are short distances between obstacles (20 feet or less), when approaching obstacles (within 10 feet or less) or when working an obstacle (stepping over poles, walking into back-thru, walking over bridge, etc.). This gait will be required in Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Trail classes and Western Riding. 3. Fox Trot: The fox trot of a Versatility horse should be of a proper footfall pattern (cadence) as described in 100 – Section 2, Standards of the Fox Trotting Horse, The foxtrot gait should be smooth and pleasurable to ride. The stride should be of reasonable length in keeping with the conformation of the horse. Animation and/or head shake shall not receive extra consideration above correct rhythm and natural gait, nor shall these actions be penalized as they are natural characteristics of the Foxtrotter. 4. Canter/Lope: For the purpose of these rules the terms canter and lope shall be interchangeable. Lope is generally the term used in Western style classes. Canter is the term conventionally used in English style classes. The canter or lope for the Versatility horse should be a rhythmic, slightly rolling, three beat gait of moderate speed, suitable for the pleasure or working horse. Unless otherwise specified, horses moving to the left should canter on the left lead and horses moving to the right should canter on the right lead. The Versatility horse should maintain a consistent moderate speed with light contact on the reins. Horses traveling at a four beat gait are not considered to be performing the canter/ lope gait properly and shall be penalized. Excessive speed, excessive animation, or pumping of the reins will be severely penalized. 5. Hand Gallop: The hand gallop should be a definite lengthening of the canter/lope stride with a noticeable difference in speed. This is not a race, the horse should be under control at all times and be able to halt in a smooth, balanced manner. Section 3. Equitation/Horsemanship A. General: One of the main concerns of the rider of any horse should be that of safety. Safety is important to avoid injury to the rider as well as to the horse. This safety may be achieved through correct equitation/ horsemanship and should apply to the riding on any horse for work, pleasure or show. 1. The horse should be well mannered and under control at all times. 2. The rider’s head should be up with the eyes looking in the direction of intended movement. 3. The shoulders should be square over the hips; the back should be straight, and the rider’s seat should be in the saddle. Leaning forward or backward excessively is not desirable. 4. The arms should hang naturally to the elbow. The elbows should be held close to the side and bent so that a straight line is formed through the wrists to the bit. 5. The ball of the foot should be on the tread of the stirrup. The heel should be slightly lower than the toe. 6. Reins should be adjusted so that the rider has light contact with the horse’s mouth and at no time shall reins require more than a slight movement to control the horse. Excessively tight or loose reins will be penalized. 7. The point of the shoulder, hip and heel should form a straight vertical line, as should the point of the knee to the toe. 8. Overall, the rider should appear relaxed, comfortable and in harmony with the horse, presenting a pleasing picture.