2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

81 2. The Hunt Seat upper body position at the fox trot should be only slightly in front of the vertical. At the canter the body should be positioned slightly more in front of the vertical. As the stride is shortened, the body should be in a slightly more erect position. The Hand Gallop should be ridden in a two-point position. The legs are on the horse's sides while the seat is held out of the saddle. When at the hand gallop, the angle of the rider's upper body will vary somewhat as the horse's stride is shortened and lengthened. A good standard at a normal hand gallop should be about 30 degrees in front of the vertical. 3. The stirrup iron should be on the ball of the foot and must not be tied to the girth. The heels should be lower than the toes, with a slight bend in the knee. The knees should point forward and remain closed with no space between the exhibitor’s knee and the saddle. Stirrup length for those riding in a hunt seat saddle will be shorter than for those riding in a dressage or flat saddle (Saddle Seat). 4. The arms should hang naturally to the elbows. The elbows should be held close to the side and bent so that they form a straight line through the wrists to the bit. 5. The rider’s hands should be slightly apart, over and in front of the withers and the knuckles turned inside the vertical. An angle of 30-35 degrees inside vertical is optimal. The hands must be steady with very limited movement. The rider should appear relaxed, comfortable and in harmony with the horse, presenting a pleasing picture. 6. Communication between horse and rider should be through subtle cues, and aids should not be obvious. Section 4. Lameness: The judge shall examine and check for lameness all horses brought into any class. This is essential regardless of whether or not the competition indicates it is necessary. Obvious lameness shall be cause for disqualification. 1. Obvious lameness is defined as: a) Consistently observable at any gait under all circumstances. b) Marked nodding, hitching or shortened stride. c) Minimal weight bearing in motion and/or at rest and inability to move. Section 5. Versatility Equipment A. General 1. Failure by exhibitor to display correct number(s) in a visible manner may result in disqualification. All junior horses age five (5) and under will have a “J” marked next to their exhibitor number. 2. Exhibitors choosing to wear protective headgear in any class may do so without penalty from Judges. ASTM/SEI Certified Helmets are required during the Hunter over Fences and Hunter Hack competitions and while schooling for those competitions. It is also recommended that all competitors wear protective headgear with a harness in speed events. 3. In any approved class, the judge shall have the authority to require the removal or alteration of any piece of equipment or accouterment, which is unsafe, or in his opinion would tend to give a horse an unfair advantage, or which he believes to be inhumane. 4. Reruns will not be allowed in instances of equipment failure. When equipment failure causes a delay or a run to be discontinued, the judge will disqualify the entry, except in the Hunter over Fences and the Hunter Hack classes. 5. Types of Bits: