2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

87 e) Ribbons without rosettes, bows or glitter, rhinestones or sequins. 7. Prohibited Equipment – Cause for Disqualification a) Any deviation from required bits. b) Leg wraps c) Running or standing martingales d) Tie downs or draw reins. e) Dropped nosebands f) Bits with cheeks over 8 ½”. g) Extremely tight or twisted curb chains or curb chains less than ½” in width. h) Western style spurs G. Saddle Seat Attire: 1. Saddle Suits or Saddle Suit Jacket with Kentucky jodhpurs are required. Ties are required, gloves are preferred. 2. Informal: Solid colors are preferred, including black, blue, gray, green, beige or brown. Other colors shall also be acceptable. Glitter, rhinestones or sequins are prohibited. Derby, soft hat or protective headgear is required. Exhibitors choosing to wear protective headgear in any class may do so without penalty from judges. 3. Formal (After 6:00PM): Conservative tuxedo-type saddle suits of solid colors including dark gray, dark brown, dark blue, or black (with collars and lapels of the same color), top hat and gloves, or dark colored riding habit (Saddle Suit) and accessories. All appointment colors shall be acceptable. Top hat or protective headwear with tuxedo; Derby, soft hat or protective headgear is required with informal habit. H. Pleasure Driving Equipment: 1. The cart shall be a pleasure or formal type with two or four wheels, and of suitable appearance and safety. All carts must be equipped with cart wheels that have a diameter of 24 inches to 60 inches (size of cart and wheels should be appropriate for size of horse). All carts must be designed with a floor. No stirrup-type carts, chariots or racing sulkies will be allowed. Dash and blanket cover are optional. 2. Whip suitable to the cart and size of horse. 3. Light horse breast collar or full collar (for heavier vehicles) harnesses, to include surcingle with crupper and breeching. 4. A standard driving bridle with throat latch is mandatory. Only loose ring snaffle, half cheek snaffle, Liverpool, elbow driving bit and other types of traditional driving bits are allowed. Only Bradoon over check bits are acceptable. Mouthpieces must be on the same dimensions as required for English Hunt Seat/Dressage (Section 5 - Paragraph D). Bits may be covered with latex, rubber or leather. Burr, gag and twisted wire bits of any type are not permitted. If curb chain is used, it must be at least ½” (15mm) in width and be flat against the jaw of the horse. 5. Blinders/Blinkers are recommended but are not mandatory. 6. Optional Equipment a) Blinders/Blinkers. b) Shaft tie-downs, shaft keepers or thimbles. c) Overchecks or side checks d) Martingales e) Cavesson nosebands f) Dash and blanket cover 7. Prohibited Equipment – Cause for Disqualification a) Wire chin straps, regardless of how padded or covered b) Protective boots, leg wraps or bandages. I. Pleasure Driving Attire: 1. Exhibitors should dress conservatively and neatly. Dress should conform to the type of vehicle, i.e. casual or sporty attire for a sport or natural finish vehicle, formal attire for a more formal vehicle. 2. Gentlemen must wear a coat, hat and tie.