2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

89 8. Head carried too high. 9. Head carried too low (such that poll is below withers). 10. Over flexing or straining neck in head carriage so the nose is carried behind the vertical. 11. Excessive nosing out. 12. Opening mouth excessively. Failure to maintain light contact with horse’s mouth. 13. Reins draped to the point that light contact with the horse’s mouth is not maintained. 14. Stumbling. 15. Use of spurs forward of the cinch or excessive use of spurs. 16. A horse, which appears sullen, dull, lethargic, emaciated, drawn or overly tired. 17. Faults which will be cause for disqualification: a) Changing hand or two hands on reins unless using a hackamore or snaffle bit while riding a junior horse. b) More than one finger between split reins. (exception: Jr. horse with snaffle or bosal) c) Use of romal other than specified in Western Equitation (Section 3 -B). d) Unsound, lame or unleveled horses should be dismissed. e) Unruly (out of control) horses should be dismissed. f) Use of prohibited equipment. F. Equipment and Attire: See Section 5, Paragraphs A through C. Section 7. English Pleasure A. Class Description: 1. English pleasure is a rail class; horses will work both ways of the arena at the prescribed gaits. Horses should exhibit relaxed, free flowing movement, while exhibiting correct gaits that are of proper cadence. The quality of movement and the consistency of the gaits is a major consideration. Horses should be obedient, have a bright expression and should respond willingly to the rider with light leg and hand contact. 2. English Pleasure may be divided into two sections, at the discretion of show management. Classes shall be: a) Hunt Seat/Dressage b) Saddle Seat (Flat Seat) 3. A combination of Hunt Seat and Saddle Seat Pleasure is permitted at the discretion of the show management. At the time of the entry, each exhibitor shall identify himself/herself as either Hunt Seat/Dressage or Saddle Seat and follow all rules for that division during the combined class. 4. A Saddle Seat horse may exhibit more action and animation than a Hunt Seat horse and should be shown in a collected frame. B. Class Procedures 1. Horses are to be shown at a flatfoot walk, fox trot and canter both ways of the ring. Suggested call order of the gaits: enter at the fox trot, flat foot walk when gate is closed and class is called, fox trot, flat foot walk, canter, flat foot walk; reverse, repeat gaits and line up following directions of ring steward. 2. The judge may call for a halt on the rail to test for quietness. The judge shall ask the rider to back the horse in the line-up. 3. Horses are to be reversed to the inside (away from the rail). They may be required to reverse at the walk or fox trot at the discretion of the judge but shall not be asked to reverse at the canter. 4. The judge may ask for additional work of the same nature from any horse. The judge is not to ask for work other than that listed above. 5. The rider shall not be required to dismount except in the event the judge wishes to check equipment. C. Judging Considerations: 1. This class will be judged on the performance of the horse, with consideration given to the equitation of the rider. a) The horse should be well-mannered and under control at all times. The horse should be responsive to the rider’s aids and smooth in transitions.