The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (MFTHBA) Versatility Committee is proposing changes to the current rules regarding reining patterns. Members are invited to review the proposed rule changes and provide feedback to their Regional Director. There will be at least 60 days for feedback, with the final vote on these changes taking place at the October board meeting. If approved, the changes will go into effect on January 1, 2026.

Proposed Rule Change Description:

The proposal allows for the development of new reining patterns by adding specific requirements and incorporating additional patterns that may be used in competition.

Proposed Language Change:

• Page 106, Section 12. A.
  Add: “or a pattern developed by the judge containing reining maneuvers such as loping large or small circles on the correct lead at a fast or slow speed, changing leads, spins, rollbacks, and stops” to the end of the 5th sentence. The sentence will now read:
  “Exhibitors will follow one of the patterns published in the MFTHBA handbook or a pattern developed by the judge containing reining maneuvers such as loping large or small circles on the correct lead at a fast or slow speed, changing leads, spins, rollbacks, and stops.”

• Page 106, Section 12. B. 1.
  Delete the word “ten” and add: “, or a pattern developed by the judge,” after the word “patterns.” The sentence will now read:
  “Any one of the MFTHBA approved patterns, or a pattern developed by the judge, may be used and is to be selected by the judge of the class and is to be used by all contestants in the class.”

Additionally, new reining patterns with descriptions will be added to the current reining patterns, beginning after Pattern 11 on page 113.

Review and Feedback:
We encourage all members to review the proposed changes and submit any feedback to their Regional Director. A PDF of the new proposed reining patterns is available for download here.

Changes will be voted on at the October board meeting, and if approved, will be implemented starting January 1, 2026.

Your input is important, and we look forward to your feedback!