Show Basics
MFTHBA Show Basics
Model
During model classes horses are shown in hand. Horses are judged on how closely they match the breed standard for conformation. In addition, judges evaluate the horse on gait at the flat foot walk.
Performance
In the performance ring, Fox Trotters are judged against the breed standard for gaits. Horses compete in either two gait (flat walk and fox trot) or three gait (flat walk, fox trot and canter) classes. Horses three and under are only eligible to show in two-gait classes. Horses competing in the Amateur division do not canter until age five.
Fox Trotters in the performance ring typically exhibit with a standard bridle including a brow band and cavesson. Saddles should be western. Horses also wear ribbon in their forelock and mane. The ribbons help illustrate the rhythm of the horse. There are exceptions to the tack described above depending on the requirements of the specific class.
Versatility
The versatility arena covers a variety of competition classes. These classes may include western pleasure, horsemanship, English, reining, barrel racing, pole bending, and ranch horse competitions. These classes follow the same guidelines as other breed competition for these events with one exception. In most classes, horses are asked and expected to perform a fox trot.
Class Descriptions
Below is a brief summary of MFTHBA Exhibitor division. For complete and official descriptions, exhibitors should refer to the latest copy of the Official Handbook: Rules, Standards & Policies (link).
Open: Open classes are open to any registered Missouri Fox Trotting Horse. There are no restrictions on ownership however the owner must be a current MFTHBA member. All exhibitors in Open classes must be a current MFHTBA member and hold either a Amateur, Youth or Professional card. Entered horses much meet the age and gender requirements of the class and be registered with the MFTHBA.
Open Amateur: Open Amateur classes are open to any Amateur Rider. There are no restrictions on ownership of the horse except that the horse’s owners must be current MFTHBA members.
Amateur Owned: In Amateur Owned Classes horses must be owned by the Amateur member who is exhibiting the horse or owned by immediate family members as defined in the MFTHBA Handbook.
Amateur Owned and Trained: This division must meet all requirements for the Amateur Owned Division. In addition, entered horses may not have been professionally trained. However, it is permissible for a horses to be started a person other than the amateur owner for a period not to exceed 30 days. No additional training by a Professional is permitted for horses shown in this division.
No Professional Training (NPT) 90 days: Horses entered into this class may not receive professional training 90 days prior to the show.
Limited Rider: Exhibitors may not have won a WGC or Reserve WGC at any time in the competition area of the designated class (i.e. Performance, Model, Versatility, or Ranch Horse). This excludes WGC or Reserve WGC’s won in the Novice/Apprentice and Youth divisions. Exhibitors may not have won a 1st or 2nd place in any MFTHBA class in the competition area of the designated class excluding Novice/Apprentice and Youth in the last two calendar years. Youth who have won non-youth WGC, Reserve WGC, or 1st/2nd place must meet the criteria outlined in order to enter this class.
Novice Rider: In Novice Rider designated classes, exhibitors may not have won a Reserve World Championship, a Reserve World Grand Championship, or 1st place in any MFTHBA class in the competition area (i.e. Performance, Model, Versatility or Ranch Horse), excluding Novice/Apprentice and Youth divisions. Once an individual has won an Novice/Apprentice Division Championship they may no longer show in Amateur Novice/Apprentice classes. Youth who have exhibited and won in Non-Youth classes in the competition area of the designated class may not show in this division. Person eligible for Novice classes as of January 1 of the current year will remain a Novice for the calendar year.
Out of State: The Out of State class is open to any horse whose owner of record resides outside the state of Missouri. In addition, the exhibitor must also reside outside the state of Missouri.
Ladies and Men’s Classes: Classes designated as either Ladies or Men’s classes are restricted to exhibitors 18 years and older.
Youth: Youth classes do not permit the exhibition of a stallion, with the exception of a weanling in weanling model classes. Youth 11 and under will be allowed to exhibit only in designated youth classes. All youth age 6 & under will be required to have an attendant in the arena while exhibiting in a class. It is recommended that all youth age 11 & under wear an ASTM/SEI certified helmet