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Show Basics

MFTHBA Show Basics

Membership Requirement

All owners of a horse and the exhibitor must be current members of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association, unless otherwise noted.

Class Types

Model

Model classes are conducted in hand. Horses are evaluated on how closely they conform to the breed standard for conformation. Judges also assess the horse’s flat foot walk as part of the overall evaluation.

Performance

In the performance ring, Missouri Fox Trotters are judged on their ability to perform the breed-standard gaits.

  • Horses compete in either:
    • Two-gait classes (flat foot walk and fox trot), or
    • Three-gait classes (flat foot walk, fox trot, and canter)
  • Horses three years old and under are eligible to compete only in two-gait classes.
  • Two year old horses may only show in designated two year old classes.
  • Two-gait performance classes are referred to as Specialty classes.

Typical performance tack includes a western saddle and a standard bridle with brow band and cavesson. Horses also wear ribbons in the mane and forelock, which help illustrate the rhythm and timing of the gait. Specific classes may allow or require exceptions to standard tack.

Versatility

Versatility classes encompass a broad range of disciplines, which may include:

  • Western pleasure
  • Horsemanship
  • English
  • Reining
  • Barrel racing
  • Pole bending
  • Ranch horse classes

These classes generally follow the similar rules and guidelines as other breed competitions for those disciplines, with the expectation that horses will perform a fox trot in most classes.

Ring Procedures and Policies (Summary)

  • Presentation and control: Exhibitors are expected to present horses in a way that promotes the breed. If a horse cannot be kept under control, the exhibitor should request to be excused. Horses that are unsafe or disruptive may be dismissed and disqualified (examples include rearing, balking, running off, running backward/sideways, or interfering with another horse). A judge may make this decision.
  • Class eligibility: Horses may only be shown in the appropriate class based on age, sex, and/or class type. Horse age is determined by calendar year starting January 1 of the foaling year, except foals born September 1–December 31, which are considered the following year for show purposes.
  • Gate and timing rules: Exhibitors must be ready when the class is called.
    • 3 minutes are allowed for horses to enter after the class is announced.
    • A 1-minute warning follows for late arrivals.
    • After 4 minutes total, the gate closes and no additional horses may enter.
      Failure to enter within this period results in disqualification from that class and any qualifying class tied to it.
  • Tack changes: If an exhibitor needs time between back-to-back classes for a tack change, they must notify the DQP or show official in advance. A delay of up to 7 minutes may be granted.
  • Entering and direction of travel: In performance and model classes, horses enter single file, turn right, and proceed counterclockwise on the rail unless otherwise directed. In performance classes, entering at a fox trot may be announced, but it is optional. Horses are not judged until all entries are in, the gate is closed, and the class is called.
  • Reverses: When asked to reverse, exhibitors must reverse to the inside (away from the rail). A brief pause of up to 30 seconds is permitted. Minor bridle/curb adjustments are allowed, but no dismounting and no outside assistance.
  • Excusing from the ring: Exhibitors who wish to be excused must request permission from the Ring Master or Judge and remain in the center of the ring until excused. Leaving without permission results in disqualification from that class and all future classes for the show, and forfeiture of prizes and entry fees.
  • Soundness and welfare: Horses that are openly bleeding, lame, or otherwise present a poor image of the breed must be excused. If not, the judge or show management will excuse and disqualify the exhibitor. Obvious lameness is cause for disqualification.
  • Falls: If the horse and/or rider falls during a class, the exhibitor is disqualified. A horse is considered fallen when the shoulder and haunch on the same side touch the ground.
  • Follow ring officials: Exhibitors must follow directions from show management and ring officials at all times.
  • Time-outs: Unauthorized time-outs are not permitted. Valid time-outs may be granted (e.g., lost shoe, broken equipment). Time-outs are taken from center ring, and horses may not leave the ring. A maximum of 7 minutes total per entry, no more than two time-outs per class, is allowed.
  • Attendants in the ring: Attendants are not allowed except in specific classes, including Lead Line, 11 & Under Youth, certain driving/special needs classes, and the WGC performance class where saddles are stripped.
  • Equipment: Chains, rollers, and tail sets are not allowed. Electronic devices are allowed in the ring except in pattern classes, where they are prohibited.
  • Shoeing rules: Non-standard shoes are discouraged and violations may result in disqualification. The maximum allowable weight for each shoe shall not exceed twenty-one ounces (21 oz.).  At MFTHBA shows, shoe weight inspections are performed on certain winners, and violations result in disqualification and re-tying of the class.
  • Division limitations: Horses may compete in either Open or Amateur, not both. Open Amateur is non-designated, meaning a horse may show in Open Amateur and either Open or Amateur.

Exhibitor Divisions

Division requirements apply to both the Three-Year-Old Futurity/Spring Show and the Show & Celebration unless otherwise noted. For complete and official rules, refer to the Official Handbook: Rules, Standards & Policies.

Open Division

Horse Ownership

  • No restriction on ownership.
  • Horse must be owned or co-owned by individuals or entities holding current MFTHBA membership(s).

Exhibitor

  • Must be a current MFTHBA member.
  • Exhibitor must hold a current Amateur or Professional Card.
  • Youth may comply with an Amateur Card marked for youth.
  • A professional’s family member may show a customer’s horse in Open or Open Amateur without losing amateur status, provided they are not “remunerated for the showing of the horse”.

Horse Eligibility

  • Must meet age and gender requirements of the class.
  • Division designation (Open or Amateur) will be observed.

Open Amateur Division

Horse Ownership

  • No restriction on ownership.
  • All owners must hold current MFTHBA membership(s).

Exhibitor

  • Must be a current MFTHBA member.
  • Must hold a current Amateur Card.

Horse Eligibility

  • Must meet age and gender requirements.
  • Horses may be from either Open or Amateur classification.

Amateur Owned Division

Horse Ownership

  • Horse must be owned by:
    • The amateur exhibitor, or
    • An immediate family member (as defined by MFTHBA rules), or
    • A qualifying family-based legal entity (corporation, trust, or partnership).
  • All owners must meet amateur and family eligibility requirements.
  • Co-ownership outside the immediate family or approved entity is not permitted.

Exhibitor

  • Must be a current MFTHBA member.
  • Must hold a current Amateur Card (Youth may use an Amateur Card marked for youth).

Horse Eligibility

  • Must meet age and gender requirements.
  • Division designation will be observed.

Professional’s Family Member Exception

  • May show in Amateur classes if:
    • They do not qualify as a professional, and
    • They are the owner of record, with ownership transfer completed by March 1 of the show year.

Amateur Owned & Trained Division

Horse Ownership

  • Same ownership requirements as Amateur Owned.
  • Ownership transfer must be recorded with MFTHBA at least 60 days prior to the show.

Exhibitor

  • Must be a current MFTHBA member.
  • Must hold a current Amateur Card (Youth card marked accordingly permitted).

Horse Eligibility

  • Must meet age and gender requirements.
  • Division designation will be observed.

Training Restrictions

  • Horse may be started under saddle by someone other than the amateur owner for no more than 30 days.
  • “Starting under saddle” includes breaking, saddling, accepting the bit, forward motion, stopping, and rein response.
  • No additional professional training is permitted.
  • A signed and notarized statement detailing the starting period must be on file with MFTHBA.

Youth Division

Horse Ownership

  • No restriction on ownership.
  • All owners must hold current MFTHBA membership(s).

Exhibitor

  • Must be a current MFTHBA Youth member.
  • Lead Line exhibitors are exempt from membership requirements.
  • A parent or guardian consent form is required.

Restrictions & Safety

  • Stallions are not permitted, except weanlings in designated weanling model or in-hand trail classes.
  • Helmets and wireless electronic devices are recommended but optional (Versatility exempt).

Limited Exhibitor Division

  • Ownership and exhibitor requirements follow the base division listed on the show bill.
  • Exhibitors may not have:
    • Won a WGC or Reserve WGC (excluding Novice/Youth), or
    • Placed 1st or 2nd in the applicable competition area within the last two calendar years.

Novice Division

  • Novice designation may apply to horse or rider, not both.
  • Eligibility is based on competition history within the applicable division and competition area.
  • Novice status is determined as of January 1 and remains for the calendar year.

Other Class Designations (Summary)

  • Pony Classes: Open only to Missouri Fox Trotting Pony Registry horses.
  • Out-of-State: Exhibitor must reside outside Missouri.
  • Specialty: Two-gait performance classes.
    • Open: horses 4 & over
    • Amateur: horses 5 & over
  • Senior Citizens: Age set by show management.
  • Versatility & Ranch Horse: Governed by MFTHBA Versatility Rules (Section 700).