Proposed Change to Rulebook – Page 30, Section a)

Current Rule Language:

1. a) For Show Purposes ONLY, foals born September 1 through December 31 are considered to fall in the following year. This provision is not valid for MFTPR or Weanling Model.

Proposed Rule Language:

1. a) For Show Purposes ONLY, foals born September 1 through December 31 are considered to fall in the following year. This provision is not valid for MFTPR.

Summary of Proposal:

This rule change proposes the removal of the Weanling Model exception from the current provision that allows foals born between September 1 and December 31 to be considered as born in the following year for show purposes only. The updated rule would maintain the exclusion for the Missouri Fox Trotting Pony Registry (MFTPR) but would reinstate eligibility for these foals to participate in the appropriate model classes.

Background and Rationale:

For more than 15 years, the MFTHBA has recognized a fall breeding period, originally allowing foals born between October 1 and December 31 to be treated as if born the following year for show purposes only. This was expanded in 2014 to include foals born as early as September 1. This provision has supported breeders by offering a second breeding season and producing more mature horses at the start of show training—particularly beneficial for those developing model and performance prospects.

In 2024, a change was adopted that excluded foals born in the fall from eligibility in Weanling Model classes. As a result, these foals—born between September 1 and December 31—are not considered weanlings for the Weanling Model class, nor are they considered yearlings for the Yearling Model class. This has created a subset of foals effectively barred from participating in any model class their first year, despite being bred under longstanding expectations.

The original rationale for this change centered around concerns that fall-born foals may be larger and more physically developed than spring-born weanlings, potentially influencing judges’ decisions. However, size is not an element of the judging criteria in model classes. Model classes are based on the conformation standard of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse, not age-related size differences. Our judges are professionals and should be capable of evaluating foals of varying sizes to determine how well they meet the breed standard.

Numerous examples exist of spring-born weanlings successfully competing against older, larger fall-born foals in past years, illustrating that judges have historically been able to fairly and accurately assess horses of different developmental stages.

Furthermore, model class participation has been a consistent challenge, and excluding an entire group of foals—many of whom were bred before the rule was changed—undermines efforts to grow these classes. The MFTHBA Show Committee, after reviewing concerns from members and exhibitors, has recommended that the rule be revised to once again allow fall-born foals to be eligible for Weanling Model classes under the established fall birthdate policy.

Impact:

• Restores Participation: Reintegrates a group of foals into the show system that are currently ineligible, improving fairness and opportunity.
• Supports Breeders: Respects decisions made under longstanding breeding practices.
• Promotes Judge Confidence: Reinforces that MFTHBA judges are qualified to assess conformation regardless of age-related size differences.
• Aligns with Committee Recommendations: The MFTHBA Show Committee supports this revision following feedback from breeders, exhibitors, and judges.

Members are encouraged to provide feedback on the change to their Board Representative.  Change will be voted on in December.  

Effective Date if Adopted: January 1, 2026