GENERAL SHOW RULES

GENERAL SHOW RULES

● LIST OF CLASSES ●

Revised February 2007

CFTA'S General Show Rules are to be used in conjunction with the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association's Official Rules, Standards & Policies. Certain parts of the MFTHBA's rulebook are reprinted here for emphasis. Omissions of any part of the MFTHBA's Official Rules, Standards & Policies, does not negate it's specific requirement. Effort has been made to not duplicate in these rules those that are already included in the MFTHBA rulebook.

Each exhibitor is responsible for knowing and abiding by all of the rules and regulations of the MFTHBA and CFTA for judging and exhibiting the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse.

SHOW MANAGEMENT

The Show Chairman/ Manager is appointed by the CFTA Board of Directors. At the discretion of the Show Manager, an issue may be referred to members of the Board of Directors present at a show for discussion and vote.

JUDGES

1. A Judge may be, but does not necessarily have to be a MFTHBA carded judge.

2. Approved Judge's materials should be sent to every Judge a minimum of 30 days

prior to each show.

3. Neither the Judge nor any member of his/her immediate family may exhibit or act

as agent or handler of a horse at a show at which he/she is officiating, nor may any

horse be shown under a Judge if that Judge has been owner, trainer, or conditioner

of that horse within the previous six months. If such horse is entered in a show, it's

entry fee, if any, shall be refunded and it shall not be exhibited, unless the Judge for

that class chooses to disqualify himself/herself.

4. There will be no class sheets in the arena at any time.

5. There will be no coaching of any participant by any Judge at anytime in the arena

during the show.

PROTESTS

1. A Judge's decision, representing his/her individual preference, is not protest able

unless it is alleged to be a violation of the rules. Any person who approaches the

Judge for any reason with abusive language is subject to expulsion from the CFTA.

Anyone other than the Show Management or other designated show persons speaking to

a Judge before the end of a horse show will forfeit all points at that particular show.

All questions should be directed to the Ring Steward or Show Management. The protest

should be filed at the Entry Booth and then the MFTHBA rules apply.

2. Anyone protesting another's compliance with the CFTA Show Rules and Regulations

will be required to make a deposit of $50.00 to the Association before action to

prove or disprove the protest is begun. Should the one protesting be correct in

his/her protest, the deposit will be refunded and the cost of proof will lie with the

transgressor. Should the protest be proven wrong, the deposit will be given to the

person protested. A one-hour limit per protest will be applicable.

GENERAL SHOW RULES

1. No one, other than the Show Management or designated show persons, may speak

to the Judge before the end of the show. Exhibitors and/or Owners shall forfeit all

points earned at that show.

2. Horses shall enter the ring in the order called by the Gate Steward.

3. Anyone showing their horse or having their horse shown, may not act as an official

in the arena before being judged.

4. Horses shown in an authorized CFTA/MFTHBA show should be well groomed and

properly tacked up. MFTHBA rules apply in all cases.

5. Horses shall be shown with ribbons (except as noted in the MFTHBA rulebook).

6. Pads on horses' feet are prohibited.

7. All tack changes must be cleared through the entry booth a minimum of two classes

prior to the first call for class in question. Tack changes are to be used when a horse

or rider is in two consecutive classes and tack must be changed. It is not for the

convenience of the contestant who is not ready for any other reason. Granting of

tack changes will be at the discretion of Show Management.

8. Riders and handlers will wear western attire. Western attire consists of a western

hat (optional for ladies), western style long sleeved shirt (jacket or vest is optional),

and western style trousers. On exceptionally hot days, Show Management may waive

long sleeved shirts and hats. Come prepared with both styles of clothing.

Riding boots are required; spurs and whips are optional. Special requirements

apply to Western Pleasure class and the English Pleasure class, and are listed in the

MFTHBA rulebook.

9. Youth riders competing in Barrel Racing and/or Pole Bending must wear helmets.

10. Horses exhibited as Fox Trotters must be registered with a recognized Fox Trotter

Horse Registry (MFTHBA or AFTHBA). Horses exhibited must be entered under full

registered name and registry number, or if under one year of age, be eligible for

registry and registration applied for. Any horse two years or older must have been

issued a permanent and approved registration certificate from either the MFTHBA

or AFTHBA.

11. Awards are made to the owner as shown on the registration at the time the horse

wins its last point for competition for that year. Ownership of a horse may be

transferred during the year without affecting the animal's points. Transfer of

ownership must be completed through the MFTHBA or AFTHBA and on file with

CFTA Show Chairman by the last show date of the show season or proof that such

transfer is applied for.

12. Any CFTA sponsored Horse Show shall obtain prior approval of such show from the

CFTA Board of Directors.

13. The show date and classes should be announced in the CFTA Newsletter a

minimum of 30 days prior to the show, or premiums should be sent to all CFTA

members by this time.

14. Rain dates will be recognized for points if the show originally met approval

guidelines and does not extend past the end of the horse show season.

15. Continued behavior problems with a horse may result in suspension of that horse

for the remainder of that show or that show season or until such time as the owner

of that horse can show to the satisfaction of the Board that the problem has

been resolved.

16. Coaching from ringside when done in moderation is acceptable. If such coaching

becomes distractive or disruptive, the individual or individuals may be asked to

stop and the Judge may disqualify the rider/handler from that class.

17. Except for special cases previously approved by the Show Management or Board

of Directors, no wireless communication devices may be used between the rider/

handler and any person at ringside during any class.

18. When showing foals, another individual may lead the dam next to the foal. The

dam needs to stand far enough away from the foal so the Judge can evaluate the

foal's conformation. Even though she isn't being judged, the mare should be well

groomed and wear ribbons.

19. In equitation classes, while the quality of the gaits is not a factor, the ability/

inability of the rider to cue the horse into the proper gait and to maintain the

correct gait is considered.

20. A youth may show in adult classes that are not restricted by age on the show premium.

However, a youth is restricted to show only in those youth classes that reflect their age.

A youth's age is determined as of January 1st of the current show season.

21. Two-year old horses may show in the Novice Horse classes beginning in July.

22. Exhibitors 17 years and under MAY NOT handle or ride any stallion; exhibitors must

be 13 years or older to handle horses 2-Years and under. Riders must be a minimum

of 8 years old, or receive permission of the Show Manager or Board of Directors,

unless noted otherwise on the class schedule.

23. In the Versatility Trail Classes, the horse and/or rider can be penalized in the point

process and still be placed, but not disqualified, for not completing the trail obstacles

correctly.

24. A horsed and rider will be disqualified during any class if the horse and/or rider falls during

the class. The disqualification is for that particular class and not the remaining classes in

the show. A horse is considered to have fallen when the shoulder and haunch on the

same side touches the ground.

CFTA HIGH POINT SYSTEM

CFTA offers annually several High-Point Awards. The purpose of these awards is to encourage participation at horse shows and to promote the Fox Trotting Horse Breed. In making these awards, it certifies that these animals and riders acquired the greatest number of points during a given year.

1. Classes in which awards will be offered will be determined by vote of the Board of

Directors.

2. To be eligible for CFTA Year-End High Point Awards:

A copy of the horse's registration papers (front & back) must be on file with the CFTA Show Manager, and it's owner lessee, handler rider must be a member in good standing of CFTA.
Model Weanlings and 2-Year Old performance horses must be shown in the specific CFTA-pointed class at a minimum of twice during the show season.
All other horses must be shown at least three times in the specific CFTA - pointed class during the show season.
In classes where the points follow the exhibitor (such as equitation, youth classes and novice amateur rider), the exhibitor must show at least three times in specific CFTA - pointed class during the show season.
No points will be credited before a horse is recorded and it's owner/lessee becomes a CFTA member.
No points will be credited before current year's dues are paid.
A copy of any lease agreement must be filed with the CFTA Show Manager. A horse may be leased during the year without affecting the horse's score. The lessee will have all of the rights of a registered owner.
If a person applies for membership on the day of a show, proof of their horse's registration and application and payment of membership must be submitted to the entry booth before entering a class. A "grace" period will be given until the Board of Directors can vote upon their acceptance. If they are denied membership, awards and points shall be disallowed.

POINT CLASSES

Appendix A contains the list of classes offered for the current show season. All classes, unless noted, are eligible for CFTA year-end points. NOTE: 2-Year Olds will not be shown under saddle until after July 1st. The following Year-End High Points Champions will also be awarded:

Year-End High Point Versatility Champion: To the MFT horse earning the most points in versatility classes: Trail, In-Hand Trail, Western Pleasure, English Pleasure, Fox Trot Pleasure (will Lope), Barrel Racing and Pole Bending.
Year-End High Point Fox Trotter Performance: To the MFT horse earning the most points in classes not listed as versatility above (excluding Equitation).

Prior to the beginning of the show season, the board may modify and add other approved classes as needed.

POINT SYSTEM

1. CFTA uses the same point system as the MFTHBA Regional Point Competition. If a

pointed class is open to all breeds, the points will be based on the total number of

Fox Trotter entries in the class.

# of Contestants 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

5 or More 5 4 3 2 1

4 4 3 2 1 n/a

3 3 2 1 n/a n/a

2 2 1 n/a n/a n/a

1 1 n/a n/a n/a n/a

2. Results from the judges cards will determine the winners. Contestants may check

their point standing at any time with the point secretary. Points will be published in

the newsletter or show premium. Complete point records will be kept for one year.

3. Winners are those who score the the highest number of points in their respective

classes at regular point shows from March 1st through October 31st.

VIOLATION OF SHOW RULES

1. The provisions of those rules shall apply at any meeting, show or other activity

sponsored or recognized by the CFTA to any owner, exhibitor, agent, trainer,

manager, rider, driver, show official, employee or member of the family of the

foregoing.

2. Any of the foregoing persons are guilty of a violation if they violate any of the rules

of the CFTA OR MFTHBA.

Act, incite or permit any other person to act in a manner deemed improper, unethical, dishonest, un-sportsmanlike, intemperate, or prejudicial to the best interest of the CFTA.
Make action or remarks during a show considered offensive and/or made with the intent to influence or cast aspersions on the judging.
Commit physical assault upon a person or a horse.
Fail to obey any penalty imposed by the CFTA.
Exhibit any horse while in the care, training or custody of a suspended person.
Ride, exhibit, coach, or train for the benefit, credit, reputation or satisfaction of a suspended person.

3. If found guilty of an offense, the accused shall be subject to such penalties as the

Board of Directors may set in and in accordance with the procedures as set forth in

CFTA's By-Laws.

4. An exhibitor in violation of any rule duly noted by the Judge or Show Committee,

and confirmed by a vote of the Board members present, will receive no points for

that class, and the exhibitor will be so notified. A violation report form will be

prepared for file.

MISCELLANEOUS

1. The Awards Presentation is normally in January of each year and is called the

Association's Annual Installation and Awards Dinner.

2. Announcement of High Point Awards: Upon receipt of official notification of their

winnings, individual owners may include this information in advertising. The CFTA

publicity chairperson, however, will reserve any announcement or publication of

High Point Winners until after official presentation at the Awards Dinner.

3. The above Rules may not be amended or changed in any way once the show

season has begun, except for changes to the class schedule as noticed in Appendix A.

During the show season, recommendations may be made for consideration by the

Board. Further change may then take place prior to the first show of the following

season.

APPENDIX A

CLASSES TO BE OFFERED DURING

THE 2007 CFTA SHOW SEASON

Except as noted, the following classes will be included

at all of our shows and are eligible for year-end points.

MODEL

MFT Model Foals - Beginning in July
MFT Model Yearlings
MFT Model Mares 2-Years & Older
MFT Model Stallions & Geldings 2-Years & Older

VERSATILITY

ALL BREEDS Showmanship
ALL BREEDS Trail - No Canter
ALL BREEDS In-Hand Trail, 2-Years & Under
MFT English Pleasure - No Canter
MFT Western Pleasure - No Canter
ALL BREEDS Barrel Racing
ALL BREEDS Pole Bending
MFT Fox Trot Pleasure (will Lope), 4-Years & Older (Open)

YOUTH

ALL BREEDS Lead line (7 Years and Under)
MFT Juniors 14 and Under - No Canter (minimum age is 8 years)
MFT Juniors 15 to 17 - No Canter

AMATEUR

MFT Amateur Novice Horse & Novice Rider - No Canter - (Neither horse nor rider to have won over 3 blue ribbons in previous years).
MFT Amateur Novice Rider (Rider not to have won over 3 blue ribbons in previous years).
MFT Amateur Owned (Owner to Ride) - No Canter (No Professional Training/Riding 60 Days Prior to Show).
MFT 3-Year Olds - No Canter
MFT 4-Years & Older - No Canter

OPEN

ALL BREEDS Equitation - No Canter
ALL BREEDS Costume Class - No Canter (Included at our October Celebration Show only).
MFT Novice Horse - Horse not to have won over 3 blue ribbons in previous years. 2 Year Olds may show in this class beginning in July.
MFT Open Fox Trot - Open Ladies
MFT Open fox Trot - Open Gentlemen
MFT Owner to Ride (Open)
MFT Vintage Senior (Open) No Canter, Riders must be 39 Years or Older
MFT Open Fox Trot - 2 - Year Olds - No Canter - Beginning with the July show
MFT Open Fox Trot - 3 - Year Olds - No Canter (Open)
MFT Open Fox Trot - 4 - Years & Older - No Canter (Open)
MFT Open Fox Trot - Open Fox Trot - Will Canter

CHAMPIONSHIPS

MFT Year- End Overall High Point Versatility Champion
MFT Year - End Overall High Point Fox Trotter Performance Champion

FUTURITY CLASSES

The following MFT classes will be included at our Futurity Show only.

Futurity Model Weanling
Futurity Model Yearling
Futurity Model 2 - Year Olds
Futurity Performance 2 - Year Olds
Futurity Performance 3 - Year Olds

CELEBRATION CHAMPIONSHIPS

The following MFT classes have been included at our October Celebration Show.

PLEASE NOTE: This list is being reviewed and changes may be made prior to the

publication of the Celebration Show Premium. Qualifications for each class will be

listed in the show premium.

Grand Champion Junior Model
Grand Champion Senior Model
Grand Champion Junior Rider
Grand Champion Junior Horse (2 & 3 Year Olds)
Grand Champion 2-Gait Senior Horse - Amateur
Grand Champion 2-Gait Senior Norse - Open
Grand Champion 3-Gait Senior Horse - Open
Versatility Champion