Stabling Manager: Bill Tressler, 517.521.3515 or bill@radiant-energy.com
Nominations Secretary: Dianne Ervin, 248.672.2789 or bdervin74@aol.com

SHOW INFORMATION & RULES

“EVERY CLASS OFFERED HEREIN WHICH IS COVERED BY THE RULES AND SPECIFICATIONS OF THE CURRENT USEF RULE BOOK WILL BE CONDUCTED AND JUDGED IN ACCORDANCE THEREWITH.”

ADMISSION OF HORSES 

Horses will be admitted to the showgrounds beginning at 9:00 am on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. All horses shall leave the showgrounds by 10:00 pm on Sunday, September 8, 2024. 

AMATEUR/ADULTS 

Unless otherwise indicated in the Class Specifications, non-Futurity classes for amateurs, including AOTS, are limited to participants 18 years of age and over as of December 1, 2023. 

AOTS (AMATEUR OWNED, TRAINED AND SHOWN) CLASSES 

To be eligible to be shown in AOTS classes, the horse must not have been professionally trained during the current competition year which began December 1, 2023. 

BEDDING 

Shavings ($11/bag) and straw ($7/bale) will be available for purchase on the showgrounds or may be pre-ordered on the entry form. Pre-paid bedding will be delivered to your stall by 9:00 am, Wednesday, September 4. Exhibitors may bring their own bedding if they wish, but delivery or sale of bedding by other vendors is NOT permitted. You may arrange to have your stalls pre-bedded prior to your arrival for a fee of $12 per stall. Please include this on your entry form. Please contact Stabling Manager Bill Tressler at 517-521-3515 or bill@radiant-energy.com if you have any questions regarding bedding. 

BOX SEATS 

Box seats may be reserved on a first come, first served basis at a cost of $125 per bench or $275 for a 3-bench section. Each padded bench seats approximately 10 people. For reservations, please contact Muriel Herrick at 248-685-0818 or centuryoakfarm@aol.com before August 21, 2024. 

CAMPING 

Camping at the showgrounds is $100 for the entire show if pre-paid, or $150 if purchased at show or $50/night without camping permit. Anyone connecting to water and/or electricity is expected to purchase a camping permit and have it prominently displayed in their camping unit. Those found in violation will be charged $50 per night. Prepayment of camping fees is encouraged. 

CHANGE OF RIDER, DRIVER OR HANDLER 

It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to notify the Secretary’s Office of any changes of rider, driver or handler at least one hour before the session in order to ensure the accuracy of ring announcements and end-of-show reports. 

COGGINS TEST 

Each horse entered in this show must have a current negative Coggins Test for Equine Infectious Anemia. A valid copy of this test must accompany the entry or be presented before back numbers will be issued. If a nursing foal under 6 months of age is accompanied by its dam, only the dam is required to have a current negative Coggins Test. 

DISCIPLINE 

Exhibitors are warned that any action of discourtesy or disobedience to the officials on the part of an owner, rider or driver will disqualify the horse. Exhibitors will be held fully responsible for any damage or discourtesy caused by their employees or their guests. Exhibitors will be held fully responsible for any damage caused by their horse(s). Management reserves the right to remove any groom, horse, rider or driver from the show without being liable for compensation. 

No exhibitor, owner or trainer shall approach the judge with regard to a decision unless he first obtains permission from the Show Manager who shall arrange an appointment with the judge at a suitable time and place, and under no circumstances, while any session of the show is in progress. 

DOGS 

All dogs must be on leashes and under owner’s control at all times. Dogs and other pets are not permitted to be loose on the competition grounds. Individuals may not lead dogs on a leash while mounted. 

ENTRIES 

Entries close on Monday, August 19, 2024. No entries will be accepted and no stalls reserved unless accompanied by payment in full. Paper entries must be postmarked by August 19, 2024 to avoid post-entry fees. Emailed entries will not be accepted unless prior permission is obtained from the Show Secretary. If you have questions regarding entries, please contact Donna Auber at 330-274-2039 or horseshows101@yahoo.com.

Online entries are available through Gaitkeeper at www.gaitkeeper.com, but will be accepted only prior to the entry closing date of August 19, 2024. There is a $5 per horse online entry fee.

• To use the Gaitkeeper online entry system, you must either use your existing Gaitkeeper login information or create a new account (It’s free). You may have to log in again, if registering for the first time.
• From the menu bar at the top of the home page select “Shows”.  Under “Upcoming Shows” find the 2024 Michigan Morgan Futurity and click on it.  This will take you to the online entry form.
• To start your entry, click on the box that says “Add Entry”.  Follow the instructions for each section of the entry.  Social Security Numbers are not needed nor required.  In the boxes marked Assoc. and USEF, put in your membership numbers, if applicable.
• ONLY ENTRIES PAID WITH CREDIT CARDS WILL BE ACCEPTED – NO PAYPAL OR VENMO. UNPAID ENTRIES WILL BE CONSIDERED POST-ENTRIES, AND POST-ENTRY FEES WILL BE ADDED.
• If you have any questions regarding online entries, please call Donna Auber at 330-274-2039.

Post-entries will be accepted, if stalls are available, after August 19, 2024 with a $35 per horse post-entry fee. Classes may be post entered at the show without penalty EXCEPT for Sweepstakes Classes 44 and 45 for which second-tier entry fees will apply after August 19, 2024. Post entries must be completed one hour prior to the session in which the class is scheduled EXCEPT for Classes 44 and 45 for which post entries close at NOON on Friday, September 6, 2024. Morning class post entries must be completed one hour prior to the beginning of the morning session.

ADDITIONAL FEES 

FUTURITY MEMBERSHIPS, NOMINATIONS AND CLASS RULES 

Only MMHBF Futurity-nominated horses are eligible for “Futurity” designated classes. For complete information regarding Futurity memberships and nominations and for MMHBF rules for “Futurity” classes, please refer to the “Futurity Information and Rules” section on the pages immediately preceding the Class Schedule. 

LIABILITY 

MMHBF, USEF and Michigan State University will in no way be responsible for any loss or damage that may occur and furthermore it will be a condition of entry that each exhibitor, trainer, owner, rider, groom, and/or agent shall hold the horse show and its management blameless for any loss or injury to his or her horses that may occur from sickness, accident or any other cause. Additionally, MMHBF, USEF and Michigan State University will not be held responsible for any article of any kind that may be lost, stolen, or destroyed and will not be responsible or liable for injury sustained in any way to exhibitors, employees, spectators or any other interested parties. 

Warning: Under the Michigan Equine Activity Liability Act, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in an equine activity resulting from an inherent risk of the equine activity.

LUNGING 

Lunging is NOT allowed in the show arena or on the grass adjacent to the Pavilion. 

MANAGEMENT 

The management reserves the right to refuse, to accept conditionally and to cancel any entries, disqualify exhibitors, prohibit exhibition of entries and cancel awards of prizes, without claims for damages. Entries may be rejected for failure to comply with the rules and regulations set forth herein or for unpaid balances due to MMHBF. Sections may be combined or cancelled if there are insufficient entries. The Horse Show Committee reserves the right to itself to interpret all questions and conditions in regard to, or arising out of, or incident to the show without claims for damages or recourse of any kind. All questions not covered in these rules and regulations shall be decided by the horse show management; its decision to be final. 

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS FOR EXHIBITORS

Michigan Morgan Horse Breeders’ Futurity and Fall Horse Show is a USEF Lite competition.

• USEF competing Membership is required only for those who sign an entry form as a Trainer or Coach and for those who are seeking USEF HOTY points. USEF Show passes are not required.
• American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Membership or non-member fee is not required. Exception: Riders in AMHA Silver Medal classes must be AMHA members in good standing and must prove amateur status or be eligible to be an amateur.
• Michigan Morgan Horse Breeders’ Futurity (MMHBF) Membership is required only for those who nominate horses into the Futurity.

Please note that memberships in the above organizations may be required for those seeking points or other awards offered by those organizations.

MOTORIZED VEHICLES AND ELECTRONIC TRANSPORT DEVICES 

Minors who do not have a valid driver’s license which allows them to operate a motorized vehicle in the state in which they reside will not be permitted to operate a motorized vehicle of any kind, including, but not limited to, golf carts, motorcycles, scooters, or farm utility vehicles, on the competition grounds. Minors who have a valid temporary license may operate the above-described motorized vehicles as long as they are accompanied by an adult with a valid driver’s license. The parent/legal guardian or individual who signs the entry blank as a parent or guardian of a minor operating a motorized vehicle in violation of this rule are solely responsible for any damages, claims, losses or actions resulting from that operation. Violations of this rule will be cause for penalties against those responsible for the child committing the offense. Wheelchairs and other mobility assistance devices for individuals with disabilities are exempt from this rule. The unsafe use of personal electronic transport devices, as determined by the competition officials and management in their sole discretion, that do not require a driver’s license to operate, including but not limited to segways, hover boards, and single wheeled scooters is prohibited on competition grounds. Operating such devices in areas where people gather may be deemed “unsafe use” if there is a risk of harm to others. If the operator of the device is a minor, the parent/legal guardian or individual who signs the entry blank as a parent or guardian of a minor operating the device in violation of this rule is accountable and may be subject to penalties. Wheelchairs and other mobility assistance devices for individuals with disabilities are exempt from this rule. 

NOVICE AND LIMIT CLASSES 

Novice and Limit classes are open to entries that have not won three or six first-place ribbons, respectively, in that particular division at Regular Competitions. Ribbons won in one-horse classes do not count in the reckoning of Novice or Limit status. The status of Novice or Limit is as of the closing date of entries.

OFFICE HOURS 

The show office is scheduled to be open during the following times:

All entries must be complete before back numbers are issued. A complete entry includes completed information fields including applicable AMHA and USEF numbers; copies of registration papers, current negative Coggins test and proof of vaccination for each horse; AMHA membership card for each AMHA Medal class rider; proof of any required USEF membership and SafeSport Training; and signatures on Entry Agreement and Waiver for each rider, driver, handler, owner and trainer. A $50 penalty may be assessed for submission of an incomplete entry.

Accounts must be closed out at the show office before leaving the grounds to ensure accuracy of end-of-show show reports and account billing. Any questions regarding exhibitor accounts must be brought to the management’s attention within five (5) business days after the end of the show.

OPTION CLASSES 

Option classes listed in the schedule are available to exhibitors to select and request a class of their choice to be held in that time slot. Any USEF class that is NOT in the show schedule, is compatible with the resources of the show grounds, and is approved by the MMHBF show committee is available to be an option class. Your option class will be inserted in the location of your choice on a first come, first served basis. The cost to purchase a Qualifier Option Class is $60; the cost for a Championship Option Class is $75. The purchase price includes the entry fee for one horse. Once the option class has been posted, anyone may enter the class for the entry fee of either $30 for a qualifier or $45 for a championship. To request an option class, please submit the Option Class Request Form by mail. The request form is located near the end of the Prize List. Payment (check or credit card information) must accompany submission. All option classes will be posted at the show office. Please direct option class questions to Donna Auber at 330-274-2039 or horseshows101@yahoo.com.

POINT APPROVALS 

Current members of USEF, AMHA (American Morgan Horse Association), and MJMHA (Michigan Justin Morgan Horse Association) who have completed requisite application procedures are eligible for points awarded by those organizations. For additional information, please visit the USEF website (www.USEF.org), the AMHA website (www.morganhorse.com) or the MJMHA website (www.mjmha.com).

PRIZES AND AWARDS 

NON-FUTURITY CLASSES 

All Classes (except as noted below) – Trophy, 6 ribbons 

Equitation Qualifiers and Championships – Trophy, 8 ribbons 

Walk-Trot Championships – Trophy, 8 ribbons 

Morgan Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship – Trophy, 8 ribbons, $250 and $50 respectively to 1st and 2nd places; $100 to winner’s Trainer 

Morgan Amateur English Pleasure Championship – Trophy, 8 ribbons, $250 and $50 respectively to 1st and 2nd places; $100 to winner’s Trainer 

Morgan Amateur Hunter Pleasure Championship – Trophy, 8 ribbons, $250 and $50 respectively to 1st and 2nd places; $100 to winner’s Trainer 

Morgan Amateur Masters Hunter Pleasure Championship – Trophy, 8 ribbons, $250 and $50 respectively to 1st and 2nd places; $100 to winner’s Trainer 

Morgan Amateur Western Pleasure Championship – Trophy, 8 ribbons, $250 and $50 respectively to 1st and 2nd places; $100 to winner’s Trainer 

Morgan English Pleasure Championship – Trophy, 8 ribbons, $250 and $50 respectively to 1st and 2nd places 

Morgan Hunter Pleasure Championship – Trophy, 8 ribbons, $250 and $50 respectively to 1st and 2nd places 

Morgan Western Pleasure Championship – Trophy, 8 ribbons, $250 and $50 respectively to 1st and 2nd places 

All other Performance Championships & Stakes – Trophy, 8 ribbons, $50 and $30 respectively to 1st and 2nd places 

MORGAN FUTURITY CLASSES

Futurity Weanling In-Hand Qualifiers – Futurity plate; 10 ribbons; plus $350, $275, $200, $175, $150, $125, $100, $80, $70 and $50 respectively to the top 10 places 

Futurity Yearling In-Hand Qualifiers – Futurity plate; 10 ribbons; plus $300, $225, $175, $150, $125, $100, $80, $70, $60 and $50 respectively to the top 10 places 

Futurity 2-Year-Old In-Hand Qualifiers – Futurity plate; 6 ribbons; plus $250, $220, $175, $100 and $75 respectively to the top 5 places

Futurity 3 & 4-Year-Old In-Hand Qualifiers – Futurity plate; 6 ribbons; plus $150, $100, $70, $50 and $30 respectively to the top 5 places

Futurity In-Hand Championships and Grand Championships – Trophy and 2 ribbons

Futurity Hunter/Western Suitability In-Hand Class – Futurity plate; 6 ribbons; plus $150, $100, $70, $50, $30 respectively to the top 5 places 

Futurity Performance Classes (except as noted below) – Futurity plate; 6 ribbons; plus $150, $100, $70, $50 and $30 respectively to the top 5 places 

Futurity 2-Year-Old Pleasure Driving – Futurity plate; 6 ribbons; plus $250, $150, $100, $50 and $30 respectively to the top 5 places

MORGAN SWEEPSTAKES CLASSES

Nanton LLC Morgan Amateur Yearling Sweepstakes – Champion to receive trophy, Appointments USA sheet, ribbon and $1,500; Reserve Champion – Appointments USA sheet, ribbon and $1,250. Balance of Top 10 to receive ribbons and cash prizes: 3rd – $750, 4th – $500, 5th – $400, 6th thru 10th – $200 each. 

Appointments USA Morgan Weanling Spectacular – Champion to receive trophy, Appointments USA sheet, ribbon and $6,250. Reserve Champion – Appointments USA sheet, ribbon and $4,250. Balance of Top Ten to receive ribbons and cash prizes: 3rd – $3,375, 4th – $2,750, 5th – $2,125, 6th – $1,750, 7th – $1,500, 8th – $1,250, 9th – $1,000, 10th – $750. Properly identified Bonus-eligible “auction get” placing in the Top 10 to receive equal share of $25,000 Bonus Prize Money. SSA donor of Champion’s Sire to receive $4,000. SSA donor of Reserve Champion’s Sire to receive $1,000.

MMHBF ALUMNI AWARDS

Any Morgan Futurity ALUMNI horse receiving a FIRST PLACE RIBBON in one the double-asterisked (**) classes will also be awarded a Futurity Alumni plate. 

MMHBF BREEDER’S AWARD

To be awarded to the Morgan BREEDER having the highest number of points earned by the breeder’s Futurity horses entered in classes designated as Morgan “Futurity.” 1st place will count 8 points, 2nd place 7 points, etc. Note: BREEDER is defined as the owner or lessee of the dam at the time of breeding and, for registered horses, appears on the registration certificate in the “Bred By” section. 

MMHBF POT OF GOLD AWARDS

To be awarded to the four 4-year-old Morgan Futurity horses who have accumulated the highest numbers of points in Morgan “Futurity” classes. Pot of Gold points are assigned as follows: For “Futurity” non-championship in-hand classes: 1st = 6 pts; 2nd = 5 pts, 3rd = 4 pts, 4th = 3 pts, 5th = 2 pts and 6th = 1 pt. For Morgan “Futurity” performance classes, double points will be assigned. For combined-age non-championship classes, the points for each age group will be assigned separately. For Morgan “Futurity” in-hand championships, the Champion will receive 12 points; the Reserve Champion, 10 points. Any Points earned by nominated horses in their first or any successive Futurity show will accumulate until their Class “graduates” at the conclusion of the show of their 4-year-old year. The 4-year-old with the highest number of Points will be named the Futurity Champion of its graduating class. The “Pot of Gold” (prize money) for the graduating class will then be divided and awarded as follows: 40% to the Champion, 25% to the Reserve Champion, 20% to Third Place and 15% to Fourth Place. The “Pot of Gold” for each graduating class is a cumulative total calculated by adding 20% of the Futurity nomination fees and 20% of the Futurity class entry fees paid each year for the members of that class. To maintain eligibility to receive a Pot of Gold award, a horse must continue to be nominated, not necessarily shown, every year through its 4-year-old year. 

PRIZE MONEY 

All prize money will be paid by check made payable to the recorded owner of the horse. Any owner winning $600 or more total prize money must provide their Social Security number on IRS Form W-9. Prize checks will be mailed within 30 days of the last day of the show, and will be void 60 days after the date of issue. Prize money checks for the Appointments USA Weanling Spectacular will be mailed after DNA tests have been confirmed. No prize money will be mailed unless the required Social Security number is on file with MMHBF. 

PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR 

All Leadline entrants and juniors riding in hunter and hunter seat equitation sections, while mounted anywhere on the competition grounds, must wear properly fitting protective headgear which meets or exceeds ASTM/SEI standards for equestrian use and carries the SEI tag. Harness must be secured and properly fitted. Any rider violating this rule at any time must immediately be prohibited from further riding until such headgear is properly in place. 

REFUNDS 

Exhibitors cancelling entries in writing prior to the closing date of entries (August 15, 2024) shall be entitled to have entry fees returned. Any request to withdraw horses after the closing date of entries and prior to the arrival on the grounds on September 4, 2024 must be supported by a Veterinarian Certificate giving a comprehensive diagnosis, dated within 48 hours following exam. In this case, only class entry fees and camping fees will be refunded. No refunds will be made at the show. Refunds will be made to the owner named on the entry blank and will be mailed. There will be no refunds for any reason after September 6, 2024. 

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS 

Horses shown in the Morgan division must be registered with the American Morgan Horse Association, Inc., or an organization having registry reciprocity (Canadian Morgan Horse Association, British Morgan Horse Society, Swedish Morgan Horse Society). Morgan horses must be entered under their full registered name or if under one year of age be eligible for registration. Morgan horses must be entered under the names of the owner(s) or lessee of record. A copy of the registration papers showing recorded ownership or proof of lease must be submitted with entry form at the time of making entry. If registration papers are received after the entry closing date, please bring them to the show. 

SCRATCHES 

Exhibitors must notify the Secretary’s Office of scratches at least one hour before the session. Failure to do so may result in a $10 fee being assessed the exhibitor. Entry fees for scratched classes are non-refundable.

SHARPS CONTAINERS AND MEDICAL WASTE 

Sharps containers will be placed in the stall areas. Needles or other disposable sharp instruments must be properly disposed of in the designated sharps containers. Competition management may fine any individuals including trainers, owners, exhibitors, or their agents up to $100 for improper disposal of needles or other sharp disposable instruments. 

SHOW RING 

The main show arena is approximately 114’ x 214’. The footing in the show arena and warm-up arenas is a mixture of sifted soils. Please see the schedule posted in the Show Office for availability of show arena for practice. 

SMOKING 

Smoking is NOT permitted on the show grounds. 

STABLING 

Every horse entered in the show (except foals that have not yet been weaned) is required to have its own stall. Stalls are permanent or portable 10’ X 10’, with doors. Stalls may not be painted or marred in any way. The driving of nails, screws, staples, etc., is strictly forbidden. For your protection you must inspect stalls assigned to you upon arrival. Stalls found in damaged or unsatisfactory condition should be reported to the barn manager at once to avoid your being charged for prior damage. Any stall not paid for and used for any reason will be charged $100. A stabling request form, which is to be submitted with entries, is located near the end of the Prize List. To make early stall reservations, please contact Stabling Manager Bill Tressler at 517-521-3515 or bill@radiant-energy.com.

USEF DRUG FEES

Drug fees are not collected at USEF Lite competitions. However, USEF drug rules do still apply, and drug testing can occur.

USEF HORSE OF THE YEAR POINTS

Lite competitions will award Horse of the Year (HOTY) half-value points to those who have met applicable USEF membership, SafeSport, and horse recording requirements.

USEF LICENSE

Michigan Morgan Horse Breeders’ Futurity and Fall Horse Show, Competition #345091 (Local Lite, Morgan) is licensed per Agreement between United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. and Michigan Morgan Horse Breeders’ Futurity, Licensee #317441.

USEF MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS FOR EXHIBITORS

In a Lite Competition, USEF Competing Membership is required only for:

• Individuals signing an entry blank as Trainer or Coach. Adults competing without a trainer or coach must sign the entry blank as the trainer/coach and must have a Competing Membership. Youth competing without a trainer or coach must have their parent/guardian sign the entry blank as Trainer or Coach, and the parent/guardian must have a Competing Membership.
• Owners seeing Horse of the Year (HOTY) points. The horse must be USEF recorded.
• Show Passes are not required for non-members at a Lite Competition. All participants in a Lite competition agree to becoming a USEF Fan (at no cost to the participant) as a condition of participation in the competition.

USEF SAFESPORT TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR EXHIBITORS

All Participants in a Lite competition will be under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Center for SafeSport and will be subject to the U.S. Center of SafeSport Code and USEF SafeSport Policy and afforded all related protections.

In a Lite Competition, SafeSport Training, which must be completed prior to the first day of the competition, is required only for:

• Individuals signing an entry blank as Trainer or Coach. This includes parents/guardians of youth signing the entry form as Trainer or Coach.
• Current Competing USEF Members 18 years of age or over.

Non-Federation members, Competing members under the age of 18, Subscriber members, and Fans are not required to complete the SafeSport Training.

USEF RULE BOOK

This Horse Show is conducted in accordance with the Rules of the USEF. The official Federation rulebook will prevail for this show. Each participant in this show is responsible for knowledge of these rules and is subject to these rules. Any changes or corrections of the rules will automatically become part of this prize list. Questions that may arise that are not covered by the USEF rulebook will be decided by the Show Committee and their decisions will be final. Specifications for classes that are not included in the USEF rulebook can be found below.

VACCINATIONS

At USEF Licensed competitions, horses more than seven months of age must be accompanied by documentarian of Equine Influenza Virus and Equine Herpes Virus (Rhinopneumonitis) vaccinations within six months prior to the show per GR844.

VETERINARIAN

Show veterinarian Kern Road Veterinary Clinic is on call at 517-223-9618. This number will be posted outside the show office.

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY

All show participants must sign a USEF Waiver and Release of Liability form as required by USEF guidelines. This waiver is in addition to the usual liability release on the back of the entry form. A copy of the required waiver may be downloaded from our website in combination with the Show Entry Form or as a separate form.