Nomination Schedule for All Divisions
Weanlings
$200 nomination fee within 60 days of foaling
Or the late nomination fee of $300 is due by June 1st
If you have not nominated by June 1st the fee goes up $100 every month
$400 late nomination payment due by July 1st
$500 late nomination payment due by August 1st
$600 late nomination payment due by September 1st
$800 final late nomination payment by December 31st
Horses that are not nominated as weanlings are never eligible to show at the BHF. Horses must be nominated every year in order to be eligible for the BHF.
Yearlings, Two Year Olds, 3 Year Olds, 4 Year Olds, 5 Year Olds:
$200 nomination fee is due by March 1st each year.
Or the late nomination fee of $300 is due by June 1st
If you have not nominated by June 1st the fee goes up $100 every month
$400 late nomination payment due by July 1st
$500 late nomination payment due by August 1st
$600 late nomination payment due by September 1st
$800 final late nomination payment by December 31st
Entry Fee Schedule
*Entry fees are charged for all applicable classes. A $75 change fee will apply to any changes made after the entry is received by the BHF Office.
If in by July 15th: $400
Late entry September 1st: $800
A $25 Office/Drug Testing Fee will be charged to every horse that is entered.
Credit/Refunds/Substitutions/Payment Methods: All applicable fees must be paid in full in order to exhibit at the BHF.
If you have a paid entry on a horse and choose to sell said horse before the futurity, the entry can be transferred to a new eligible owner/exhibitor for a $75 change fee. An exhibitor may switch an eligible entry from open to amateur, or amateur to open for a $75 change fee. In the event of the death of a paid entry, the owner will be allowed to substitute another NOMINATED eligible horse in its place for a $75 change fee. There will be no refunds. Payments can be made by check or credit card.
A 3% Processing Fee will be charged to all credit card transactions.
$50 Fee for Returned Checks or Declined Credit Cards.
Any rules herewith can be changed, added to, or denied at the discretion of the Futurity Committee. The B.H.F. will have the final word in interpreting or supplementing the rules and conditions of the Futurity if the need arises.
2023 Amateur Rules
Classes Offered:
***Youth are eligible in all classes except for yearling stallion, two-year old, and three and older stallion classes***
Weanling Divisions:
The following five classes will be offered – Jr. Weanling Mares, Sr. Weanling Mares, Jr. Weanling Colts, Sr. Weanling Colts, and All Age Weanling Geldings. The cutoff date between the Jr. and Sr. classes is determined by the breeding date of the mare. Foals out of mares that were bred prior to April 1st will be in the Sr. Classes and foals out of mares that were bred April 1st or later will be in the Jr. Classes. Nomination and Pre-entry are required to show. See nomination and entry schedule below.
Two additional classes will be offered for those Exhibitors who ‘Do It Yourself’(DIY). All Age Weanling Mares and All Age Weanling Colts and Geldings. All horses competing in this class must meet the following criteria.
- Foals must be sired by one of the BHF Amateur Stallions. EXCEPTION: DIY Classes are now available to BHF Open and BHF Color Division Stallions who pay a fee in order to make their foals eligible to participate in the DIY Classes. The fee of $2000 will make all their 2023 Weanling Foals eligible. If you are interested in making your stallion eligible for the DIY Classes, please contact kkennedy.nhc@gmail.com.
- Exhibitor must be an Amateur or Youth holding a current Amateur or Youth Membership in the respective breed association and you must meet relationship eligibility requirements to be eligible to show.
- Exhibitor must be personally responsible for the care and preparation of their horse. A Trainer cannot be involved in any way with this horse effective July 1st.
- Exhibitor cannot have placed 1st in ANY BHF Weanling or Yearling Class.
- Winning Exhibitor of each DIY Class is not eligible to show in either DIY class the following year.
- Winning Horse is eligible to return to BHF Amateur or Open or BHF Color Division Amateur or Open Classes.
Horses that have ever placed 1st at an AQHA World Show in a Level 3 Amateur or Open Halter Class are ineligible to show at the BHF. Any horse that placed 1st in any Breeders Halter Futurity Class is ineligible to show in any future BHF Show, EXCEPTION: DIY CLASSES AND MARE POWER CLASSES.
Yearling Division:
There will be three (3) classes offered – Yearling Stallions, Mares and Geldings. Nomination and Pre-entry are required to show. See nomination and entry schedule below. Any horse that placed 1st in any Breeders Halter Futurity Class is ineligible to show in any future BHF Classes, EXCEPTION DIY CLASSES AND MARE POWER CLASSES. Horses that have ever placed 1st at an AQHA World Show in a Level 3 Amateur or Open Halter Class are ineligible to show at the BHF. The top 20 horses will be placed in this class.
Two-Year Old Class:
There will be three (3) classes offered – Two-Year Old Stallions, Mares and Geldings. Nomination and Pre-entry are required to show. See nomination and entry schedule below. Horses that have ever placed 1st at an AQHA World Show in a Level 3 Amateur or Open Halter Class are ineligible to show at the BHF. Any horse that placed 1st in any Breeders Halter Futurity Class is ineligible to show in any future BHF Classes, EXCEPTION DIY CLASSES AND MARE POWER CLASSES. The top 10 horses will be placed in this class.
Three and Older Class:
There will be three (3) classes offered – 3 and Older Stallions, Mares and Geldings. Nomination and Pre-entry are required to show. See nomination and entry schedule below. Horses that have ever placed 1st at an AQHA World Show in a Level 3 Amateur or Open Halter Class are ineligible to show at the BHF. Any horse that placed 1st in any Breeders Halter Futurity Class is ineligible to show in any future BHF Classes, EXCEPTION DIY CLASSES AND MARE POWER CLASSES. Payouts in these classes will be based on nominations and entries.
Grand and Reserve Champion:
A Grand Champion and Reserve Champion will be determined from all the Class Winners in each sex division. If an Amateur Exhibitor has more than one horse eligible for Grand and Reserve Champion, another eligible Amateur Exhibitor can show one of these horses.
Eligibility:
1 – All horses that placed 1st in ANY of the BHF classes are ineligible to show in any future BHF classes, EXCEPTION DIY CLASSES AND MARE POWER CLASSES.
2 – All horses cannot have placed 1st at any AQHA World Show Halter Class – Level 3 Open or Amateur. Horse placings changing after the event will not affect the eligibility for the BHF.
3 – Without exception, all entries must be registered and parentage verified prior to the beginning of the show with one of the following associations: AQHA, APHA, or ApHC (excluding ApHC horses with Arabian bloodlines).
4 – All horses shown in any class must have registration papers into the show office 24 hours before the show.
5 – All horses must have current health and Coggins papers
6 – BHF does not recognize horse leases.
7 – If a horse is eligible for more than one class and it is to be shown by an Amateur Exhibitor that same Amateur Exhibitor must show the horse in all entered classes at the BHF. EXCEPTION: A Youth may show in the Youth Class and an Amateur Exhibitor may show the same horse in the Amateur Classes and/or Open Classes. An entry fee will be required for each class.
8 – A horse that is eligible for the Amateur division may also show in the Youth Division provided they meet class and exhibitor eligibility.
NO HORSES OWNED BY ANY BHF BOARD MEMBERS AND/OR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO SHOW IN THE AMATEUR CLASSES. ALL HORSES SOLD ARE ELIGIBLE TO SHOW BUT SHOW MANAGEMENT MAY REQUIRE PROOF OF LEGITIMATE TRANSACTION!
Exhibitor Eligibility & Rules:
1 – In order to show in any BHF amateur class, you must be an Amateur or Youth holding a current Amateur or Youth Membership in the respective breed association and you must meet relationship eligibility requirements. You must furnish a copy of the card at time of pre-entry or at the BHF. 2 – If you have won three World Championships in halter with AQHA (Amateur or Open) in the last five years, or 10 AQHA (Amateur or Open) World Championships in halter in your lifetime, you are ineligible to show in the BHF Amateur classes, but we welcome you to show in the Open classes. Performance Halter is considered a Performance Class not a Halter Class.
3 – When a Youth Exhibitor reaches the age limit for Youth Classes and they are no longer eligible for BHF Youth Classes, they are eligible to show in the BHF Amateur Classes even if they have won AQHA Youth Halter World Championships. When this exhibitor wins three World Championships in halter with AQHA (Amateur or Open) in the last five years or 10 AQHA World Championships (Amateur or Open) in their lifetime, they become ineligible to show in the BHF Amateur Classes.
4 – The winning Exhibitor of each class is not eligible to show in that class the following year (ex. If a participant wins the Amateur Jr. Weanling Mare class, the next year they cannot show in the Amateur Jr. Weanling Mare class but they are eligible to show in the other classes).
5 – NO verbal professional coaching (This will be STRICTLY enforced)
6 – NO BHF Board of Directors Board Member or family members, employee, or employee’s family members are eligible to show in the AMATEUR classes, but they may show in any Open and/or Youth class with an eligible horse. A person standing one of the Amateur Stallions is considered an employee, therefore, that individual and their family members are ineligible to show in an Amateur Class.
7 – Unsportsmanlike conduct or any other form of misconduct that is irresponsible, illegal, indecent, profane, intimidating, threatening or abusive is prohibited by any person on the show ground either directly or indirectly involved with the BHF.
8 – No person shall treat any horse in a cruel or inhumane manner.
9 – In order to be eligible for Owner/Breeder/Exhibitor Awards, you must meet the following relationship criteria: owner, spouse, children, parent, stepchildren, grandchildren, sibling or legal guardianship.
10 – Exhibitors in DIY classes will be required to sign an affidavit stating that the horse has been Trainer Free since July 1st. Anyone found falsifying their affidavit will relinquish their winnings.
11 -There will be random drug testing.
12 – Cell phone usage or texting in the arena is strictly prohibited.
Class Procedures:
1 – Entries will enter the arena by age. Beginning with the youngest of that calendar year to the oldest.
2 – Stallions and mares will be mouthed and 2 and Older Stallions will have testicles checked by a BHF Official prior to entering the Arena or at the discretion of the Judges. Geldings are not required to be mouthed.
3 – Entries will jog to the judges and continue to jog around corner cone to the left and to end marker. Failure to adequately evaluate the gait will be left to the judge’s discretion.
4 – Soundness will be evaluated at the judge’s discretion
5 – Entries will line up at the end of the arena at the direction of the ring steward.
6 – Entries will line up at the direction of the ring stewards, head to tail in the order that they entered the arena.
7 – There will be no fraternization between an exhibitor and judge during the show.
8 – Judging will be complete after a final unified decision of placing from the judge’s panel.
9 – The judge’s decision is final. Once the judges have marked their card and places for awards have been made, there shall be no changes. Exception: BHF Board of Directors finds that a rule has been violated, they have the right to change or disqualify any entry they deem fit. At that point, all awards and monies must be forfeited immediately by that entry and placing of that class will be moved accordingly.
10- All awards will be given in the arena. Prize money will be awarded at the conclusion of the show.
Judges and Scoring System:
1 – The procedure for hiring judges will be at the discretion of the BHF Board of Directors.
2 – Upon acceptance to judge the BHF, the judge will keep total confidentiality about the specifics concerning the judging and class placings of the BHF. If for any reason the judge does not comply with this agreement, he or she may be removed by the BHF without reason and his or her contract will be considered null and void.
3 – Neither the Judge or member of his or her family shall exhibit or act as agents, representatives in any capacity of any horse he or she is officiating at BHF.
4 – A Judge shall not judge a horse which is owned or exhibited by anyone from whom he or members of his immediate family have been paid or received a salary, commission, or any type of remuneration or consideration, directly or indirectly, within 60 days of the date of the show. EXCEPTION: Breeding fees, mare care, vet expenses, shipping fees or any other fees related to breeding.
5 – Designation to judge the BHF is a privilege, not a right, bestowed by the BHF Committee according to the procedures formulated by it, to individuals whose equine expertise and personal character merit the honor. A judge shall judge the BHF in accordance to its rules, regulations, and guidelines issued by BHF. A judge shall honestly and fairly judge each horse and exhibitor with impartiality by him or her, and judge strictly on the horse’s conformation.
6 – Current year judges are allowed on the show grounds only when serving in an official capacity. Family members of current year judges are not allowed on the show grounds at any time during the BHF.
SCORING SYSTEM:
Classes will be judged on a three (3) judge panel.
The judge’s panel may and will judge the class in an individual and group format used solely at the judge’s panel’s discretion.
If sufficient entries warrant, BHF reserves the right to implement a 1st go-round and a finals at BHF discretion.
Judging will be complete after the judge’s panel comes to a final, unified decision.
The judge’s decision is final.
Credit/Refunds/Substitutions/Payment Methods: All applicable fees must be paid in full in order to exhibit at the BHF.
If you have a paid entry and choose to sell said horse before the futurity, the entry can be transferred to a new eligible owner/exhibitor for a $75 change fee. An exhibitor may switch an eligible entry from open to amateur, or amateur to open for a $75 change fee. In the event of the death of a paid entry, the owner will be allowed to substitute another NOMINATED eligible horse in its place for a $75 change fee. There will be no refunds. Payments can be made by check or credit card.
Any rules herewith can be changed, added to, or denied at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the BHF. The BHF will have the final word in interpreting or supplementing the rules and conditions of the Futurity if the need arises.
updated 1.31.23
2023 Open Rules
Please note for Open Division:
– All horses need to be nominated each year.
– The Open classes are open to all exhibitors!
– Entry Fee schedule will be the same as the Amateur Classes.
– The Open classes are for AQHA, APHA, or ApHC (no Arabian bloodlines) registered horses by the nominated stallions.
– If your horse is eligible for more than one class and it is to be shown by an Amateur Exhibitor that same Amateur Exhibitor must show the horse in all entered classes at the BHF. EXCEPTION: A Youth Exhibitor may show in the Youth Class and an Amateur Exhibitor may show the same horse in the Amateur Classes and/or Open Classes. An entry fee will be required for each class.
– Please read horse eligibility for your specific age division as eligibility requirements vary by age.
Weanling Divisions:
There will be five classes offered – Jr. Mares, Sr. Mares, Jr. Colts, Sr. Colts, and Geldings (All age weanling geldings will show together.) The cutoff date between the Jr. and Sr. classes is determined by the breeding date of the mare, not the foaling date of the foal. Foals out of mares that were bred prior to April 1st will be in the Sr. class and foals born out of mares that were bred April 1st or later will be in the Jr. Classes. Nomination and Pre-entry are required to show. See nomination and entry schedule below. Horses that have placed 1st at an AQHA World Show in a Level 3 Amateur or Open Halter Class are ineligible to show at the BHF. Any horse that finished 1st in any Breeders Halter Futurity Class is ineligible to show in any future BHF Show, EXCEPTION DIY CLASSES AND MARE POWER CLASSES.
Yearling Division:
There will be three (3) classes offered – Yearling Stallions, Mares, and Geldings. Nomination and Pre-entry are required to show. See nomination and entry schedule below. Any horse that finishes 1st in any Breeders Halter Futurity class is ineligible to show in any future BHF Classes. Horses that have ever placed 1st at an AQHA World Show in a Level 3 Amateur or Open Halter Class are ineligible to show at the BHF, EXCEPTION DIY CLASSES AND MARE POWER CLASSES. The top 20 horses will be placed in these classes.
Two-Year Old Class:
There will be three (3) classes offered – Two-Year Old Stallions, Mares and Geldings. Nomination and Pre-entry are required to show. See nomination and entry schedule below. Horses that have ever placed 1st at an AQHA World Show in a Level 3 Amateur or Open Halter Class are ineligible to show at the BHF. Any horse that finished 1st in any Breeders Halter Futurity Class is ineligible to show in any future BHF Classes, EXCEPTION DIY CLASSES AND MARE POWER CLASSES. The top 10 horses will be placed in these classes.
Three and Older Class:
There will be three (3) classes offered – Three and Older Stallions, Mares and Geldings. Nomination and Pre-entry are required to show. See nomination and entry schedule below. Horses that have ever placed 1st at an AQHA World Show in a Level 3 Amateur or Open Halter Class are ineligible to show at the BHF. Any horse that finished 1st in any Breeders Halter Futurity Class is ineligible to show in any future BHF Classes, EXCEPTION DIY CLASSES AND MARE POWER CLASSES. Payouts in these classes will be determined by nominations and entries.
Grand and Reserve Champion:
A Grand Champion and a Reserve Champion will be determined from all the Class Winners in each sex division. If an Exhibitor has more than one horse eligible for Grand Champion, the following criteria will apply: Amateur Exhibitor can show for another Amateur Exhibitor; Open Exhibitor can show for another Open Exhibitor; Amateur Exhibitor can show for an Open Exhibitor, Youth Exhibitor can show for another Youth Exhibitor, Amateur Exhibitor or Open Exhibitor.
Eligibility:
1 – All of the horses that finish 1st in any of the BHF classes are ineligible to show in any future BHF Classes, EXCEPTION DIY AND MARE POWER CLASSES.
2 – All horses cannot have placed 1st in a Halter Class at an AQHA World Show – Level 3 Open or Amateur. Horse placings changing after the event will not affect the eligibility for the BHF.
3 – Without exception, all entries must be registered and parentage verified prior to the beginning of the show with one of the following associations: AQHA, APHA, or ApHC (no Arabian bloodlines).
4 – All horses shown in any class must have registration papers into the show office 24 hours before the show.
5 – All horses must have current health and Coggins papers.
6 – BHF does not recognize horse leases.
7 – If a horse is eligible for more than one class it is to be shown by an Amateur Exhibitor that same Amateur Exhibitor must show the horse in all entered classes at the BHF. EXCEPTION: A Youth Exhibitor may show in the Youth Class and an Amateur Exhibitor may show the same horse in the Amateur Classes and/or Open Classes. An entry fee will be required for each class.
Exhibitor Eligibility & Rules:
1- NO professional verbal coaching (this will be STRICTLY enforced).
2- NO AMATEUR stallion Owner, Owner’s family members, employee, or employee’s family members are eligible to show in the AMATEUR classes, but may show in any Open and/or Youth class with an eligible horse.
3 – Unsportsmanlike conduct or any other form of misconduct that is irresponsible, illegal, indecent, profane, intimidating, threatening or abusive is prohibited by any person on the show grounds either directly or indirectly involved with the BHF.
4 – No person shall treat any horse in a cruel or inhumane manner.
5 – In order to be eligible for Owner/Breeder/Exhibitor Awards, you must meet the following relationship criteria: owner, spouse, children, parent, stepchildren, grandchildren, sibling or legal guardianship.
6 – There will be random drug testing.
7 – Cell phone usage and texting while in the arena are strictly prohibited.
Class Procedures:
1 – Entries will enter the arena by age. Beginning with the youngest of that calendar year to the oldest.
2 – Stallions and mares will be mouthed and 2 and Older Stallions will have testicles checked by a BHF Official prior to entering the Arena or at the discretion of the Judges. Geldings are not required to be mouthed.
3 – Entry will jog to the judges and continue to jog around corner cone to the left and to end marker. Failure to adequately evaluate the gait will be left to the judge’s discretion.
4 – Soundness will be evaluated at the judge’s discretion.
5 – Entries will line up at the end of the arena at direction of the ring steward.
6 – Entries will line up at the direction of the ring stewards, head to tail in the order that they entered the arena.
7 – There will be no fraternization between an exhibitor and judge during the show.
8 – Judging will be complete after a final unified decision of placing from the judge’s panel.
9 – The judge’s decision is final. Once the judges have marked their card and places for awards have been made, there shall be no changes. Exception: BHF Board of Directors finds that a rule has been violated, the BHF Board has the right to change or disqualify any entry they deem fit. At that point, all awards and monies must be forfeited immediately by that entry and placing of that class will be moved accordingly.
10 – All awards will be given in the arena. Prize money will be awarded at the conclusion of the show.
Non-Pro Division
An additional division will be included in the Open Division in Jr. and Sr. Weanling Colts, Weanling Geldings, and Jr. and Sr. Weanling Fillies; Yearling Stallions, Yearling Geldings, and Yearling Mares for Non-Pro Exhibitors. This will be judged as a class within a class. In order to participate, you must meet Youth/Amateur/Non-Pro eligibility and horse ownership requirements as outlined in your respective breed association.
Exhibitors must possess a current Youth, Amateur or Non-Pro Card in their respective breed association in order to participate.
A Non-Pro Division Entry fee will apply in addition to the Class Entry Fee.
Entry Fee Schedule
Entry by July 15: $250
Late Entry after July 15th and up to 24 hours before the class: $500
Payment Schedule
Entry Fees will be jackpotted to the top three exhibitors as follows: 50%, 30%, 20%
If there are less than three entries, the payout will be as follows:
2 Entries 60%, 40%
1 Entry 100%
If there are three entries, all three places will be paid out even if they do not place in the top 20 horses.
Judges and Scoring System:
1 – The procedure for hiring judges will be at the discretion of the BHF Board of Directors.
2 – Upon acceptance to judge the BHF, the judge will keep total confidentiality about the specifics concerning the judging and the class placings of the BHF. If for any reason the judge does not comply with this agreement, he or she may be removed by the BHF without reason and his or her contract will be considered null and void.
3 – Neither the Judge or member of his or her family shall exhibit or act as agents, representatives in any capacity of any horse he or she is officiating at BHF.
4 – A Judge shall not judge a horse which is owned or exhibited by anyone from whom he or members of his immediate family have been paid or received a salary, commission, or any type of remuneration or consideration, directly or indirectly, within 60 days of the date of the show. EXCEPTION: Breeding fees, mare care, vet expenses, shipping fees or any other fees related to breeding.
5 – Designation to judge the BHF is a privilege, not a right, bestowed by the BHF Committee according to the procedures formulated by it, to individuals whose equine expertise and personal character merit the honor. A judge shall judge the BHF in accordance to its rules, regulations, and guidelines issued by BHF. A judge shall honestly and fairly judge each horse and exhibitor with impartiality by him or her, and judge strictly on the horse’s conformation.
6 – Current year judges are allowed on the show grounds only when serving in an official capacity. Family members of current year judges are not allowed on the show grounds at any time during the BHF.
SCORING SYSTEM:
Classes will be judged on a three (3) judge panel.
The judge’s panel may and will judge the class in an individual and group format used solely at the judge’s panel’s discretion.
If sufficient entries warrant, BHF reserves the right to implement a 1st go-round and a finals at BHF discretion.
Judging will be complete after the judge’s panel comes to a final, unified decision.
The judge’s decision is final.
Credit/Refunds/Substitutions/Payment Methods: All applicable fees must be paid in full in order to exhibit at the BHF.
If you have a paid entry on a horse and choose to sell said horse before the futurity, the entry can be transferred to a new eligible owner/exhibitor for a $75 change fee. An exhibitor may switch an eligible entry from open to amateur, or amateur to open for a $75 change fee. In the event of the death of a horse that has a paid entry, the owner will be allowed to substitute another NOMINATED eligible horse in its place for a $75 change fee. There will be no refunds. Payments can be made by check or credit card.
Any rules herewith can be changed, added to, or denied at the discretion of the Futurity Committee. The BHF will have the final word in interpreting or supplementing the rules and conditions of the Futurity if the need arises.
Updated 1.31.23
2023 Color Rules
Classes Offered:
Weanling Divisions:
There will be four classes offered – Amateur Weanling Mares, Amateur Weanling Colts and Geldings, Open Weanling Mares, and Open Weanling Colts and Gelding (stallions and geldings will show together as weanlings). Nomination and Pre-entry are required to show. See nomination and entry schedule below. Horses that have ever placed 1st at an AQHA World Show in a Level 3 Amateur or Open Halter Class are ineligible to show at the BHF. Any horse that placed 1st in any Breeders Halter Futurity Class is ineligible to show in any future BHF Classes, EXCEPTION DIY CLASSES AND MARE POWER CLASSES. All horses that place 1st in a BHF Color Division class (Amateur or Open) are ineligible to show in any future BHF Color Division Show – all other horses are eligible.
Yearling Division:
There will be six (6) classes offered – Amateur Yearling Stallions, Amateur Yearling Mares, Amateur Yearling Geldings, Yearling Stallions, Yearling Mares and Yearling Geldings. Nomination and Pre-entry are required to show. See nomination and entry schedule below. Horses that have ever placed 1st at an AQHA World Show in a Level 3 Amateur or Open Halter Class are ineligible to show at the BHF. Any horse that finished 1st in any Breeders Halter Futurity Class is ineligible to show in any future BHF Classes, EXCEPTION DIY CLASSES AND MARE POWER CLASSES. All horses that place 1stin a BHF Color Division class (Amateur or Open) are ineligible to show in any future BHF Color Division Classes – all other horses are eligible.
Eligibility:
1 – All of the horses that placed 1st in any of the BHF classes (open or amateur) are ineligible to show in any future BHF classes, EXCEPTION DIY CLASSES AND MARE POWER CLASSES. All horses that place 1st in a BHF Color Division class (Amateur or Open) are ineligible to show in any future BHF Color Division Classes – all other horses are eligible.
2 – All horses cannot have placed 1st at any AQHA World Show Halter Class – Level 3 Open or Amateur. Horse placings changing after the event will not affect the eligibility for the BHF.
3 – Without exception, all entries must be registered and parentage verified prior to the beginning of the show with one of the following associations: ABRA, APHA, ApHC, (excluding ApHC horses with Arabian bloodlines), ARHA, AQHA, IBHA, PHBA.
4 – All horses shown in any class must have registration papers into the show office 24 hours before the show.
5 – All horses must have current health and Coggins papers
6 – BHF does not recognize horse leases.
7 – If a horse is eligible for more than one class and it is to be shown by an Amateur Exhibitor that same Amateur Exhibitor must show the horse in all entered classes at the BHF. EXCEPTION: A Youth Exhibitor may show in the Youth Class and an Amateur Exhibitor may show the same horse in the Amateur Classes and/or Open Classes. An entry fee will be required for each class.
NO HORSES OWNED BY ANY BHF BOARD MEMBERS AND/OR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO SHOW IN THE AMATEUR CLASSES. HORSES SOLD BY BHF BOARD MEMBERS ARE ELIGIBLE TO SHOW BUT SHOW MANAGEMENT MAY REQUIRE PROOF OF LEGITIMATE TRANSACTION!
Exhibitor Eligibility & Rules:
1 – In order to show in any BHF amateur class you must be an Amateur/Owner or Youth/Owner holding a current Amateur or Youth Membership in their respective breed association and must furnish a copy of the card at time of pre-entry or at the BHF. 2 – If you have won three World Championships in halter with AQHA (Amateur or Open) in the last five years, or 10 AQHA (Amateur or Open) World Championships in halter in your lifetime, you are ineligible to show in the BHF Amateur classes, but we welcome you to show in the Open classes. Performance Halter is considered a Performance Class not a Halter Class.
3 – When a Youth Exhibitor reaches the age limit for Youth Classes and they are no longer eligible for BHF Youth Classes, they are eligible to show in the BHF Color Division Amateur Classes even if they have won AQHA Youth Halter World Championships. When this exhibitor wins three World Championships in halter with AQHA (Amateur or Open) in the last five years or 10 AQHA World Championships (Amateur or Open) in their lifetime, they become ineligible to show in the BHF Amateur Classes.
4 – The winning Exhibitor of each class is not eligible to show in that class the following year (ex. If a participant wins the Amateur Weanling Mare class, the next year they cannot show in the Amateur Weanling Mare class but they are eligible to show in the other classes).
5 – NO professional verbal coaching (This will be STRICTLY enforced)
6 – NO BHF Board of Directors Board Member or family members, employee, or employee’s family members are eligible to show in the AMATEUR classes, but they may show in any Open and/or Youth class with an eligible horse. A person standing one of the BHF Amateur Stallions is considered an employee, therefore, that individual and their family members are ineligible to show in an Amateur Class. All other BHF Amateur and Open Color Division Stallion Owners are eligible to compete.
7 – Unsportsmanlike conduct or any other form of misconduct that is irresponsible, illegal, indecent, profane, intimidating, threatening or abusive is prohibited by any person on the show ground either directly or indirectly involved with the BHF.
8 – No person shall treat any horse in a cruel or inhumane manner.
9 -There will be random drug testing.
10 – Cell phone usage or texting in the arena is strictly prohibited.
Class Procedures:
1 – Entries will enter the arena by age. Beginning with the youngest of that calendar year to the oldest.
2 – Stallions and mares will be mouthed by a BHF Official prior to entering the Arena or at the discretion of the Judges. Geldings are not required to be mouthed.
3 – Entry will jog at judge’s area and continue to jog around corner cone to the left and to end marker. Failure to adequately evaluate the gait will be left to the judge’s discretion.
4 – Soundness will be evaluated at the judge’s discretion
5 – Entries will line up at the end of the arena at direction of the ring steward.
6 – Entries will line up at the direction of the ring stewards, head to tail in the order that they entered the arena.
7 – There will be no fraternization between an exhibitor and judge during the show.
8 – Judging will be complete after a final unified decision of placing from the judge’s panel.
9 – The judge’s decision is final. Once the judges have marked their card and places for awards have been made, there shall be no changes. Exception: BHF committee findings that a rule has been violated, the BHF Committee has the right to change or disqualify any entry they deem fit. At that point, all awards and monies must be forfeited immediately by that entry and placing of that class will be moved accordingly.
10- All awards will be given in the arena. Prize money will be awarded at the conclusion of the show.
Non-Pro Division
An additional division will be included in the Color Division Open Weanling Colts and Geldings and Open Weanling Fillies, Color Division Yearling Stallions, Color Division Yearling Geldings, and Color Division Yearling Mares for Non-Pro Exhibitors. This will be judged as a class within a class. In order to participate you must meet Youth/Amateur/Non-Pro eligibility and horse ownership requirements as outlined in your respective breed association.
Exhibitors must possess a current Youth, Amateur or Non-Pro Card in their respective breed association in order to participate.
A Non-Pro Division Entry fee will apply in addition to the Class Entry Fee.
Entry Fee Schedule
Entry by July 15 $250
Late Entry by September 1 $500
Payment Schedule
Entry Fees will be jackpotted to the top three exhibitors as follows: 50%, 30%, 20%
If there are less than three entries, the payout will be as follows:
2 Entries 60%, 40%
1 Entry 100%
If there are three entries, all three places will be paid out even if they do not place in the top 20 horses.
Judges and Scoring System:
1 – The procedure for hiring judges will be at the discretion of the BHF Board of Directors.
2 – Upon acceptance to judge the BHF, the judge will keep total confidentiality about the specifics concerning the judging and class placings of the BHF. If for any reason the judge does not comply with this agreement, he or she may be removed by the BHF without reason and his or her contract will be considered null and void.
3 – Neither the Judge or member of his or her family shall exhibit or act as agents, representatives in any capacity of any horse he or she is officiating at BHF.
4 – A Judge shall not judge a horse which is owned or exhibited by anyone from whom he or members of his immediate family have been paid or received a salary, commission, or any type of remuneration or consideration, directly or indirectly, within 60 days of the date of the show. EXCEPTION: Breeding fees, mare care, vet expenses, shipping fees or any other fees related to breeding.
5 – Designation to judge the BHF is a privilege, not a right, bestowed by the BHF Committee according to the procedures formulated by it, to individuals whose equine expertise and personal character merit the honor. A judge shall judge the BHF in accordance to its rules, regulations, and guidelines issued by BHF. A judge shall honestly and fairly judge each horse and exhibitor with impartiality by him or her, and judge strictly on the horse’s conformation.
6 – Current year judges are allowed on the show grounds only when serving in an official capacity. Family members of current year judges are not allowed on the show grounds any time during the BHF.
SCORING SYSTEM:
Classes will be judged on a three (3) judge panel.
The judge’s panel may and will judge the class in an individual and group format used solely at the judge’s panel’s discretion.
If sufficient entries warrant, BHF reserves the right to implement a 1st go round and a finals at BHF discretion.
Judging will be complete after the judge’s panel comes to a final, unified decision.
The judge’s decision is final.
Credit/Refunds/Substitutions/Payment Methods: All applicable fees must be paid in full in order to exhibit at the BHF.
If you have a paid entry and choose to sell before the futurity the entry can be transferred to a new eligible owner/exhibitor for a $75 change fee. An exhibitor may switch an eligible entry from open to amateur, or amateur to open for a $75 change fee. In the event of the death of a paid entry, the owner will be allowed to substitute another NOMINATED eligible horse in its place for a $75 change fee. There will be no refunds. Payments can be made by check or credit card.
Any rules herewith can be changed, added to, or denied at the discretion of the BHF Board of Directors. The BHF will have the final word in interpreting or supplementing the rules and conditions of the Futurity if the need arises.
updated 1.31.23
2023 Youth Rules
HORSES SIRED BY ANY ELIGIBLE STALLION (AMATEUR, OPEN, OR COLOR DIVISION) ARE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE PROVIDED THE STALLION WAS ELIGIBLE FOR THE AGE GROUP OF YOUR HORSE.
Two Youth Classes will be offered:
Youth Geldings (And Weanling Colts): Weanling Colts and Geldings, Yearling Geldings, 2 Year Old Geldings, 3 Year Old Geldings, 4 Year Old Geldings, 5 Year Old Geldings, and 6 Year Old Geldings sired by BHF Stallions are eligible to compete. Please check the web site for stallion eligibility for each age group.
Youth Mares: Weanling Fillies, Yearling Mares, 2-Year Old Mares, 3-Year Old Mares, 4-Year Old Mares, 5 Year Old Mares, and 6 Year Old Mares sired by BHF Stallions are eligible to compete. Please check the web site for stallion eligibility for each age group.
Grand and Reserve Champion:
The class winner from the Youth Mares will compete with the other Class Winners from the Open Mares Classes for Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Open Mare. The class winner from the Youth Geldings will compete with the other Class Winners from the Open Gelding Glasses for Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Open Gelding. If a horse is an Open Class Winner and a Youth Class Winner, it is at the discretion of the Open or Youth Exhibitor as to who may show the horse.
Eligibility:
1 – Any horse that has placed 1st in any BHF Class is ineligible to show in any future BHF Classes, EXCEPTION DIY CLASSES AND MARE POWER CLASSES.
2 – All horses cannot have placed 1st at any AQHA World Show Halter Class – Level 3 Open or Amateur. Horse placings changing after the event will not affect the eligibility for the BHF.
3 – Without exception, all entries must be registered and parentage verified prior to the beginning of the show with one of the following associations: AQHA, APHA, or ApHC (excluding ApHC horses with Arabian bloodlines).
4 – All horses shown in any class must have registration papers into the show office 24 hours before the show.
5 – All horses must have current health and coggins papers
6 – BHF does not recognize horse leases.
7– A horse may show in the Youth Class and an Amateur Class and/or an Open Class provided they meet class and exhibitor eligibility.
8 – If a horse is eligible for more than one class and it is to be shown by an Amateur Exhibitor that same Amateur Exhibitor must show the horse in all entered classes at the BHF. EXCEPTION: A Youth Exhibitor may show in the Youth Class and an Amateur Exhibitor may show the same horse in the Amateur Classes and/or Open Classes. An entry fee will be required for each class.
Exhibitor Eligibility & Rules:
1 – In order to show in any BHF Youth Class, you must be a Youth holding a current Youth Membership in their respective breed association and must furnish a copy of the card at time of pre-entry or at the B.H.F. You must meet the relationship requirements for Youth Exhibitors for your respective breed association.
2 – Youth Exhibitors must be 8 years of age at the beginning of the show in order to participate.
3- NO professional verbal coaching (This will be STRICTLY enforced)
4- Unsportsmanlike conduct or any other form of misconduct that is irresponsible, illegal, indecent, profane, intimidating, threatening or abusive is prohibited by any person on the show ground either directly or indirectly involved with the BHF.
5- No person shall treat any horse in a cruel or inhumane manner.
6 -There will be random drug testing.
7 – Cell phone usage or texting in the arena is strictly prohibited.
Class Procedures:
1 – Entries will enter the arena by age. Beginning with the youngest of that calendar year to the oldest.
2 – Weanling Colts and all mares will be mouthed by a BHF Official prior to entering the Arena or at the discretion of the Judges. Geldings are not required to be mouthed.
3 – Entry will jog to the judges and continue to jog around corner cone to the left and to end marker. Failure to adequately evaluate the gait will be left to the judge’s discretion.
4 – Soundness will be evaluated at the judge’s discretion
5 – Entries will line up at the end of the arena at direction of the ring steward.
6 – Entries will line up at the direction of the ring stewards, head to tail in the order that they entered the arena.
7 – There will be no fraternization between an exhibitor and judge during the show.
8 – Judging will be complete after a final unified decision of placing from the judge’s panel.
9 – The judge’s decision is final. Once the judges have marked their card and places for awards have been made, there shall be no changes. Exception: BHF committee findings that a rule has been violated, the BHF Committee has the right to change or disqualify any entry they deem fit. At that point, all awards and monies must be forfeited immediately by that entry and placing of that class will be moved accordingly.
10 – All awards will be given in the arena. Prize money will be awarded at the conclusion of the event.
Judges and Scoring System:
1 – The procedure for hiring judges will be at the discretion of the BHF Board of Directors.
2 – Upon acceptance to judge the BHF, the judge will keep total confidentiality about the specifics concerning the judging and class placings of the BHF. If for any reason the judge does not comply with this agreement, he or she may be removed by the BHF without reason and his or her contract will be considered null and void.
3 – Neither the Judge or member of his or her family shall exhibit or act as agents, representatives in any capacity of any horse he or she is officiating at BHF.
4 – A Judge shall not judge a horse which is owned or exhibited by anyone from whom he or members of his immediate family have been paid or received a salary, commission, or any type of remuneration or consideration, directly or indirectly, within 60 days of the date of the show. EXCEPTION: Breeding fees, mare care, vet expenses, shipping fees or any other fees related to breeding.
5 – Designation to judge the BHF is a privilege, not a right, bestowed by the BHF Committee according to the procedures formulated by it, to individuals whose equine expertise and personal character merit the honor. A judge shall judge the BHF in accordance to its rules, regulations, and guidelines issued by BHF. A judge shall honestly and fairly judge each horse and exhibitor with impartiality by him or her, and judge strictly on the horse’s conformation.
6 – Current year judges are allowed on the show grounds only when serving in an official capacity. Family members of current year judges are not allowed on the show grounds at any time during the BHF.
SCORING SYSTEM:
Classes will be judged on a three (3) judge panel.
The judge’s panel may and will judge the class in an individual and group format used solely at the judge’s panel’s discretion.
If sufficient entries warrant, BHF reserves the right to implement a 1st go-round and a finals at BHF discretion.
Judging will be complete after the judge’s panel comes to a final, unified decision.
The judge’s decision is final.
Credit/Refunds/Substitutions/Payment Methods: All applicable fees must be paid in full in order to exhibit at the BHF.
If you have a paid entry on a horse and choose to sell said horse before the futurity, the entry can be transferred to a new eligible owner/exhibitor for a $75 change fee. An exhibitor may switch an eligible entry from open to amateur, or amateur to open for a $75 change fee. In the event of the death of a paid entry, the owner will be allowed to substitute another NOMINATED eligible horse in its place for a $75 change fee. There will be no refunds. Payments can be made by check or credit card.
Any rules herewith can be changed, added to, or denied at the discretion of the Futurity Committee. The B.H.F. will have the final word in interpreting or supplementing the rules and conditions of the Futurity if the need arises.
Updated 1.31.23
2023 Yearling Longe Line Class Rules
This class is limited to yearlings. The purpose of showing a yearling on a longe line is to demonstrate that the horse has the movement, manners/expression/ attitude, and conformation to become competitive under saddle. This class will reward:
- Quality of movement.
- Manners/Expression/Attitude
- Conformation suitable to future performance and the horse should be judged with its suitability as a future performer under saddle in mind. This class should define what it means to be a Western Pleasure or Hunter Under Saddle Prospect. Because these are yearlings, they are not expected to demonstrate the behavior or quality of a finished show horse, but only the performance necessary for a reasonable presentation to the judge.
The class will consist of two parts:
- A longeing demonstration lasting one and one-half minutes (90 seconds).
The Exhibitor will be given a “start” signal and they will have one and one-half minutes to present the horse at all three gaits (walk, jog, lope or walk, trot, canter) in both directions. At the end of the one and one-half minutes, the signal will be given to signify the end of the demonstration.
- A conformation inspection.
The conformation inspection will occur prior to the longeing demonstration. Each entry will be walked into the arena to the judge and pause for evaluation individually. They will then trot off straight and around a cone and take a place on the wall inside the area. All entries will be inspected in this fashion and the trot off will give the judge an opportunity to evaluate soundness.
Horses are to be shown in a halter. Either a regular or show type halter is acceptable. For the conformation inspection, a lead shank may be used and then exchanged for the longe line prior to the longe line demonstration. The longe line may not exceed 30 feet in length with a snap attached to the halter. It is permissible to use a longe whip; however, the Exhibitor may not strike the horse with the whip at any time.
Score sheets will be used by the Judges and they will use the BHF unified scoring system.
An exhibitor may show two horses in the Yearling Longe Line Class. The same exhibitor must show in both segments of the class. An additional handler may hold the first horse while the second horse is being exhibited; and an additional handler may hold the second horse while the first horse is being exhibited. Additional handlers must wear appropriate attire.
All yearlings sired by eligible stallions are able to participate in this class – BHF Amateur and/or Open or BHF Color Division Amateur and/or Open. All yearlings must be current on BHF nominations in order to be eligible to show.
updated 1.31.23
2023 Ranch On The Rail & Ranch Confirmation Class Rules
Horses must be 2-5 years old and sired by any stallion that has ever participated in the Breeders Halter Futurity. This is not a Maiden Class. Horses with a show record are not excluded. A current 2023 nomination fee (as per the schedule) is required. Horses will be shown in Ranch on the Rail and Ranch Conformation. Horses will be scored 70% on riding and 30% on conformation.
Horses showing in this class are eligible for other Halter Classes if they have been nominated every year and remained eligible to show.
Horses must be shown by the same Exhibitor in both the riding and conformation portions of the class.
Horses may be shown in a snaffle bit, bit, or hackamore. Western Attire and Western Tack are required.
The purpose of the Ranch on the Rail Riding Class is to measure the ability of the horse to be a pleasure to ride while being used as a means of conveyance from performing one ranch task to another. The horse should reflect the versatility, attitude, and movement of a working ranch horse riding outside the confines of an arena. The horse should be well-trained, relaxed, quiet, soft, and cadenced at all gaits. The ideal ranch horse will travel with forward movement and demonstrate an obvious lengthening of stride at extended gaits. The horse can be ridden with light contact or on a relatively loose rein without requiring undue restraint, but not shown on a full drape of reins. The overall manners and responsiveness of the ranch horse to make timely transitions in a smooth and correct manner, as well as the quality of the movement are of primary considerations. The ideal ranch horse should have a natural ranch horse appearance from head to tail in each maneuver.
Walk: A natural, flat footed, four (4) beat gait. The gait is rhythmic and ground-covering. As in all gaits, the horse should display a level, or slightly above level topline with a bright, attentive expression.
Trot: The trot is a natural two (2) beat gait demonstrating more forward motion than the western jog.
Extended Trot: The extended trot is an obvious lengthening of the stride with a definite increase in pace. The horse should be moving in a manner as if it were covering a large area on a ranch with an above level topline.
Lope: The lope is a three (3) beat gait. The lope should be relaxed and smooth with a natural forward moving stride. Horses moving to the right should lope on the right lead and when moving to the left, should lope on the left lead.
Extended Lope: The extended lope is not a run or a race but should be an obvious lengthening of the stride, demonstrating a forward, working speed. The horse should display an above-level topline with a bright, attentive expression.
Back: The back should be on command, quietly, willing and easily in a straight line without resistance.
At the conclusion of the riding portion of the class, the tack will be removed and horses will be judged on conformation.
Each Exhibitor can have 1 – 2 grooms to assist with tack removal and grooming. All grooms shall be dressed in appropriate western attire. All grooms shall wait at the gate until the Announcer indicates that the Judges have directed the grooms to enter the arena. Wheelbarrows and carts are not allowed. The Announcer shall announce the start time for removal of equipment and grooming. The time limit is 3 minutes. The horse may be shown in a suitable halter or bridle for the conformation portion of this class.
The ideal Ranch Horse Conformation should have a natural ranch horse appearance from head to tail. The purpose of ranch horse conformation is to select well-mannered individuals that are the most positive combination of balance, structural correctness, and movement appropriate for various activities of a working ranch horse.
Ranch on the Rail Apparel and Equipment:
Attire and tack should be clean and presentable. Working tack is encouraged.
- No hoof polish.
- No braided or banded manes or tail extensions.
- Trimming inside ears is discouraged.
- Trimming bridle path, fetlocks, or excessively long facial hair is allowed.
- Equipment with silver should not count over a good working outfit. Silver bridles and saddles are discouraged,
- Competitors may use a breast collar or rear cinch.
Updated 1.31.23
2023 DIY Class Rules
2023 DIY Class
Information
The purpose of this class is to provide a place where Halter Horse Exhibitors who want to fit and show their own horse have an opportunity to do so.
We will offer two classes:
DIY Am Weanling Colts and Geldings
DIY Am Weanling Fillies
Exhibitor Eligibility:
- Exhibitor must be an Amateur or Youth holding a current Amateur or Youth membership in the respective breed association and you must meet relationship eligibility requirements to be eligible to show.
- Exhibitor must be personally responsible for the care and preparation of their horse. A trainer cannot be involved in any way with this horse effective July 1st.
- Exhibitor cannot have placed 1st in any BHF Weanling or Yearling Class.
- Winning Exhibitor of each DIY class is not eligible to show in either DIY class the following year.
Horse Eligibility:
- 2023 Weanling Foals by the following Stallions are eligible for the DIY Classes:
Best Kept Secrete
CR Peacemaker
Ecredible
Execute
FG Born Legacy *only mares with Fossil Gate Farms Breeding Contract
FG Mr McDreamy **only mares bred 02-21-22 or later
Grand Slam Touchdown **only mares bred 02-21-22 or later
Heartz On Fire
Iem The One
My Intention
PF Premo
Raylan Givens
Rumerz
Secret Gunfighter
Solaris
Urge
Valentino
Very Cool *only mares with Fossil Gate Farms Breeding Contract
WhoIsIt
- ***DIY Classes are now available to current BHF Open and BHF Color Division Stallions who pay a fee to make their foals eligible to participate in the DIY Classes. The $2000 fee will make all their 2023 weanling foals eligible. This fee is due by July 1st.
- The horse must be Trainer Free effective July 1st.
Eligible exhibitors will be required to sign an affidavit stating that the horse has been Trainer Free by July 1st. Anyone found falsifying their affidavit will relinquish their winnings.
We will have separate stalling areas in either barn for DIY Exhibitors.
Please remember that a Trainer cannot assist in any way with your horse, this would include banding, applying hoof black, adjusting a halter, etc.
Your horse’s health is very important to us. If you have an emergency, please request assistance.
Horses eligible for DIY can be shown in other applicable Weanling Classes. The horse must be shown by the same Amateur Exhibitor in all classes entered at the 2023 BHF.
When a stallion owner pays the fee to make their 2023 foals eligible, those stallions will be listed as follows:
***$2000 fee has been paid and 2023 weanling foals are eligible to participate in the DIY Class.
UPDATED: 02-01-23
Additional classes will be offered for persons who Own, Breed, and Exhibit their horse.
- OBE Classes will be offered for all Amateur and Open Weanling Classes.
- Exhibitor must be an Amateur or Youth holding a current Amateur or Youth Membership in the respective breed association and you must meet relationship eligibility requirements to be eligible to show.
- In order to be eligible for OBE Awards, you must mee the following relationship criteria: owner, spouse, children, parent, stepchildren, grandchildren, sibling or legal guardianship.
- Each OBE Class will have $2000 added money and 100% of the entry fee money will be added. Payout will be based on entries.
- Each OBE winner will receive a Belt Buckle.
updated 1/31/23