Approved Rule Changes For 2024

Brief summary of rule changes coming up for the 2024-2025 rulebook.

·      Disciplined rail has been added to Western Performance Division

·      Ranch trail, ranch conformation and cattle boxing were added to the Ranch Division.

·      Hunter under saddle, mulemanship, ranch reining, youth halter and disciplined rail plus any class from adult divisions not involving farm equipment or showing a jack may be added to youth classes by show management.

·      Hunter under saddle, English equitation, intro English or western dressage, ranch trail, ranch reining, ranch conformation, halter, western equitation, mulemanship added to Non-pro Division.

·      Ranch pleasure, ranch trail, English pleasure, English equitation, youth halter, hunter under saddle and ranch conformation added to 10 & under walk/jog.

·      Ranch trail, ranch riding and ranch reining added to Pre-Green Division.

·      Ranch trail added to Amateur Walk/Jog Donkey Division.

·      Green mules over 4 years old may be ridden in a legal shanked bit with rider using one hand on split or romal reins.

·      Low hunter class will be added to Hunter/Jumper division to encourage mules not experienced over fences. Fences will be mandatory low height.

·      Under general halter rules (section 201), “animals not trotting in hand when asked shall not place above other animals who did trot for the judge.”

·      Currently rule changes only occur every two years, change to this rule allows rule changes when deemed necessary by the special meeting of the board of directors. All updates will be published on the AMA website.

·      Green mule definition: for mules of any age that have never been shown at any show (horse or mule) or at any show that is sanctioned by a recognized association (organization that has by-laws). Exception: a schooling show that does not qualify for any year-end or show high points and is meant purely for practice.

·      All exhibitors must enter the arena with the correct contestant number in a visible manner. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

·      Youth Championship definition. Top 3 youth competitors in 2 youth divisions with a minimum of 3 points in each division from 3 qualified shows. (Current requires top 5 youth competitors in 3 youth divisions with a minimum of 5 points in each division)

·      Elimination of rule 503C non-pro packer must move to open division after winning non-pro division twice.

·      First year bridled mules may show in “two rein equipment” (legal shank bit over a leather or rawhide bosal) in Ranch division. Only one hand may be used on reins.

·      At show management discretion, a dry work pattern may be included in Cow Working class.

·      Reined Cow Mule division added to include cutting, reining, cow working and boxing.