Arabian Horse Fair Rule book, Section II

CHALLENGE FUTURITY/MATURITY PROGRAM

POLICIES AND RULES

The Challenge Futurity/Maturity is designed to be inexpensive for the breeder/owner to show their horse in breeding classes in hand as potential breeding prospects and most importantly, as a performance horse. This is the opportunity for many to give their young horses ring experience at one show. This is viewed as the compliment and lead-up to a wonderful quality, performance animal for more advanced levels of riding or equally attractive as a program for those who want to show and have a enjoyable mount for everyday riding. The AHFA Challenge Futurity is designed to be for those living in the western states region of the United States and Canada, however, registered purebred Arabian horses from any part of the world are eligible to compete as long as said horses meet the requirements of the AHFA Challenge Futurity program.

Rule 1 - General

A. Rules may be changed, added, or deleted as outlined in the Arabian Horse Fair Association Bylaws, Article X, Section 10.2. All attempts will be made to minimize impact of rules changes on current program participants.
B. Challenge Futurity and Challenge Maturity shall be interchangeable with Challenge Futurity/Maturity and shall be construed as applying to all facets of the sections included in the Challenge Futurity or Challenge Maturity program.
C. The applicant for membership agrees as a condition of membership to comply with the by-laws, rules and regulations of Arabian Horse Fair Association as the same exist or may be amended from time to time and to be in good standing with Arabian Horse Fair Association.
D. There is no right to classification as an amateur and this classification in extenuating circumstances may be granted based upon an evaluation of all circumstances considered relevant by the Board of Directors and the Disciplinary Committee and whose decision will be final.
E. In the event of extenuating circumstances such as but not limited to breech of contract, infertility, non-payment of funds, in adherence to Challenge Futurity/Maturity rules and/or Arabian Horse Fair Association rules and regulations, both parties will be given the opportunity to submit all data and grievances to Challenge Futurity/Arabian Horse Fair Association.

1) As a condition of submitting application forms to this program, the Applicant agrees that Arabian Horse Fair Association may cease all disbursements of award monies if Arabian Horse Fair Association is placed on notice in writing by any party of an error or inaccuracy in the form(s) submitted. Arabian Horse Fair Association will hold all further award monies until the matter is resolved by the Applicant.
2) Please be advised that Arabian Horse Fair Association relies upon the accuracy of your representations concerning your application(s). You are acknowledging by executing this form(s), that you will hold the Association harmless if you have misrepresented any information and the Association has relied to its detriment upon that information. The Association also reserves the right, at any time, to require additional information be provided to verify the accuracy of your representation.
3) Written notification and documents pertaining to any extenuating circumstances affecting the success of an Challenge Futurity breeding must be sent to the Challenge Futurity at the AHFA office by US Postal mail.
4) All situations will be considered on an individual basis and the decision made by the AHFA Board of Directors responsible for the Challenge Futurity will be deemed final.

F. Confirmation of Challenge Futurity/Maturity activity are emailed to participating members in the spring. If owners desire a US Postal mailing, submit early a stamped, self-addressed envelope. New nomination forms for unborn foals, as well as invoices for sustaining fees on previously-nominated foals, are emailed in the fall; if US Postal mailing is desired, submit early a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
G. Any breech of contract in regards to this AHFA Challenge Futurity/Maturity Program, or Infertility of either stallion or mare, non-payment of funds due, inadherence to the AHFA Guidelines, Rules and Regulations, require both parties to be given the opportunity to submit all details and grievances in writing to AHFA. Any AHFA Challenge Futurity/Maturity Program participant who has demonstrated a refusal, for whatever reason, to comply with the stated guidelines, rules and regulations of this AHFA Challenge Program, to include but not be limited to, breech of contract, non-payment of funds due, inadherance to the program’s guidelines, will be refused future participation in the AHFA Challenge Program. Each situation will be presented to the AHFA Board of Directors for review of said refusal and a final decision will be made within 30 days.

Rule 2 - Nomination of Foals

A. All foals participating in the Futurity/Maturity must be sired by nominated stallions to the AHFA Challenge Futurity/Maturity. The nominated stallion must have been nominated before the mare that was bred to him can be nominated in her breeding year. See Rule 25. All breeding contracts are between the stallion nominator and the mare owner purchaser. Be sure you review and examine the stallion breeding contract; should you have questions or concerns, be sure you ask the stallion nominator before bidding. High bid is final and not revocable.
B. There shall be no limit of the number of mares bred to a nominated stallion except as listed below:

1) The "legal" owner/leasor of the nominated stallion may not nominate more than one (1) mare per nominated stallion per breeding year.
2) No one "legal" owner and or leasor may nominate more than three (3) mares per nominated stallion per breeding year.

C. Nomination fee for the MARE BREEDING YEAR IS: $15 due by Oct. 31st of year of breeding; fee must be submitted with the completed, signed mare nomination form; the form is available on-line from the AHFA web site. The nomination form must be completed in total, signed, and submitted with the nomination fee before the nomination will be accepted by Arabian Horse Fair Association.
D. The nominated foal must have on file with Arabian Horse Fair Association the completed, signed foal nomination form. This form is available on-line from the AHFA web site. The complete, signed foal nomination form with the sustaining fees must be paid by or before October 31st of the year due or the foal will be suspended from the Challenge Futurity/Maturity program.

There will be a $20 sustaining fee due October 31st of year foal is born;

$40 sustaining fee due October 31st of yearling year of foal;

$50 sustaining fee due October 31st of second year of foal;

$60 sustaining fee due October 31st of third year of foal if the foal does not show in the Challenge Futurity section;

E. $200 entry fee due August 1st of the year the foal shows in the Challenge Futurity or Maturity section. If the foal shows in the Challenge Futurity section there shall be a $200 entry fee to show in the Challenge Maturity section as well for each part of the Challenge Maturity, Composite English or Western.
F. This entry fee will be a part of the nomination fees paid into the Challenge program, both for the futurity and for the maturity sections.
G. Embryo Transfer foal designated Mare is to be done on the same form as the Nominated Mare with the appropriate section checked. Nominators must complete such form by October 31st of the mare breeding year and only one embryo transfer foal per mare will be allowed to be nominated for the Challenge Futurity/Maturity.
H. Under the following circumstances, only, a live foal by a nominated stallion to the Challenge Futurity program can be nominated for the Challenge Futurity/Maturity/Performance.

1) A foal may be nominated by June 1st of its three-year-old year for a payment of $750. Payment must accompany the completed, signed nomination and must be received by June 1st of the three-year-old calendar year. The sire of the foal must be a nominated stallion.

2) A foal may be nominated for the Performance section of the AHFA Challenge Futurity/Maturity for a payment of $1000. Payments must accompany the completed, signed nomination and must be received by June 1st of the four-year-old calendar year. The sire of the foal must be a nominated stallion.

3) For those nominated foals, which have had their sustaining fees dropped (unpaid) and can show a transfer of ownership on the registration papers, not within the immediate family or household of the breeder or owner who dropped nominations, may be re-instated for a fee of $35 and and payment of missed sustaining fees. All further sustaining payments must be kept current.

I. Pedigrees (four generation) of the sire and dam must be included with the nomination application. All forms
may be submitted via email. A copy of the foal's registration should be forwarded when available.
J. The purchased breeding must be used in the breeding season following the applicable silent auction/live auction in order to qualify the resulting foal for the Challenge Futurities. See rules below for transfer rules.
K. If the AHFA Challenge Futurity held in conjunction with the AHFA Fall Festival is to be removed from its initial location (initial location is construed to be where it has been held for the last five (5) years) then the AHFA Challenge Futurity classes are to be held in conjunction with an AHFA sponsored or approved show held in as equal distance from any point of any of these western states, as possible, in order that the selection site be as far from one state as it is from another state. This is to be construed as the furthest point on any state within this western region: California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
L. All nominators of foals for the Challenge Futurity/Maturity must be members in good standing of AHFA at the time of nomination and must maintain that membership for the foals to remain eligible to participate in the Challenge Futurity/Maturity.
M. Sustaining fees must be paid by or before October 31st of the year due or the nominated foal will be suspended from the Challenge Futurity/Maturity program.

Rule 3 - Breeding Class in-Hand Futurity/Maturity

A. The Arabian Horse Fair Challenge Futurity halter section is open to nominated three year-old colts and fillies only that are registered purebred Arabians.
B. Completed, signed show entry form accompanied by the entry fee must be submitted by the deadline date of August 1st.
C. One completed, signed show entry form, accompanied by entry fees, per nominated foal.

Rule 4 - Four-year-olds

The Arabian Horse Fair Challenge Performance Futurity final section is open to nominated four-year-old colts, fillies and geldings that are registered, purebred Arabian. Foals may show in either section or both sections, provided the entry fee has been paid for by the deadline date of August 1st.

A. Composite English Performance Futurity section will be offered.
B. Western Performance Futurity section will be offered.
C. Nominated foals may be cross-entered in both sections with two (2) separate class entries. (Two class fees)
D. Entry fees must accompany the completed, signed show entry form and designate which section or if both sections are being entered.
E. One completed, signed show entry form, accompanied by entry fees, per nominated foal.

Rule 5 - Payout Percentages

A. Thirty (30) percent of all Challenge Futurity/Maturity monies shall be paid for the three-year-old halter Futurity, in accordance with Rule 18, Payout's.
B. Seventy (70) percent of all Challenge Futurity/Maturity monies shall be divided equally between the English (modified) and Western performance Maturity for four-year-olds. All funds will be distributed remaining in the escrow fund.

Rule 6 - Grandfather Clause for Futurity

A. For the initial year of the futurity, stallions nominated will be for the entire year for the Challenge Futurity/Maturity, until December 31st of that year. All foals by Nominated Stallions are eligible to be nominated in-utero. This Futurity will be held in one of the eleven western states region. Stallion owners must be members in good standing with Arabian Horse Fair Association.
B. All grand fathered foals that are yearlings shall be grand fathered into the Challenge Maturity section as a one-time only provision. Payment will be adjusted to a one time fee of $35 due July 1st of that year and the regular sustaining fees must be maintained thereafter.
C. All grand fathered foals that are two year olds shall be grand fathered into the Challenge Maturity section as a one-time only provision. Payment will be adjusted to a one time fee of $75 due July 1st of that year and the regular sustaining fees must be maintained thereafter.
D. All grand fathered three year olds showing in the Challenge Futurity section shall pay a one-time only fee of $125 due May lst of that year with a signed, completed foal nomination. Entry fees shall be the same as stated above and must accompany the completed, signed show entry application by August 1st of that year if the nominated foal is to compete in the Challenge Futurity, otherwise the sustaining fee of $60 will be due by October 31st of that year.
E. All grand fathered four year olds showing in the Challenge Maturity section shall pay a one-time only fee of $150 due May lst of that year with a signed, completed foal nomination. Entry fees shall be the same as stated above and must accompany the completed, signed show entry application by August 1st of that year and designate which section or if both sections are being entered.

Rule 7 - Amateurs

A. Only Amateurs, Novice and Non-Professional owners, riders, handlers, as defined by the Amateur section of the Arabian Horse Fair rule book, will be allowed to present horses in any of the Challenge Futurity classes, specifically the Challenge Futurity halter section, and in the Challenge Maturity Performance sections: Western Pleasure and Composite English Pleasure.
B. There is a limit of three horses per amateur rider in the Challenge Maturity Performance sections. This must be designated on the show entry form to be valid.
C. A youth rider may exhibit stallions, mares and/or geldings in the Challenge Maturity Performance sections.

Rule 8 - Futurity/Maturity/Performance Class Entry Fees

A. Although payment of nomination and sustaining fees provides eligibility for the Challenge Futurity/Maturity Programs, it does not mean a foal is automatically entered in the Challenge Futurity/Maturity class. There is a separate entry form and entry fee of $200 which must be submitted to enter the foal into the Challenge Futurity class for that show year and this must be a completed entry form, signed and submitted with the correct fees. The entry forms may be obtained by US Postal mail, by submitting a stamped, self-addressed envelope and the request for such or by downloading from the AHFA web site.
B. All entry fees are, unless published differently, $200 for each class, regardless of age.
C. Office fee will be charged.
D. Judges fee will be waived for the futurity.
E. Stall fees, if economically possible, will be included in the entry fee. Provision, if possible, will be made for entrants to show from their trailers. No guarantee is made by AHFA to this condition and by nominating a foal, the nominator agrees to this stipulation.

Rule 9 - AHFA Rule book

All other division rules of this rule book shall prevail and be in force for this Challenge Futurity/Maturity/Performance including but not limited to the Halter Rules, Shoeing Regulations, Conduct rules, General Provision, Attire, and Side Saddle.

Rule 10 - Snaffles

Snaffles or Hackamores only in the Challenge Maturity, Performance section. All other Equipment rules will be in force.

A. English bridle:

For classes calling for a snaffle bit, horse is to be shown in a light, show type bridle (English), single snaffle (defined as an unwrapped, smooth, rounded snaffle bit minimum 3/8 inch in diameter as measured one inch from the ring with gradual decrease to the center of the snaffle, half cheeks permitted), cavesson permitted. The rings may be from 2" to 4" outside diameter of either the loose type ring, egg butt, dee, mullen mouth, French snaffle, Dr. Bristol, or half cheek snaffle. The snaffle bit may be single jointed or unjointed.

B. Western bridle:

Classes specifying snaffle bit only, any western type headstall without noseband in conjunction with an acceptable snaffle bit as described below will be allowed. A standard snaffle bit is defined as loose type ring, dee or eggbutt. The mouthpiece will consist of a broken mouthpiece that is a minimum 5/16 inch diameter with a gradual decrease to the center bar. The rings will be from 2" to 4" outside diameter of either the loose ring type, egg butt, dee or center mounted without cheeks. Nothing may protrude below the mouthpiece (bar) such as extensions, prongs, or rivets designed to intimidate the horse. Reins must be attached to each side of the snaffle bit.

C. Hackamore rules apply as listed under the Equipment rules of this rule book.
D. For purposes of this performance section of the Challenge Maturity Performance section, a horse shown in either a hackamore or snaffle must never have been shown in any event in a bit other than a snaffle.

Rule 11 - English Saddle

For the composite English class, an English-type saddle with no forward seat or cutback is to be used for English Pleasure mounts and a forward seat English-type saddle is to be used for Hunter Pleasure mounts.

Rule 12 - Challenge Futurity Judging Rules

A. All judging and scoring of nominated colts and fillies in the Challenge Futurity Breeding Classes In-Hand shall be by the AHFA Breeding Classes In-Hand rules and the AHFA form for such will be used. Each nominated foal shall have its score tabulated and announced before the next nominated foal is presented for judging.
B. There shall be a limit of twenty (20) horses to any one section, colts or fillies, in the Challenge Futurity Breeding Class In-Hand.
C. Should there be more than twenty (20) horses nominated to any one section, the top ten (10) shall advance to the Championship Round with a Champion and a Reserve Champion.
D. Should there be less than twenty (20) horses showing in the Challenge Futurity Breeding Classes In-Hand, either section of colts or fillies, all nominated foals are to be scored with a Champion and a Reserve Champion.
E. Should there be less than ten (10) horses nominated for either colts or fillies section of the Challenge Futurity, the monies shall be distributed as for five (5) horses and the balance of the funds shall be credited to the Challenge Maturity Performance sections for the nominated foals.

Rule 13 - Challenge Maturity Performance Judging Rules

A. A pattern will be determined for the judge for preliminary rounds in both sections, Composite English Pleasure and Western Pleasure, using three cones set up around the rail. Horses will enter individually, walk to the first cone, trot to the second, lope to the third in the manner determined by the pattern. Horses shall be required to do a stop, reverse, and then do all three gaits the other way. Stop and back. Each nominated foal shall have its score tabulated and announced before the next nominated foal is presented for judging.
B. Horses are to be scored separately and equally for each gait. Each horse is to be in the ring for about a minute or less.

1) Twenty (20) percent each for the walk, trot, and back

2) Twenty (20) percent combined for the lope, canter, gallop and hand gallop, if called for by the judge, as well as transitions in accordance with Rules 14

3) Twenty (20) percent for the specifics as detailed in Rule 15. Horses shall be judged as these specifics dictate on performance, suitability of horse to rider, suitability to their discipline (Hunter, Western or English Pleasure), conformation, quality and attitude and in that order as listed here. Judges must strictly apply these percentages.

C. All foals (horses) nominated and showing in either section of the Challenge Maturity Performance sections shall be shown individually to the judge(s) for the qualifying advancement to the Championship Round.

1) The judge may/will call for any of the gaits listed below in either Western Pleasure or Composite English Pleasure, as detailed in the specifics for judging.

2) Horses are to be worked both directions of the ring.

3) To stand quietly and back readily. Judges must consider all gaits equally in adjudicating classes.

4) The judge(s) shall determine the score for each individual horse as it is presented with the scores tabulated and announced for each horse before the next horse is presented for judging.

5) There will be a draw to determine the order of go.

6) There shall be a limit of twenty (20) horses to any one section, either Composite English Pleasure or Western Pleasure.

7) Should there be less than twenty (20) horses entered in either section of the Challenge Maturity Performance sections Composite English Pleasure or Western Pleasure, each horse will be judged individually per these rules with the Championship designation going to the highest score.

D. Judging shall be done by the AHFA judging form with the criteria listed in specifics for judging Rules 14 and 15 and be scored from 1-20 for each section listed.
E. Numerical Scoring Indictors are:

1 - 3 Very Poor 4 - 6 Poor 7 - 8 Below Average 9 - 11 Average 12 - 13 Above Average 14 - 15 Good 16 - 17 Very Good 18 - 19 Excellent 20 Ideal

F. Competitors will enter the ring in a counterclockwise direction at the normal trot (English) and jog trot (Western). Ladies may ride side saddle. All horses being considered must be serviceably sound.
G. The top fifteen (15) horses in score will qualify for the Championship round. The judge may/will call for any of the gaits listed below in either Western Pleasure or Composite English Pleasure, and horses are to be worked both directions of the ring. To stand quietly and back readily. Judges must consider all gaits equally in adjudicating classes. The Championship round will be placed through the 15th place.

Rule 14 - Required Gaits for Challenge Maturity Performance

Challenge Maturity Performance Qualifying Gaits will be judged on a score of 1-20 for the walk, trot, gallop or canter and hand gallop, which is optional, the back and for overall qualities as described in specifics Rule 15 for judging.

A. Walk: Flat-footed, steady, elastic.
B. Medium Trot: Square, collected and balanced. A free, easy, two beat diagonal gait without a tendency to mix
gaits. To trot with elasticity and freedom of movement, not to break above level.
C. Extended Trot: The extended trot should be bold, energetic, balanced and ground covering with a definite lengthening of stride not resulting in an increase of speed with no sense of racing or straining. The mouth must remain light and the horse must demonstrate a complete acceptance of control without resistance at all times. Excessive speed should be penalized.
D. Working Trot: This is a pace where the horses go forward freely and straight, engaging the hind legs with good hock action, on a taut but light rein, the position being balanced and unconstrained. The steps should be as even as possible. The hind feet touch the ground in the foot prints of the fore feet. The degree of energy and impulsion displayed at the working trot denotes clearly the degree of suppleness and balance of the horses.
E. Canter (Lope): Smooth, collected and straight on both leads and a DEFINITE three beat cadence.
F. Extended Canter: The extended canter should be ground covering, free moving and smooth. The extended canter should show a definite lengthening of stride, while still being controlled and mannerly. Extreme speed WILL be penalized.
G. Hand Gallop: Long, free ground covering stride under control. Not a fast collected canter, but a true lengthening of stride, correct and straight on both leads. Extreme speed penalized.
H. Back: The back should be at least one horse length done quietly. This should be done with light contact and smoothly. More credit should be given for correctness and smoothness, rather than how quickly it is done.

Rule 15 - Specifics for Judging

A. Suitability of the horse and its motion for the type of job at hand is essential. Easy ground-covering motion is desired in Pleasure events. Judges must severely penalize any horse with laboring motion at any gait whether or not such motion indicates excessive weight or use of artificial training devices. At no time shall any horse's knee action break above level. Judges will consider Pleasure as a stepping stone to higher levels of performance.
B. The good pleasure horse has a comfortable free flowing stride of reasonable length in keeping with the individual's conformation. Ideally, the horse should have a balanced, sweeping motion that requires no more than light contact by the rider. The head and neck serve as a balance arm and are carried in a relaxed, natural position appropriate for each individual's own conformation. The horse should be balanced in all aspects; conformation, gait and disposition. Such a horse is an athlete that goes softly and gives the appearance of being fit and capable of the tasks. Ultimately, the horse is very eye appealing and gives the impression of being a pleasure to ride.
C. Light contact should be measured by a horse's response to the rider's hands, seat and legs and not merely by the tension in the reins. However, an excessively draped rein is just as undesirable as extremely tight rein.
D. Subtle cues are desirable, while an absence of cues is not. The individual that willingly and quietly responds to subtle cues by the rider is performing with light contact.
E. Horses who have had surgical alteration of any sort, including but not limited to: tattooing the white of the eye black, liposuction to the neck, cosmetic throat latch surgery, including cribbing surgery, trimming ears, and cutting tendons in the legs to reduce stride, and this rule does not include castration of an entire horse, are not permitted to compete.

Rule 16 - Workout

All horses chosen for a workout must be worked both ways of the ring at any gait requested.

Rule 17 - Obstacles

In Pleasure Classes, horses will not be tested on obstacles.

Rule 18 - Payouts

Prize money will be distributed from the total purse from the schedule below. For there to be 30 placings paid, there must be a total of more than 35 horses showing; for there to be 10 placings paid, there must be a total of more than 15 and less than 30 horses showing. If less than 10 horses are shown in the Challenge Futurity, any section, of the Challenge program, placings shall be for 5 horses on a 10 horse payout and the balance forwarded to the Challenge Maturity Performance section. In the Challenge Maturity Performance section, funds shall be evenly distributed between the Composite English Pleasure and the Western Pleasure sections and all funds shall be paid out in placings from the escrow fund.

A. 30 placing: 16th through 30th = 1%, 10th through 15th = 1.5%, 9th through 5th = 2%, 4th = 8%, 3rd = 12%, 2nd = 15% and First = 30%.

B. 10 placing: 10th = 1%, 9th = 2%, 8th = 3%. 7th = 4%, 6th = 5%, 5th = 6%, 4th = 7%, 3rd = 10%, 2nd = 22%, and First = 40%.

C. 5 placing: 5th = 7%, 4th =13 %, 3rd =20 %, 2nd =27 %, First = 33%.

D. The Arabian Horse Fair Association reserves the right to adjust payouts, based on the level of participation. However, all futurity prize monies will be paid out in all circumstances.

Rule 19 - Owner/Nominator Responsibility

A. It is the responsibility of the mare owner/lessee to satisfy all nomination requirements. It is the responsibility of the mare owner and the stallion owner to furnish a signed, notarized legal document agreeing to the lease of their stallion to the lessee and/or to the lease of the mare to the lessee and agreeing to the donation of the nominated stallion breeding(s) and/or the use of the mare for this program to the Challenge Futurity at the AHFA office. No exceptions.
B. Foals which are the result of a pure or straight breeding program shall not be noted as such until after judging. Disqualification from any Futurity based upon an invalid pedigree will not result in any refund of paid nomination and/or sustaining fees and/or entry fees.
C. All decisions regarding whether a horse meets the requisite definition of being a registered, purebred Arabian as defined by the AHFA by-laws shall be made by Challenge Futurity/AHFA Board of Directors whose decision shall be final. By nominating the foal, this is considered a voluntary act, and the nominator agrees to all rules, regulations, and decisions made by the Challenge Futurity and Arabian Horse Fair Association.

Rule 20 - Distribution of Funds

A. All funds collected from the stallion service auctions, nomination, and entry fees (less a 20% administrative fee and any financial fees) will be disbursed to each foal crop. All funds will be held in an escrow account (less the 20% administrative fee and any financial fees) for each foal crop.
B. From all sustaining fees at the end of the second and third year,thirty (30) percent of those fees (less a 10% administrative fee) shall be paid to Geldings who are placed in the Performance sections of the Challenge Futurity. The Gelding payouts will be placed in a separate escrow account and will follow the same purse distribution as used for the Futurities.
C. The owner/lesser of the nominated stallion, at the time of nomination, shall receive 10% of the purse for each placing of a foal by that nominated stallion.

Rule 21 - Number of Foals Eligible

A. As a result of each stallion service donation to the Challenge Futurity, the nominating legal stallion owner/leasee may nominate one (1) registered, purebred Arabian in-utero foal by that stallion in the year of the donation to the Challenge Futurity/Maturity. Mare owners are able to register three (3) in-utero foals per Rule 2. There shall be no limit on the number of in-utero foals that can be nominated by a nominated stallion. Exception is noted for embryo transfer foals as noted in Rule 2, Section D.
B. Breedings are not transferable.
C. Each foal must qualify for the Challenge Futurity/Maturity on its own. A stallion nominator may nominate the registered, purebred Arabian Stallion for more than one donated stallion service breeding; however, only one in-utero foal may be nominated by the stallion nominator.

Rule 22 - Nomination Deadline

Nominations are due in full by October 31st of the mare's breeding year to retain Challenge Futurity/Maturity eligibility.

Rule 23 - Late Fees

The deadline for Futurity nominations is October 31st of the mare's breeding year. In those extenuating circumstances in which a late nomination of an unborn foal is accepted, a late fee of $50 will be assessed for each nomination received after October 31st.

Rule 24 - Change of Ownership of Nominated Foal

A. These Challenge Futurity/Maturity rights, breedings and/or foals may be sold/transferred to a new owner.
B. A written request for transfer must be sent to the Challenge Futurity/Maturity at the AHFA office by the original owner.
C. A new owner purchasing a foal that has been nominated to the Challenge Futurity/Maturity should obtain the Futurity/Maturity confirmation form from the previous owner and forward to the Challenge Futurity/Maturity at the AHFA office along with proof of ownership. (registration papers or purchase contract) Please contact the AHFA office through US Postal mail or by email with any questions of eligibility.

Rule 25 - Nominated Stallions

A. Stallion Nominations must be made by the "legal" owner or lessee of the stallion who is in good standing with Arabian Horse Fair Association. Membership is required to nominate a stallion. All stallions nominated must be registered, purebred Arabians as defined by the AHFA by-laws. Stallion Nominations will be accepted on July 1st of each year for the following year.
B. All stallion nominations are required to donate at least one breeding per year of nomination to the AHFA Challenge Futurity/Maturity Stallion Service Auction program.
C.. In the event that a donated stallion for service should become unavailable for any reason, the stallion owner/nominator will notify the Challenge Futurity/Arabian Horse Fair Association office immediately and the stallion will be removed from the list of stallions available to the Stallion Service Auction process.
D. Stallion must be nominated before mares that are bred to them can submit a mare nomination form, completed, signed and accompanied by the required fee.
E. Stallion Nominations will be accepted beginning July 1st of each year and may be made up to the time of the AHFA Challenge Futurity/Maturity Stallion Service Auction

Rule 26 - Sale and/or Exportation of the Nominated Stallion

A. Official documentation signed by both the purchaser and seller must be sent to the Challenge Futurity/Maturity at the Arabian Horse Fair office.
B. The original stallion owner would not be eligible to enter a foal in the Challenge Futurity/Maturity.

Option 1) If frozen semen has been saved, and the stallion service contract allows for its use, it should be made available to the mare owner. (Keep in mind that frozen semen often entails additional fees for the mare owner.) If this is not a viable option and/or no foal results, both parties may proceed to the following options.
Option 2) If the contract allows, the new owner may honor the breeding, and both the new owner and the purchaser would be eligible to enter a foal into the Challenge Futurity/Maturity.
Option 3) If the original stallion owner sells or exports the stallion, rendering the contract void, the purchaser may then proceed.

Rule 27 - Incapacitation, Injury or Death of the Nominated Stallion

A. A vet statement must be sent care to the Challenge Futurity/Maturity at the Arabian Horse Fair Association office.
B. The stallion owner will still be eligible to enter a foal into the Challenge Futurity/Maturity if the contract and program guidelines have been adhered to. If frozen semen has been saved, and if the breeding contract allows for its use, it should be made available to the mare owner. If this is not a viable option and/or no foal results, both stallion nominator and purchaser may proceed to the following options.

Option 1) If the stallion service contract allows for a breeding to another stallion this may take place, although the resulting foal would only be eligible if the substitute stallion was a nominated stallion in that year to Challenge Futurity/Maturity.
Option 2) The money paid to Challenge Futurity/Maturity may be used as a "credit" toward the purchase of either another available breeding for the same year or the purchase of a Challenge Futurity/Maturity breeding from the following year's Challenge Futurity/Maturity Auction

note: If the subsequent breeding is purchased at a price lower than the original fee paid, no refunds or "overage" credits will be issued. Breeding may be carried forward one year only.

Rule 28 - Deceased Foals

Should there be a deceased nominated foal and the situation exists that will permit the transfer of a nomination from one year to another year, the fee for replacing a deceased foal is $15.00. All nomination and sustaining fees are non-refundable.

Rule 29 - Stallion Service Auction

A. Payments for the stallion breeding services are made to Challenge Futurity/Maturity at the time of the close of the October auction or at the time of purchase in the case of breedings sold after the auction by Cash, Money Order, Credit Card, or Bank Draft. If payments are needed, the following schedule is made available:

1) The initial payment is 1/3 of the purchase price and is due when the breeding is purchased.
2) A second payment of 1/3 the purchase price is due no less than 60 days later.
3) The final payment of 1/3 the purchase price is due within 60 days of the second payment or ten days before the breeding is to be used, whichever comes first.
4) The AHFA Treasurer will notify the Stallion Nominator when the donated stallion service breeding has been sold and When the donated stallion service breeding has been paid in full. The mare owner/purchaser's mare will not be bred until the breeding is paid in full. There shall be a $50 payment fee for failure to meet any of the due dates.
5) Payments for any partial payment of the purchase price will not be refunded.

B. All nominated stallion service breeding available for the silent bidding and live auction at the Challenge Futurity/Maturity will be listed on the AHFA web site. All nominations will be listed as quickly as humanly and reasonably possible. If live bidding is available, stallion service bidding identification numbers will be available at the Fair Office and silent bidding sheets for all nominated stallions.
C. All nominated stallion service breeding have a beginning minimum bid of one-half (1/2) of the stallion's current stud fee or a minimum of $500, whichever is greater.
D. If unsold at the time of the October Auction, the nominated stallion service breeding will remain in the pool of available Challenge Futurity/Maturity breedings until March 1st of the following year and be covered by all other rules found herein. Payment is to be made at the time of purchase.

Rule 30 - Transfer Policy of Sold Breeding

A. These breeding are non-refundable to Challenge Futurity/Maturity.
B. A Challenge Futurity/Maturity nomination may be transferred to the following year if a successful breeding did not occur or no foal resulted.
C. Transfers can be carried forward one year only.
D. All stallion service fees paid by purchaser to Challenge Futurity/Maturity will remain in the prize money account for the original year the foal was to be shown. No money will be transferred between years.
E. Transfers may only take place if :

1) the Challenge Futurity/Maturity stallion's breeding contract allows for a re-breeding,
2) if this is in compliance with the re-breeding right, and
3) if a live foal guarantee was stated in the stallion's breeding contract.

F. Foals resulting from these transfer rules must be by the original Challenge Futurity/Maturity stallion nominated; however, there can be a change in the mare, provided the mare is a purebred Arabian mare and proper notification has been provided to the AHFA office.
G. A written request for transfer must be accompanied by a vet statement (when applicable) and must be sent to the Challenge Futurity/Maturity at the AHFA office by either US Postal mail or by electronic mail.

Rule 31 - Silent Auction Format

A. Sealed bids will be accepted beginning Friday at 8 a.m. at the AHFA Show Management Office and must be properly submitted on the Challenge Futurity sealed bid form.
B. Each stallion’s top bid will be posted and updated as frequently as possible.
C. All stallion breedings with bids reaching OVER $1,000.00 by 5:00 p.m. on Friday will advance to the LIVE auction on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in the main arena.
D. The remaining breedings (those not advancing to the Live Auction) will remain open for continued sealed bidding until the end of the period as stated in the Challenge Futurity rules in the AHFA Rulebook.

Rule 32 - Live Auction Format

A. All stallion breedings with bids reaching OVER $1,000.00 by 5:00 p.m. on Friday will be auctioned LIVE on Saturday, at 3:00 p.m. in the main arena.
B. If the stallion is not present to participate in the live auction, the owners may present a short video of no more length that 2 minutes.
C. If a video is to be presented, all video's must be submitted to the AHFA Show Management at the time the stallion nomination form is submitted. If a video is not acceptable, for whatever reason, it is the responsibility of the owner to submit an acceptable video at least three weeks before the Fall Festival. AHFA Show Management will make reasonable effort to contact the owner and notify the owner the video submitted is not acceptable, however, all responsibility rests with the person submitting the stallion nomination form .
D. The required information (see attached Stallion Nomination form) for representative get to be presented must be submitted to AHFA prior to October 1st for acceptance in the live Challenge Futurity auction.
E. Onlyl registered Challenge Futurity bidders may participate in the Live Auction.

Rule 33 - Bidding Procedures
A. Prior to bidding, all bidders MUST read and be willing to comply with the stallion's breeding contract, which will be on display in the Challenge Futurity auction area.
B. There is no charge required to obtain a bidder number. A bidder number MUST be obtained or the bid will not be valid and accepted.
C. Starting bids will be $1,000.00.
D. Bids must be placed in $100.00 dollar increments.
E. All bids are for the stud fee only. Additional fees related to booking, transported semen, and any other items as reflected in the supplied breeding contract, are the responsibility of the mare owner.
F. Arabian Horse Fair Association reserves the right to refuse involvement of any owner or stallion in the Challenge Futurity auction.