May be offered as OPEN or split – Mules 49″ and Under, and Mules Over 49″.
- All mules must be handled by one person. No helper allowed.
- Mules may be jumped by handler leading or standing by side.
- Mules do not have to be broke to ride.
- Mules may jump in only one class.
- Mules 49″ and under may elect to compete in the Over 49″ class but not both classes at the same show.
- Starting height shall be chest height of the smallest animal. Any contestant may pass jump on the starting height only.
- Jumps are to be of a breakaway type.
- Mule must clear starting height to be eligible for AMA awards.
- In deciding a tie, the mule that goes over the jump with better form will be placed above a mule that jumps poorly or refuses the jump.
- Judges’ decision will be final.
- Two judges are preferred (one on each side), but one may be used.
- Mule has one minute at each height for three tries.
- The mule must make a clean jump.
- Mules must clear the jump from the hind hocks down.
- Mules may rub the jump with chest or belly as long as they do not knock the bar down.
- If they clip bar with tip of rear hooves, this is a missed try.
- Failure to stop forward motion constitutes a missed try.
- If mule misses a try, he must come right back and try again while time is going.
- The mule must make a clean jump.
- Time will start as soon as mule has walked across back line and his rear feet are inside, and comes to a complete stop!
- The rear line will be 12 feet back from jump for mules over 49 inches tall and 10 feet back for mules 49 inches and under.
- Sidelines will be 10 feet wide, and if a mule steps over the line or hits the side barrier, he is disqualified for one try.
- Mule must land in an upright position.
- Handler may pull mule over, but may not pull down on mule’s head to assist mule in getting rear feet up higher.
- No feeding mules any treats before or after the jump.
- No choke rope or chain across the nose or around the neck.
- May have rope or chain under chin.
- No whipping or mistreatment allowed.
- No stimulating drugs will be allowed. See General Rule 4.