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499. Mule Coon Jumping

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May be offered as OPEN or split – Mules 49″ and Under, and Mules Over 49″.

  1. All mules must be handled by one person. No helper allowed.
    1. Mules may be jumped by handler leading or standing by side.
  2. Mules do not have to be broke to ride.
    1. Mules may jump in only one class.
    2. Mules 49″ and under may elect to compete in the Over 49″ class but not both classes at the same show.
  3. Starting height shall be chest height of the smallest animal. Any contestant may pass jump on the starting height only.
    1. Jumps are to be of a breakaway type.
    2. Mule must clear starting height to be eligible for AMA awards.
    3. 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.
  4. Judges’ decision will be final.
    1. Two judges are preferred (one on each side), but one may be used.
  5. Mule has one minute at each height for three tries.
    1. The mule must make a clean jump.
      1. Mules must clear the jump from the hind hocks down.
      2. Mules may rub the jump with chest or belly as long as they do not knock the bar down.
      3. If they clip bar with tip of rear hooves, this is a missed try.
      4. Failure to stop forward motion constitutes a missed try.
    2. If mule misses a try, he must come right back and try again while time is going.
  6. Time will start as soon as mule has walked across back line and his rear feet are inside, and comes to a complete stop!
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
  7. Mule must land in an upright position.
    1. Handler may pull mule over, but may not pull down on mule’s head to assist mule in getting rear feet up higher.
    2. No feeding mules any treats before or after the jump.
    3. No choke rope or chain across the nose or around the neck.
    4. May have rope or chain under chin.
    5. No whipping or mistreatment allowed.
    6. No stimulating drugs will be allowed. See General Rule 4.