Foals of nominated stallions, such as INDIAN ARTIFACTS, become eligible for the IHF through a series of nomination and eligibility fee payments. Eligible status will enhance the foal's market value, create an attraction to buyers, and through successful competition in Futurity events as yearlings, two year olds, three year olds and four year olds when shown, return a bonus to the foal nominator and substantial winnings to its owners.

The foal MUST be nominated by January 31 of its yearling year.

The Challenge Series

The Challenge Series was designed to promote hunter breeding and to give hunter breeders an opportunity to showcase their young stock. Three divisions were created to increase interest and enthusiasm in breeding and showing quality line horses as future hunters. The divisions are for IHF nominated yearlings, two year olds and three year olds. The Challenge Series classes are held in conjunction with the IHF regionals and International competition. Purse money is distributed through fourth place at each show and is based on the money brought in to the Challenge Series program during the nominations each year. The classes are judged on conformation, quality, substance, soundness, and suitability to become hunters. All ages are asked to walk and jog. Way of moving to be emphasized.

Two Year Old Under Saddle Class

At the International Competition during the Kentucky National in September, the IHF will offer a Two Year Old Under Saddle Class for any two year old which has been nominated to the IHF Three Year Old Program. They will be judged on performance and soundness at the walk, trot, and canter both ways of the ring. They should move freely, be alert and will not be eliminated for slight errors.

Three Year Old Program

The International Hunter Futurity events are open to horses three years of age, which were sired by a nominated stallion and have maintained their eligibility according to IHF Special Conditions. At each location, three classes will be offered; one under saddle, one over fences, and one over fences with 25% conformation.

Under Saddle: Hunters under saddle are to be shown at a walk, trot and canter, both ways of the ring. light contact with horse s mouth is required. Horses should be obedient, alert responsive, and move freely. To be judged on performance, manners, way of moving and soundness. To compete in the under saddle, it is not necessary to compete over fences.

Over Fences: In the over fences class, horses shall demonstrate an even hunting pace. style of jumping, manners and way of moving. All horses must be serviceably sound. To be shown over a course of eight fences, no more than three feet in height. Over Fences, 25% Conformation: In this case, performance (as defined previously) shall count 75%, and conformation. Substance and suitability to become a hunter shall count 25%.

Four Year Old Sweepstakes

The IHF Four Year Old Sweepstakes was designed to showcase Four Year Olds which were previously eligible to compete in the IHF Three Year Old program. The Sweepstakes competition format will be similar to that of the IHF, There will be three classes: one under saddle, one over fences, and one over fences with 25% conformation. The height of the fences will not exceed 3'.

For More Information on how to make your INDIAN ARTIFACTS foal eligible please contact:

International Hunter Futurity
Kathy Gilbertson, Executive Director
Post Office Box 13244
Lexington, KY 40583-3244
Phone:  859.879.3600
Fax:  859.879.3608
Email:  inthf1@Alltel.net
Website:  www.inthf.org