Equestrian Etiquette

Manners matter! In equestrian sports, etiquette is not just about courtesy; it is a safety issue. Respecting one another and obeying arena and trail rules will help horseback riders to remain safer in their sport.

Observe barn rules.

Many stables actually post a list of rules. All participants must read these, and follow them.

Prepare before entering.

Horses should be fully tacked (with saddles, bridles, etc.) before entering the riding arena. Riders should collect all needed equipment in advance, to prevent the need to exit and reenter for helmets, whips, and more.

Respect others' equipment.

If you must borrow tack, training devices, or other items from others, please seek permission in advance. Be sure to return all property immediately after use. (Just because a lunge whip happens to be left in the arena does not make it yours.)

Enter the arena with caution.

Whether the door is open or shut, you must call out, "Door!" before entering. Wait for a response from those already in the arena, then stop and look both ways. When you have a safe opening, walk your horse into the arena. Turn and close the door. Proceed to the center of the arena before stopping to adjust your girth (or cinch) and stirrups.

Mount safely.

If a mounting station is provided, it is important to use it. Otherwise, riders must mount in the center of the arena, out of others' way, and never on the outside rail.

Minimize surprises.

Riders must communicate their plans with one another. If you plan to pass another horse, in the arena or on the tail, you must call out, "Passing on your right," or "Outside, please!"

Ride in a common direction.

Whenever possible, mounted riders must ride in the same direction, clockwise or counter-clockwise. If you wish to turn around, you must call, "Reverse, please!" All riders will then change directions together.

Allow safe following distances.

Crowding other riders is unsafe and rude. If you cannot see the rear hocks of the horse in front of you, then you are riding too closely. Slow down to allow more space, or circle your horse once before resuming your ride along the rail.

Pass carefully in opposite directions.

Occasionally, an equestrian will want to practice turns, smaller circles, or lead changes in the center area of the arena. In such cases, riders who pass one another will follow the "Left Shoulder to Left Shoulder" rule. (In some countries, the standard is "Right Shoulder to Right Shoulder.")

The same "Left-to-Left" rule generally applies on the trail.

Accommodate slower riders.

It is customary to offer the outer perimeter of the arena to faster riders. Those who are riding in the higher gaits (cantering or loping) will need the additional space.

Cue your own horse privately.

If you signal your horse vocally (including clucks, kisses, or whistles), do so quietly, so you do not cue others as well. Avoid loud whip-cracks, which may startle other horses.

Keep it under control.

All riders must make every effort to keep their horses under control, regardless of their gait. Of course, a horse that is bucking, rearing, or breaking free automatically assumes right-of-way. If a rider is unseated (falls off his horse), all other horses must be stopped until his horse is retrieved and managed.

Be careful with studs.

Exercise extra caution, if you bring a stallion into the arena with other horses. Make his presence known, and allow additional space between him and other horses. Do not crowd any mares, in particular.

Jump only with supervision.

Never jump alone. If you plan to jump, you must have a spotter on the ground or, at least, on another horse.

Ask permission of other riders before setting your jumps. Announce your intentions for each jump as you approach it. Call out to other riders before you fly through the course.

Put jumps away.

Be sure to remove all standards, cups, flowerboxes, poles, and other jumping equipment from the arena when you are finished.

Stop in safe spots.

Never stop on the outer track. Look behind you before stopping, to avoid a collision.

Move out of traffic to make adjustments.

Riders who stop to adjust stirrups, fix clothing or tack, or make other changes, must move to the center of the area (out of traffic) before doing so.

Dismount in designated areas.

Riders must move to the center of the arena before stopping and dismounting.

Lunge out of the way.

If you lunge your horse while others are mounted, you must do so at one end of the arena. Keep your horse under control, and allow enough room outside your lunge circle for others to pass. Generally, an arena will not accommodate more than one lunged horse at a time, if riders are present.

Hand-walk in safe areas.

If you must hand-walk a horse in the arena, apply a chain through his halter for extra control. Stay to the inside of the track and away from other horses. (Some stables do not allow hand-walking in the riding arena, but only in barn aisles or outdoors.) Ideally, those who must hand-walk their horses will select low-traffic times for doing so.

Respect lessons.

Paid lessons and classes generally have right-of-way in the arena. If you must ride during instruction, be generous with space for those who may be learning new skills.

Select safe areas for spectators.

Onlookers must remain outside the arena, either behind the rail or in a designated viewing area. Trainers should stand in the center of the arena, and never on the outer track.

Keep dogs out of horse traffic.

Unleashed dogs do not belong at the stable, unless they live there. No dogs should be present in the arena when it is in use.

Avoid loud music and noises.

Loud music, car horns, skateboards, roller skates, noisy toys, and other startling distractions are dangerous and inappropriate at the stables.

Save the cell phones for later.

Cell phones are a necessary evil. Avoid stopping mid-ride to chat. If you must answer a call while mounted, move to the center of the arena before halting to do so. Keep the conversation brief, or dismount and exit the arena to complete the call.

Clean up after yourself . . . and your horse.

Leave the riding arena at least as clean as you found it. Stow all cones, trot-poles, jumps, and other training equipment. Pick up lunge lines, whips, helmets, jackets and other personal property. Remove manure your horse has left.

Exit the arena carefully.

Observe all traffic first, and call out, "Exiting!" before hand-walking your horse to the door. Riding your horse out of the arena and into the stable aisle is dangerous and unnecessary.

Practice safety plans.

Riders should be aware of emergency procedures, phone numbers, and first aid equipment. Riding alone is generally unsafe. If you must do so, take your cell phone along. Most barns prohibit smoking for obvious reasons.

Horseback riding is excellent exercise and a wonderful way to spend time with friends, as long as safety and courtesy are priorities. By doing so, we can keep each other in the saddle for a long while to come!