ETIQUETTE FOR RIDING ARENA & WARMING
UP AT SHOWS
Pass
left shoulder to left shoulder (thus, a horse on the left-rein on the
track has right of way).
A slower
moving horse (walking) keeps to the inside track. When walking or
halting, do so 5m off the track in order to keep the track clear for
faster moving horses ( i.e. cantering horses).
A horse
doing lateral work has right of way (shoulder-in, leg-yield, half-pass).
A horse
doing more advanced work (tempi changes, extended trot, etc.) has right
of way.
If you would like
to
use
the diagonal
or centre-line, please announce it in a clear voice (i.e. “Diagonal
please !”).
Be aware
of stallions, they can be unpredictable and should be treated with
respect.
Be aware
of your fellow riders and ride considerately:
Try not
to stop suddenly and don't deliberately cut across someone else's path.
Don't
obstruct the entrance/exit, or the track.
When
entering the riding arena,, make sure you do not get in the way of
approaching riders. If the entrance or view to the entire arena is
obstructed , announce in a clear voice “Door please”, before entering,
in order to prevent accidents.
Give
riders ample room when passing them so they don't get pushed up against
the railings of the arena, whether passing from behind or in front
.
When passing, make sure your whip
does not inadvertently touch the other horse
Don't
gallop past riders in the arena
or anywhere on the grounds.
If you
have a fractious or young horse, use the riding and lungeing arenas to
settle him but not at the expense of everyone else's safety. Also, if
you see a young or fractious horse, try not to upset them.
Instruction from the side of the arena is allowed, but not at the
expense of distracting other riders or to the detriment of the image of
our sport - instructors and riders are encouraged to use microphones and
earpieces in order to minimise distractions.
Make
sure what tack is allowed in the warm-up ring at shows, as it can lead
to elimination (eg. Running reins
,
whips longer than
120cm, helpers carrying whips).
The
warm-up arena steward's duty is to protect the sport & ensure safe and
fair warm-up experience for all competitors. His decision is final: if
you are reprimanded or warned, obey graciously and learn from your
mistakes.
