How to Learn Horse Riding Arena Etiquette
Horseback riding is inherently risky. Even well-trained horses are sometimes unpredictable, so riders have to be intentional about safety and good manners. Here are some etiquette tips for riding your horse in an arena with other riders.
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Instructions
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Check the website for the facility or event to familiarize yourself with their rules. When you arrive at the arena, look around for posters with instructions and follow them to the letter.
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Announce your intentions. Call "gate" when entering and exiting. Let another rider know when you are overtaking them by saying, "Passing on the rail," or Passing on the inside."
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Pass left shoulder to left shoulder when meeting another horse and rider going in the opposite direction.
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Maintain a safe distance between your horse and others. One horse length is a good general rule, or about ten feet.
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Go to the center of the arena to stop your horse and for mounting and dismounting out of the way of other riders.
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Keep your voice low when giving voice cues to your horse. You can cause another rider's horse to respond to your command if you give it loudly.
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Stay off the rail if you are riding slowly so that faster riders can use the full circumference of the arena.
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Be a good citizen. Clean up after your horse and leave gates and other objects in the arena as you found them.
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Tips & Warnings
Normally, in a show class, you should always overtake and pass another rider on the inside, but in an arena when riders may be schooling at different speeds, it's best to let the faster riders have the rail.
Look on the websites of national horse breed associations for their rule book to find their prescribed arena etiquette.
No loose dogs in the arena.
Keep arena gates closed at all times when there are riders inside in case of a run-away. If a horse bolts and the rider falls off, everyone should stop and dismount.
Know where the fire extinguishers, telephones and first aid stations are so you can access them quickly in an emergency.
Wear proper helmets and boots or shoes with a pronounced heel and ensure your tack is in good shape so there is no danger of something breaking.
