How to Practice Horse Show Etiquette
Horse show etiquette can vary depending on where you live and the type of equestrian sport in which you are engaging. However, it is important to practice common courtesy both in the barn and in the show ring in order to have a good time. The rules of horse show etiquette may be written or unwritten, but they serve a very important purpose in competition. Read on to learn how to practice horse show etiquette.
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Instructions
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Park your horse trailer at least two car lengths away from other trailers in the lot. This ensures that everyone can get out of their parking spaces when they need to, and avoids conflicts between neighboring horses.
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Walk your horse away from other horses that you don't know. When grazing or leading your horse from the trailer to the barn, give everyone else a wide berth, and ask owners if their horses are social animals if you have a concern. Communication is often the best way to avoid a horse-to-horse conflict.
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Check with the horse show office for your stall number if it hasn't already been provided. It is never a good idea to simply choose a stall, as you might be parking your horse in someone else's assigned area.
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Ask before you use the equipment of other riders and horses, even if they are members of your same equestrian facility. They might need that saddle or bridle or grooming kit for an upcoming class, and you don't want to cost someone else a ribbon.
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Maintain a significant distance from other horses in multi-rider classes. This might mean making a circle in the arena or passing another horse, but it will save you from a collision or a nasty conflict. Finding your own spot on the rail is the safest course of action.
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Provide a wide berth to other horses when passing during a multi-rider class. Generally, a two-horse-length space is sufficient to avoid disaster, but keep an especially far distance between yourself and a horse with his ears pinned back.
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Congratulate other riders on their victories, even if you didn't place in the class. Humility is a virtue in the riding arena, and horse show etiquette requires that you be happy for other winners.
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Avoid riding between other riders and the judge in a multi-horse class. This is called "shielding," and is an underhanded tactic used by overly competitive riders. In many horse shows, riders are banned for this practice, and it is considered very poor taste.
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Wait for the judge to blow the whistle before entering the arena in a dressage horse show. This shows respect for the judge and gives her ample time to prepare before you start your test.
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Salute the judge in a dressage horse show. This simple sign of etiquette is another display of respect, and should be included in your written test. Even if it isn't, however, a salute is customary.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice general good manners if you want to observe horse show etiquette. Ask before you use someone else's equipment and pay attention to your surroundings.
Resources
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