I grew up riding outside with my friends down trails, across field, everywhere. Then one day I found myself leasing a horse in a local barn, where I now had to ride in an arena with multiple people, and had no idea about arena etiquette. I quickly learned that ring etiquette is very important! Let’s take a look at some of the main riding ring rules at most arenas.
- Be courteous when you ride with others. Everyone is at different riding levels.
- Slower riders should stay to the inside of the arena, while faster pace riders should stay on the outside of the arena.
- Try to ride the same direction around the arena, but if for some reason you have to pass by riders, the rule is left shoulder to left shoulder when passing another rider.
- Mount and dismount your horse out of the way in the center of the arena, not on the rail where everyone is riding.
- Cue your horse quietly and away from other horses. You know exactly how your horse needs to be cued, but another horse could be very responsive and you could end up cuing another rider’s horse, which could cause problems.
- If you need to stop your horse, be sure to move out of the path of riders and into the center of the arena before your stop.
- Be prepared for an emergency. If a rider falls of his/her horse, stop your horse immediately and dismount. If you are closest to the rider that has fallen, see if they are hurt.
Most barns have arena rules posted, before you ride, check with your barn manager on what their specific riding rules are. Follow the rules and have fun riding!
Does your arena have any additional arena riding rule?
