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Manners matter, especially on horseback!

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

Following is a basic guide to good barn behavior.

OBSERVE ARENA RULES:

Many stables actually post a list of rules. Read these, and follow them.

PREPARATION:

Horses should be fully tacked 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.

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.)

ENTERING THE ARENA:

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.

MOUNTING:

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. The objective is to do this out of traffic, so as not to be in others' way.

NO SURPRISES:

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

RIDING IN ONE 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!" or "Do you mind it we change directions?" All riders will then reverse 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.

PASSING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS:

Occasionally, an equestrian will want to practice turns, smaller circles, or flying 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.")

SLOWER RIDERS:

It is customary to offer the

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