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When riding in an arena there are several rules to remember.

1. Always try to look around you and be aware of where other riders are in relation to yourself.

2. If it is not possible for all riders to ride in the same direction always pass left shoulder to left shoulder.

3. If you slow down, move onto an inside track to allow faster riders to come past on your outside.

4. Never get to close to another horse. If you are following behind always keep at least one horse length distance between you, remember a horse can kick out the length of his body! The easiest way to judge this is to ensure that when you look between your horses ears you can see the hocks (knee joints on the hind-legs) of the horse in front.

5. If another rider is in trouble, move into the centre and stop. If necessary dismount and hold your horse. Never carry on if a rider is in trouble.

6. Try to avoid talking loudly or making 'noise' signals to your horse, if you need to do so, try to be quiet so as not to disturb other horses and riders. Use of the whip should always be kept to a minimum but, if it is necessary try to avoid loud cracks of the whip, it may set off other horses!

7. Only use jumps if it is safe to do so with the horses around you. It is inconsiderate to begin to jump fences if it upsets other horses working around you. Also it can be unsafe if there are several other horses in the arena who do not wish to jump. If you are riding in the arena alone, it is always advisable to have someone on the ground in case of an accident.

8. When leaving dismount from your horse in the centre of the arena and let other riders know you are about to leave. Do not leave until it is clear and safe to do so. Similarly, only ever enter the arena when you have signaled to riders already inside that you wish to do so and they have given the all-clear. A simple 'door free' and then an 'OK' as a response will suffice.

9. Lastly, leave the arena as you found it, tidy up jumps and pick up any droppings your horse may have deposited!

Learn more about this author, Tracie Anne.
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