Hello friends!
I hope all is well!
Today we’ll be looking at 12 different rules to keep in mind when riding with other people. Oftentimes in a riding lesson you are riding with other horses but sometimes you start out in private lessons. It’s super fun to have a riding buddy! I love both riding by myself in lessons or with a group of people. However, when you start riding in a group or you start showing and have to warm up in a busy warm up arena, there’s certain things you need to be thinking about that aren’t really a problem when you’re on your own. You have to be more aware of you, your horse and your surroundings because it’s not just you using the space.
So, let’s get into it!
1. Stay at least one horse length away from other riders.
This one of course is very important. Notice the “at least” in the sentence above. You should never be less then a horse length away from the rider in front of you, always air on the safe side. You might have to be pretty firm with your horse or pony or circle him away. Just be sure to sit up tall, keep your heels down and breath!
2. Always pass to the inside with plenty of room.
Don’t pass a rider if you don’t need to but if you do, when going the same direction always pass on the inside. Also call “Inside!” to let the rider know you’re there. Never try to squeeze your pony in-between the other horse and the rail. If traveling opposite ways, pass on the right of left shoulder to left shoulder. When passing, leave a lot of room and turn your horse’s head a little bit towards the other pair. The other rider being passed should do the same because this will likely keep the horse’s from kicking each other.
3. Faster gaits, go to the inside.
Usually if you’re on a slower horse or the other riders are at a faster gait, you should be on the rail. If you’re moving faster then someone, just travel to the inside of the arena instead of trying to hog the rail.
4. Call out what you’re going to do.
This one is extremely vital to riding in a group. Whether you’re changing directions, passing, circling, changing gaits or heading towards a jump always call it out! Especially when when jumping, it’s important that other rider’s known where you’re headed. If you start trotting without letting anyone know, the horse behind you might start trotting and surprise their rider. Even if you’re horse is acting up and bucking- call it out! It seems silly and truthfully if your horse is bucking the other riders should be aware of it but you can’t control what other people know and do. Maybe they’re really focused on something when you go to pass them and catch them off guard. It’s always better to be proactive.
5. Ask before entering the arena.
Before you enter the arena with your horse call out “door” or make sure it’s alright to go in. Wait until an “ok” before you lead your horse in. Otherwise you could startle a horse or rider and cause some problems.
6. When first entering the ring, go the same direction as everyone else.
When you first come in and get on, start by walking the same direction the majority of the riders are going. If eventually you want to change directions that’s totally fine (just call it out before you do), it just is more respectful to the riders before you to start out that direction so they don’t have to slow down or change what they’re doing every time someone new comes in.
7. Get out of traffic.
Whether you need to tighten your girth, fix your stirrups, fiddle with your helmet straps or talk to a friend always go to the middle of the arena. And be aware when you do, don’t just suddenly cut off the rail and freak out the horse behind you. Call it out! 😉
8. Young or inexperienced riders get the right of way.
Whether in a lesson or in a warm up arena with younger or inexperienced riders, always give them the right of way. Maybe they accidentally cut you off or they circle too close to your horse. Remember that they’re still learning the basics and don’t get mad. They should be the priority in the ring.
9. Keep your sounds to a minimum.
This doesn’t mean you can’t make any noise, it just means that you should keep your clucks and clicking to your horse to a minimum so it doesn’t confuse other horses. Also, if you have a whip make sure it’s laid firmly against you leg, don’t let it accidentally touch another horse or pony.
10. Crazy horse… help!
If your horse or another horse in the arena starts freaking out or gets loose the best thing for everyone else to do is to stop. Better yet, when it doubt dismount. Stop what your’e doing or dismount and wait until everything is under control. The rider on the horse will of course try to control it and stay out of the way of other riders but it’s always good to be aware and move out of their way just in case.
11. Respect the tail bows.
Especially in a busy warm up ring you might see a few horses with colored tail ribbons. It’s very important to know what they all mean. For intense a red tail bow means “Warning! My horse kicks.” Respect everyones horse and respect your own horse too. If you’re horse has been known to buck or kick, use a red tail bow! They’re helpful to riders who don’t know your horse and keep them and you safe. There’s also lots of other color tail bows… I will post soon about this so that you can recognize what they mean and how to be proactive about it.
12. Overall, just be aware.
Just be aware of your horse, where you are, what’s going on and other horses. Be careful not to get in somebody’s way or cut them off. Riding in an arena with other people is super fun but everyone has to be looking out for their horse, themselves and the other riders.
13. Remember… chill bro!
Last but not least, remember to breath! If you’re nervous about your next class or about controlling your horse it’ll make him more nervous too. Take a deep breath, sit tall, heels down and ride!
Well that’s it for now. I hope that these tips and rules will help the next time you’re warming up or in a group lesson. Even if you’re just riding with a friend, it’s still good to keep these in mind. Let me know if you have any tips on better riding in a group below. 👇
Thank you all for reading! Have a fantastic day and remember, keep riding! <3
Lucy