When you enter the arena with your horse at home, at the riding school, or at other venues for special events you should understand good arena etiquette. For new or green riders/drivers these simple unspoken rules are often overlooked, but good etiquette in the arena can not only prevent accidents, but are an important part of good horsemanship. Here are some things to keep in mind when sharing an arena space with others:
Communication:
Voicing your actions can be a great start to maintaining a safe and aware arena. By announcing your entry/exit, whether you plan to pass someone, or make use of an obstacle you can give the other pairings plenty of notice preventing collisions and other incidents that may arise. In formal shows and events where the arena is shared for judging this can be a little more difficult, but take the time to evaluate and talk with your fellow competitors during the designated warm up times. Not only can this provide a great opportunity to introduce yourself to everyone but it may help calm nerves, give you an opportunity to evaluate where your horse will perform best in the group, and may even help you identify any horse/rider pairings that might be a potential safety concern to watch out for.
Spacing:
Allowing enough space between you and the other horses in the arena can help prevent a nasty kick, bite, or collision. To avoid crowding others using the arena it is recommended that you leave a minimum of 2 horse lengths between you and the horse in front of you.
Passing:
Knowing how to properly pass in an arena can help avoid a dangerous collision. When traveling in the same direction as the horse you wish to pass it is customary for the faster horse pairing to verbally announce that they will be passing, and how they will be passing. Before passing be sure to check beside and behind you before pulling off the rail to avoid cutting off or colliding with another horse. Be sure to give those you overtake enough space that their tracking is not impeded. If there is not a good opening to pass, consider making a large circle back, or cut across the arena to find a safe opening. If you are passing a horse tracking in the opposite direction it is customary to pass on the right (left-shoulder to left-shoulder).
Yielding:
Be ready to yield to other horses; even if it is technically another horse that should be yielding, or giving you the right of being generous, and allowing others to pass may prevent a collision, or unwanted accident.
Center Of The Arena:
The center of the arena is the best place to halt, adjust tack, or mount/dismount when applicable. The use of this open space prevents overcrowding at the arena entrance and slowing of the traffic on the rail/track.
Be Alert:
When working in an arena with other pairings you must be aware of what is going on around you. Not only must you be aware of your own movements, but the trajectory of other pairings around you. Your ability to read a situation, remain in control of your horse, and have the ability to react quickly in the case of an emergency is your best defence to keeping yourself and others safe.
Keep Control:
It is your responsibility to ensure your horse remains calm and compliant while schooling alongside other horses. If you notice that your horse begins to act up, creates a distraction which is affecting the other horses, or their behaviour escalates to a level that is dangerous it is time to dismount and exit the ring. Remember to verbally alert all those in the arena of the situation giving them notice that things aren’t going to plan, and that they may want to dismount and get to safety if you are unable to safely bring your horse back under control.
Emergencies:
It is important when working in an arena with other horses that you are prepared to deal with an emergency. Be sure to talk with the facility manager, event hosts, and other riders about how to deal with an accident or loose horse. Remember to practice emergency dismounts, and other safety procedures prior to sharing an arena with others.