| Just as in other areas of life, when riding (especially | | | | Practice good communication: Always communicate |
| over someone else's farm) manners count! That | | | | your plans with the other riders who are in close |
| being said, it is important to understand just how | | | | proximity. Simple directions such as, "passing on your |
| important farm riding etiquette really is; it is not | | | | left" or "coming up on the outside" inform others |
| simply about being nice and courteous, it is also a | | | | where you are headed and drastically reduce the risk |
| safety issue. When you exercise a bit of caution, you | | | | of accidents. |
| can have an enjoyable experience that will keep | | | | Ride with others in a similar pattern: If it is possible, |
| everyone happy and out of harm's way. | | | | you should always ride in the same pattern, or in the |
| Basic Visitor Etiquette | | | | same areas as other riders. Follow the same |
| Before you head out to ride at someone else's farm, | | | | directions, and inform others if you plan to change |
| you should educate yourself on a few etiquette | | | | direction. |
| basics. Below are some helpful tips to make your visit | | | | Maintain safe following distances: Just as when you |
| a success. | | | | are in your car, you need to maintain safe following |
| Always observe farm rules: Many farms, stables, | | | | distances from other riders. A good rule of thumb is |
| arenas, or other riding facilities will actually post their | | | | to watch for the rear hocks of the horse that is |
| rules for others to review before riding. You should | | | | directly in front of you. If you cannot see them, you |
| always check with the farm before you begin and | | | | are following too closely. Simply slow your horse |
| make sure you understand and adhere to all set | | | | down to allow for more space. |
| guidelines. | | | | Maintain control and cue privately: Always make sure |
| Make sure your horse is properly prepared for the | | | | you have complete control of your horse. If you use |
| ride: Horses should always be fully tacked with proper | | | | verbal or noise signals to work your horse (such as |
| saddles, bits, bridles, etc., and riders should be | | | | clicks, whistles, or specific commands), make sure |
| equipped with helmets, whips, and other riding gear | | | | you do so as quietly as possible. You do not want to |
| before you enter the farm. You do not want to be | | | | cue or startle other nearby horses. |
| asking to borrow items or having to leave and come | | | | Post Ride Etiquette |
| back once you arrive. | | | | Put away any equipment used: If you borrowed any |
| Be mindful of other rider's equipment: If you | | | | tack, if you used jumps, or if you borrowed any |
| absolutely have to borrow an item for your ride, | | | | riding gear, make sure you put it away, and make |
| always ask permission first, and make sure you | | | | sure it is in the same condition it was in when you |
| return all borrowed items promptly following your | | | | received it. |
| ride. Check the item to make sure it is in the same | | | | Always clean up after you and your horse: If you |
| condition in which your received it, and clean it if | | | | have tracked any mud into the barn or stall area, or |
| necessary before returning. | | | | if your horse has left any "deposits", make sure you |
| Announce your entrance and exit: When it is time to | | | | clean up before you leave. No one likes having to |
| leave the stable or barn area, make sure you | | | | clean up after someone else, and making a habit out |
| announce yourself as to not harm or startle others. If | | | | of this is a sure fire way to not get invited back |
| you are opening a door, proclaim "Door!" and then | | | | again. |
| check for others coming from all directions before | | | | Turn off your cell phone: Cell phones should be taken |
| heading out. Always walk your horse out to the riding | | | | on a ride to have in case of an emergency, but they |
| area and make final adjustments at this time. | | | | should not be used to chat while on the ride. There is |
| Mount the horse safely: If the farm has a designated | | | | nothing more annoying, and more dangerous, than |
| mounting area, use it! If it does not, mount your | | | | dealing with a rider that stops mid-ride to answer a |
| horse in a safe location, out of other rider's way, and | | | | call. |
| away from riding paths. | | | | Horseback riding is a great activity that can be |
| Farm Riding Etiquette Basics | | | | wonderful fun when done with others. Taking a bit of |
| Good manners should not stop once you have | | | | time to practice proper etiquette will ensure a safe, |
| gotten yourself and your horse ready for the ride. It | | | | enjoyable ride for everyone involved, and will keep |
| is more important to follow basic farm riding | | | | the riding invitations to other's farms coming! |
| etiquette rules once you have set out on your ride. | | | | |