RIDING WITH RESPECT

Learn arena etiquette to keep you and your horse safe in any large show class.

- ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY HEIDI NYLAND MELOCCO

From the moment you step into the show arena, you're being judged on your horsemanship and how you handle yourself when riding with others. When you're aware of your surroundings, you'll pick the best place on the rail for your horse to be seen. When you are careful around other horses, you'll keep everyone as safe as possible.

In an Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) show, riders in grades 4 though 12 can show without owning a horse in hunt seat, western, or dressage. For western, you draw a horse to ride and then enter the arena for judging at the rail, then line up and wait for your turn to complete a horsemanship pattern.

For the rail work, it's important to have your own space so your horse can be seen. It's also important not to bunch up so that horses who may not like to be near others don't kick out. When it comes to pattern time, it's easy to relax too much when you're waiting for others—and forget that you're still showing and need to keep your horse well positioned.

Here, trainer and IEA coach Ariel Hug reviews what she teachers her team members to do during each show: to show respect to others and to keep their own horses in a safe and visible spot as they show.

She'll guide you through each portion of the show to help you know how to show off your horse and show your respect.

ENTERING THE RING

When it’s your turn to enter the arena, the announcer will call for your class to line up. That doesn’t mean to group close together to push to get into the pen. Ariel suggests that her riders go to the back of the line, make sure they have space around them, and enter last if riders are packed around the entrance.