To help make sure everyone stays safe and fun while horseback riding, there are a few horse riding rules that all riders should follow when they are in the saddle.
These rules apply in your back pasture, in the arena, horse shows, or when you are trail riding. Following these common horse riding rules are a simple way to help keep everyone safe.
Universal Horseback Riding Rules
There are a number of horse riding rules that you should follow in all riding scenarios- whether trail ride, horse show, or breed demo. Here are the top 5 universal horse riding rules:
- Always wear a helmet. A fall from a horse can result in a serious head injury, and a helmet can help to prevent or reduce the severity of such an injury. See the CDC’s factsheet on riding helmets, how to fit them, and how to care for them.
- Leave at least one horse length between you and the horse in front of you. This prevents the other horses from spooking and gives you room to react if anything unexpected happens. It also helps stop horses from trying to kick each other when they get too close together.
- If you are moving slower than the other horses, move to the inside of the riding area. As an example, if you are in an arena, move towards the middle of the arena. This allows more room for the horses that are moving at a faster pace to stretch out.
- If you are going to pass another horse that is going in the opposite direction to you, move to the right. You always want the other horse to be on your left side. This works like the road rules for cars. You know you shouldn’t bump into each other because you are both in the “right lane”.
- If you are overtaking someone moving slower than you, let them know. When you overtake someone, you should overtake on the left-hand side. As you are approaching them, make sure you let them know your intention by calling out ‘on your left’ so that they can prepare properly. This may mean they stop moving entirely if their horse is nervous or just making sure they stay in their ‘lane’ to prevent any collisions.
- If someone’s horse spooks or the rider comes off, stay calm and bring your horse to a halt. If your horse also starts panicking or misbehaving, it will make the situation worse and increase the chances of a serious injury. By giving your horse the halt or “whoa” cue you’ve trained them, and also keeping yourself relaxed you are telling your horse everything is ok.
The above are the top 5 horse riding rules that you should follow in all riding scenarios regardless of where you are riding or what level rider you are. By following these simple rules for when you are in the saddle, you can help prevent any accidents or injuries from happening.
Rules for Horseback Riding in an Arena
When riding in an arena, there are several things to keep in mind in order to maintain a safe environment for both you and the other riders. By following these horse riding rules for riding in an area, you can help ensure a safe and fun environment for everyone involved.
- Announce Gate Openings. Riding in an arena means you are riding in an enclosed space. This means that you can only access the area via gates and doors. When you are opening a door to an arena, make sure you yell “gate” and then wait for a response. When you hear the response, “clear” or “Safe to enter” you know it is safe to open the door.
- Don’t stop on the edge of the arena. Move to the center of the area before coming to a halt. This applies when you first enter the arena and need to mount your horse, but it also applies if you need to stop and make any adjustments to your equipment. This leaves the edge of the area obstacle-free for other riders to utilize the space.
- If rider falls, halt. If a horse spooks or gets loose in the arena, follow the same rule as stated in the universal rules section. Bring your horse to a halt to help prevent any further spooking. However, there is an additional rule for the arena, if it is safe to do so, move to the center of the arena. This means everyone will all be in one spot and reduces the risk of collision with the loose horse.
- Be aware of others. If you are riding in an arena and need to cut across or change direction, always check to see if anyone else is close by. This will make sure that you don’t run into anyone who may be behind, next to, or passing you.
- Announce jumps. If you are practicing jumping in an arena, always announce which jump you are going to attempt. It could be as simple as “hedge jump”. Make sure you announce it at least 10 strides before attempting the jump so other riders know not to cross in front of you.
Riding in the arena requires adding the same rules as the universal horse riding rules, but they also have a few extra rules to follow.
Rules for trail riding
Trail riding is a fun and relaxed form of horse riding, but there are a few specific trail horse riding rules you should follow to keep everyone safe.
- If you need to move a branch out of your way, don’t just let it swing back after you pass. It will probably hit your friend or their horse in the face. Instead, try to lift it straight up in the air and go under it.
- Announce obstacles. Similar to the last rule, don’t just pass under a branch without saying anything, let the rider behind you know it is there. You can call “branch” straight over your shoulder as a heads up.
- Be aware of your surroundings and what is ahead of you on the trail. If there are any obstacles, be sure to go around them if you or your horse don’t feel confident about stepping or jumping over them.
- If there are any obstacles, be sure to go around them if you aren’t confident in you and your horse’s ability to step or jump over them.
- There are many other safety rules specific to riding horses on trails. See our guide to trail ride safety.
Final Thoughts on Horse Riding Rules
Horseback riding is a fun and exhilarating activity that can be enjoyed by kids and adults. However, it is important to follow some basic rules for horseback riding to keep it fun and to avoid injuries. Always wear a helmet when riding. Sure to stay on designated trails and paths. And be aware of your surroundings at all times when you are around horses (this means: no getting distracted by your phone!)
Finally, while not a true in-the-saddle rule, always clean up after yourself and your horse. This includes picking up any manure and disposing of it properly. By following these rules for horse riding, you can enjoy horseback riding while staying safe at the same time.
If you keep these simple rules in mind, your ride should be smooth, fun, and most importantly, safe. As these horse riding rules are universal across the equine industry, no matter where you go, you can show respect and cooperation to everyone around you.