Show Manners

"Seriously, she almost ran me over!"

Going to a horse show is stressful enough without having to deal with riders who seem to not know basic show etiquette. Although I have had mostly positive experiences in the show ring, a fellow barn mate had a rough show class due to a breach in etiquette.

So here are a few quick bits to keep in mind next time you are in a jam-packed show setting (schooling ring or competition ring):

1. Pass on the left: this is one of the first rules I learned riding in a lesson program. My trainer always said "pass like you are going to shake left hands." If this is confusing, think of it just like driving a car (in the USA)- stay on the right.
2. If you are moving more slowly than others in the ring, walk on the inside.
3. Keep a safe distance away from other riders- if you are coming up from behind and get too close, either circle or cut through the center of the ring and pass on the inside. If you are passing close on the inside, alert the rider in front of you that you are coming up behind them.
4. Riders who are jumping have right of way- if you are working on the flat, try to stay out of the way when another rider is practicing a jump course.
5. If multiple riders are jumping, call out where you are going to give everyone else a heads up!
6. Do not stop on the rail.
7. If your horse starts to act up, move out of the way and get reorganized.
8. When entering the ring, let others know you are coming in.
9. Know the rules for your discipline- a lot of these are 'unspoken' courtesies, but some shows will have a set list. Just be aware of what the show expectations look like so you don't inadvertently upset another rider.

Horse tail ribbons: some shows will allow or even encourage riders to make certain designations by using colored ribbon in the horse's tail.

1. Red: Horse kicks
2. Yellow (some riders use Blue as well): The horse is a stallion
3. Green: Horse is green or young
4. White: Horse is for sale
5. Pink: Mare in heat

The second part of show etiquette must be followed by spectators. I have been to a horse show with Ruby where an exuberant show mom was screaming and rattling a cow bell during the class...a COW BELL! Ruby spooked, as did a few of the other horses in this pleasure class. Rude much?

1. Be aware of what you are doing: let's face it- horses can act pretty stupid sometimes. Follow common sense- do not (bring a freakin' cow bell), open an umbrella, swing your jacket around, whatever when standing outside the ring and watching the classes. If you have children there, make sure they know how to behave (I have had kids throw rocks in the ring while I was showing!). Come on people!
2. Watch what you say: another 'we don't admit it but it is true' fact: Horse people love to bash their competition. Grow up, show some sportsmanship, and bitch later. Yes, there are some riders showing who have no business being on the horse, or trainers with bad reputations showing up to shows. Get over it. How would you feel if you were about to get in the ring and you heard someone snicker or say something hurtful? The only person you should be worried about, is you. Plus, you never know who can hear you...one nasty comment can ruin your own reputation.
3. Don't talk to the judge when there is a class in the ring. Wow, I have had Mr. Narcissism come to the judge, flirt with her, and distract her during a hunter class...judge was not paying ANY attention to the rider. The rider fell, got back on her horse, finished the course, and placed FIRST because the judge did not notice her fall! I know Hunter shows are all about politics, but seriously. Get off your high horse (ha ha.)
4. The reason #3 sucks- don't argue with the judge. This is considered a faux pas, whether you agree with the judge or not.
5. Stay seated until the class has finished. Most people ignore this one and move about freely, but keep in mind that you moving about and stomping around the bleachers is super distracting.

**THANK YOU to Erin for helping me out with these lists :)**