The
Centerline
www.azdressage.org
Vol. 18, Issue 10
October 2018
The Rules of the Ring
Arizona Dressage Association
-by Beth Martinec As we head into another show season, it’s important to remind ourselves of the basic rules of the ring so that we can all get the most out of our sport and share in the successes of our cocompetitors. Every rider is trying to do their best, practice their test, and enjoy the experience with their horse, so it’s not worth getting upset over someone’s mistake or lack of experience riding in a show environment. Be polite and ride with an awareness of your surroundings. If you are an experienced competitor or trainer, take some time to share some basic rules with your fellow equestrians and students. Also, take it upon yourself to set an example of good arena etiquette so that others may learn from you and follow your lead. Riders should pass left to left. Everyone who has ridden dressage for any period of time knows this one. It’s an easy one to remember since you’re passing each other just the same way you’d drive a car. If you are tracking right and a horse is coming towards you on the rail, you must move off the track and pass with the oncoming horse on your left. This rule does not apply if you or another rider is circling. When on a circle, stay to the inside of the track and let all riders going straight have the rail. There is no need to thread in and out in order to pass on the left. Maintain adequate spacing and be aware of your speed and tempo. Treat every horse as if it might kick and maintain a safe distance from them. Some horses really don’t appreciate a strange horse crowding their space so this can make them extra nervous on top of already being in a charged up environment. This crowding may also make the rider nervous if they are inexperienced or riding a green horse or one prone to nervousness. If you are an upper level ride, be aware that practicing your medium trot, or canter, or passage can be unnerving for some horses and riders as you go flying around them at a good clip. Practice these movements with tact and at places where you have a clear path in front of you. If you are overtaking slower traffic going in the same direction, always pass to the inside. If you are a lower level rider, pay attention to what the advanced riders are practicing and try to stay out of their way; don’t cross the path of someone doing 3-tempis. The warm-up arena is a work environment. Be prepared to work as you enter it. Don’t wander in and cut someone off already at work. Have all of your equipment adjusted before you enter. If you do need to stop and adjust or talk to your trainer, make sure to do so in a spot that is out Continued on page 3