Challenges of the Warm-Up Arena

“Good manners reflect something from inside – an innate sense of consideration for others and respect for self.” – Emily Post

Sometimes while making your way to the warm-up arena at a horse trial, you may be reminded of author and artist Norman Thelwell and his hysterical pony cartoons depicting various horsey stereotypes and absurdities. But as much as we might be amused by the Thelwell books, in real life it’s a different story, especially when it comes to the warm-up arena.

     We all face the challenges of competing and with Eventing, there is no room for error and there are no second chances. A good warm-up is just as important as the actual phase itself, and can set the tone as to the type of weekend you’re going to have. What seems to be missing in the warm-up arena are manners or etiquette, and not just from the riders but from anyone near or around the warm-up.

The old adage certainly applies to the challenges of the warm-up, and it’s not hard to remember. Just treat others the way you would want to be treated. Here is a list of reminders for anyone who is in the warm-up arena or for those who are nearby. Some may be familiar and some may turn that imaginary light bulb on above your head.

                * While in the arena on your horse, do your best to ride left shoulder to left shoulder if you’re traveling in different directions. This isn’t always the case especially if the warm-up is in a field, but it is a general rule of thumb.

                * No lunging in the warm-up arena while there are riders preparing, regardless if your horse is well behaved and under control. Locate a place that is designated for lunging.

* Keep your whip to yourself. Poking, smacking or touching another horse with your whip as it passes you by is a major “no-no”. The whip should lay straight down the side of your horse, and not pointing outward.

                * Keep a safe distance (typically horse length) between you and other riders. Sometimes the warm-up is a tight fit and you don’t have any option but to ride at a close proximity. Be sure to give others a heads-up and let them know you’re approaching by saying, “Coming on your inside”, or “Coming on your outside”.

                * Don’t ride with blinkers on. Keep your eyes up and know where you are going.

                * Spectators and coaches need to stay out of the arena, unless they are setting fences.

                * Be aware of how loud you may be when you kiss, cluck or give other verbal cues to your horse. Very often other horses that are familiar with those cues will also respond and naturally become confused.

* Be polite to the ring stewards. Don’t try to bully your way. If you wear a pink coat, that’s just added responsibility for you to represent yourself professionally. If you’re riding multiple horses and you are having difficulty with your ride times, you need to take that issue up with the people in the office before the show starts.

                * Don’t monopolize the warm-up fences. That also means not to raise the fences to heights that the others aren’t able to jump.

                * Call your fences out while warming up in a loud voice.

                * If you cut someone off, it’s always appreciated if you apologize afterwards. Just avoid making that same mistake twice.

                * If your horse is misbehaving, try your best to stay out of the way of other riders.

                * Know your ride time and be aware of the line-up. Keep your ear cocked and listening for your number to be called.

                * Wear a time piece.

                * Be sure that your number is attached properly to your tack so that it doesn’t fly off.

                * If you’re warming up for Dressage, know which arena you are in and know what your signal is for your arena.

                * Many of us bring Non-Compete horses to the trials. Just remember that the warm-up arena is there for the competitors preparing to enter their class. It’s important not to get in their way.

                * Avoid ‘training’ your horse the day of the competition. It’s too late, you’re at the trials and it’s time to compete.

                * Be prepared and know the rules. It will make life easier.

                * Spectators need to stay out of the way of horses entering and exiting the warm-up. This applies to dogs on leashes, children in strollers and family members wanting to take pictures.