Horse Etiquette for the Rider and Pedestrian

Equestrian Etiquette for the Pedestrian
(or how to behave around horses)

• Before approaching any horse, ask permission of owner or rider.
• Approach horses from the side or front, never the back.
• Never feed horses without permission. Permission does not extend past one time.
• Red ribbons, when tied to horses, means “danger, stay away”.
• Horses are clumsy so watch their feet as well as your own.
• Move quietly and avoid large or quick movements around horses.
• This does not mean you should creep around extra slowly, this also tends to make horse unhappy.
• Hats, feathers, parasols, and billowing clothing may spook horses so be aware.
• No live steel around horses as they can move fast and in unexpected directions.
• Obey all boundary markings.

Equestrian Etiquette for the Rider
Here follow a few conventions to help all of us ride more safely…

• Never, under any circumstance, ride or drive a horse while under the influence of alcohol or any other form of intoxicant.
• Keep in mind that virtually all horses will kick and/or bite, especially in unfamiliar environs or around equally unfamiliar horses.
• Know the area in which you intend to ride, walking it beforehand if at all possible. (It is to be assumed that a proper tourney field has been checked for gross hazards, but it’s a good idea to check anyway. Someone may have dropped a piece of armor, equipment, etc. or there may be holes, seepage, etc.)
• Always check the security and fit of your girth, stirrups, and all other tack and equipment.
• When a marshal calls “HOLD”, come to a halt as quickly as you safely can.
• Always listen to the marshal and ground crew, do what they direct you to do without argument.
• Should you find it necessary to drop a lance or spear, hold it out parallel to your direction of motion and let it go. Always notify the marshal and ground crew, telling them what you have dropped and where.
• Never lower your lance in the presence of other riders or ground crew. It should only be lowered when you are running at a target and must be raised immediately after that target is passed in order to avoid censure by the marshals.
• Should your mount become unmanageable during a game or an activity, decline the pass/course.  Any responsible marshal will appreciate your regard for safety and permit you another chance later, if at all possible.
• Never ride in a public or trafficked area at a gait faster than a walk.
• When riding in a group, wait until the last person is mounted before starting to ride.
• Remember that persons on foot have the right-of-way.
• Don’t ride your horse through encampments.