Adults new to riding - advice on etiquette please.

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djlynwood

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There was a thread about riding etiquette and manners some time back. Someone raised a point about adult new riders who had not experienced the whole pony club thing so were basically unaware of the way to do things.

an example such a such as asking is it ok to pass if out on a hack or acknowledging entering the school. Also when I turn horses out I always turn them to face the gate before I take off head collar, not entirley sure why but Ive seen others do this. And if doing up rug straps when reaching under the horse I always face towards the front end so I dont get kicked in the head.

I have always done the above out of common courtesy and I find a lot of it is common sense but does anyone have any other advice or tips on riding or horsey etiquette?
 
Common sense and good manners are universal, so if you stick to these you wont go wrong.

The reason you turn a horse towards you before letting them go when turning out, it to avoid getting a face full of hoof if they charge past you bucking as you try and make an escape to the gate.

This was one of the first ever things a friendly old man taught me when I was new to horses and looking after a friends pony.
 
Agree completely that as long as you stick to basic manners and common sense then you can't go far wrong. I was in the Pony Club and I can assure you we didn't learn any etiquette! My main memories are just of learning how to hide a love bite from your parents with a stock (that and always trying to throw each other in water troughs)
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Even when it comes to how to handle a horse I wouldn't worry to much about what us (slightly older) ex pony clubers learnt. I am in my early thirties but when I was taught it was all about bullying the horse and getting them to submit by force. What you learn nowadays is a million times better. So just keep asking questions of your instructor - ignore anyone who shouts lots at their horse - and always keep all your important bits out of kicking range (hence the turning the horse towards you idea)
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Oh and don't forget to pass left to left in the school otherwise people get upset about that one.
 
Generally it is good manners if, when you see anyone else having trouble (horse taking off bucking round school, rearing, napping or a loose horse with someone trying to catch it) to halt your horse and wait until the situation quietens before resuming your activity.
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If you are having riding lessons at a good riding establishment they should guide you through good practice and horse manangement anyway. Never be afriad to ask, its the only way to learn. If they don't seem very forthcoming and helpful then you should find another riding school that is.
Also if you have some horsey friends, get involved helping them, the horsey world if full of 'know it alls' and I mean that in a light hearted way (feel free to chuckle) so I'm sure you will learn the ropes soon enough
 
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