Warm Up Etiquette - Help for a first timer please!!

[chickeninabun]

I am doing my first proper, well riding club, dressage tests on saturday. I was supposed to do some a few weeks ago but there wasn't enough competitors, so it was run as a Ride-a-Test session and the judge gave us pointers etc, afterwards. Anyway....
What is the etiquette for the warm up arenas? I know you walk on the inside track and is it pass left to left?? Any more??

 

[blitznbobs]

Well I was always taught pass left to left and be considerate of other riders but in reality it seems to be might is right and ignore everyone else and ride into others on a regular basis then blame them for getting in your way...

Blitz

 

[amandaco2]

yep pass left to left, do walk work on inner track
just be aware of people and try to give everyone space. dont forget people will be doing circles etc not just on the outer track so just keep looking about so you dont have any 'near misses'
be aware you will meet some people who 'own' the warm up......
and enjoy and good luck!

 

[Sanolly]

* walk on an inside track
* pass left to left
* do not halt on the track
* if two riders are on the same rein, the rider who is in the faster pace (ie one trotting one cantering) has right of way on the track

I tend to put red ribbons on my ponies tails, that way people tend to stay out of your way!

 

[JessandCharlie]

Yes, as above and walk in single file. Having to avoid people walking four abreast is one of my pet peeves
Other than that, have fun!!
Xx

 

[Natch]

If you're going to go up a pace, its sensible to circle away from anyone who is in front who you would shortly overtake.

In general the ones I've been to have been pretty good, only the odd ettiquette faux pas and the warm up areas are generally not too crowded, so don't worry about it unnecessarily.

Arrive in plenty of time, then you're not worrying about warming up quickly etc.

Above all remember its supposed to be fun

 

[chickeninabun]

Thanks everyone, that's really helpful.
Seems it's mostly just common sense, although I am a little worried about trying to get my horse working ok, me riding properly and avoiding any near collisions! Oh, and trying to remember my tests!! I'm sure I'll be fine
Thanks for the good luck! I'll need it!

 

[fuzz]

The only other thing I could add is to remember that lateral work generally has right of way. So if someone is leg yeilding towards you, they have the right of the track.

 

[Flicker]

If at all possible I try to find some lanes or paths to do the walk-based warm up and then just come into the arena for some trot / canter work before the test. This is beneficial because it gets you out of the way of everyone else and gives you and your horse a bit of peace and quiet, especially if the warm up arena is very full.

 

[Halfstep]

If someone is doing something that is more advanced than what you are doing, they have right of way (say if they are doing a shoulder in and you are trotting in a straight line). This trumps left hand to left hand, which is the rule every other time. Walk on the inside track. Don't halt where someone is likely to run into you.