Know Your Rules | Eventing Competition Warm-Up Etiquette

The warm-up area is one of the busiest places at any event. With many horses and riders warming up in a restricted area, it is important that everyone understands and follows the correct etiquette.

By respecting the rules and those around you, we can create a safe environment for horses, riders, officials, coaches, support people and volunteers, while ensuring harmony in busy competition areas.

General Competition Etiquette

• Respect all officials, volunteers, coaches, support people and fellow competitors at all times.
• Follow the directions of officials, stewards and Ring Marshals—they are there to keep everyone safe and the event running smoothly.
• Abuse of officials is a reportable offence.
• Each horse is issued with a bridle (draw) number, which must be clearly displayed at all times throughout the event. Bridle numbers may be worn on the halter while leading or the bridle, saddle pad or breastplate when ridden.
• For Cross Country, horses must wear a bridle number and riders must wear their back number. If a horse becomes loose after a fall, the bridle number allows officials to quickly identify the horse.
• Ensure your helmet is correctly tagged and your body protector complies with current standards.
• If you fall from your horse at any time during the event, you must be assessed by the event medic before remounting or leaving the venue.
• Coaches and support people should keep the warm-up arena clear, avoid obstructing riders, entrances, exits or practice fences, and always follow directions from the Ring Marshal, Steward or other event officials.
• Hands-free communication is permitted. One earphone may be worn but is not permitted while competing. Mobile phones must not be held while mounted and are not permitted while competing.
• Always ride in a safe and controlled manner, taking into account the experience of other horses and riders in the warm-up area.
• Be considerate of other horses. If your horse is upsetting others, it may be necessary to leave the warm-up area.
• If you are ever unsure of a rule, don't hesitate to ask an official.

Dressage Warm-Up Etiquette

Safety is paramount and collisions should be avoided at all times.

• Before entering the warm-up arena, ensure the gateway and immediate track are clear.
• Pass left shoulder to left shoulder when riding on the outside track.
• Riders leaving the track (e.g. riding a diagonal) must give way to horses on their left.
• Priority is given to the more progressive movement:
  - Lateral work has priority over all paces.
  - Canter has priority over trot.
  - Trot has priority over walk.

• Walking and halting should not take place on the outside track.
• Avoid blocking the flow of other riders.
• When circling, anticipate your return to the track without interrupting the flow of other riders.
• Mounting, dismounting and tack adjustments should be completed away from the track.

Jumping & Cross Country Warm-Up Etiquette

• Always check in with the Ring Marshal before entering the warm-up arena.
• Inform the Ring Marshal if you are scratching.
• Follow the published starting order.
• Follow the event's maximum riders in the warm-up arena at any one time.
• Only athletes competing in the current competition may use the warm-up arena.
• Always ensure it is safe to approach a practice fence before jumping.
• Replace any rails you knock down.
• Show Jumping: Warm-up fences must not be built more than 10 cm higher than the maximum height for the class, and the spread must never exceed the maximum permitted for that class.
• Cross Country: Riders may only jump the designated practice fences, and these must not exceed the maximum dimensions of the class entered.
• Return warm-up fences to their original height when you have finished.
• The next horse due to compete has priority to use one warm-up fence.
• Do not return to the warm-up arena after completing your round or after elimination.
• Do not dismount and stand in the warm-up arena unless adjusting equipment or tack, and if doing so, move well clear of any jumps.

Safe competition starts with every rider knowing the rules and showing consideration for others.

These reminders are based on the EA National Eventing Rules, including the Dressage Warm-Up Arena Etiquette and Jumping Warm-Up Code of Conduct. Riders should always refer to the current EA Rule Book and event schedule for the complete requirements. Where there is no specific EA rule, FEI rules will apply.

Ride safe. Ride respectfully. Know your rules.