I received an email last week from someone who read my book, "A Parent's Guide to the Interscholastic Equestrian Association." She indicated in her email that I needed to discuss holding area rules and horse holding etiquette. I thought that sounded like a fantastic idea, so here ya go:
Holding Area Rules
The first rule is that only horse holders, coaches, and riders who are currently mounting and dismounting are allowed in the holding area. This is purely for safety reasons. The holding area is often not very large and if the area gets too crowded someone may get kicked or stepped on.
Riders aren't allowed to mount until they are instructed to do so by the schooling supervisor. For flat classes this is usually when the previous flat class reverses. For fence classes it is usually about three to five trips out.
Sometimes a horse is used in two flat classes back-to-back or twice in one fence class. The show officials are aware when this happens, and always allow the second rider adequate time to mount and prepare for her ride.
Riders are not allowed to school the horse or practice in any way while they are standing in the holding area or waiting outside the show ring. This includes use of the crop. Riders may only use their crop during their two warm up fences and while in the show ring.
If a horse requires a spur, the spurs should be provided with the horse, often attached to the stirrups on the saddle. If you ride a horse with spurs, make sure the take the spurs off and put them back on the saddle when you're done.
Regarding tightening girths and moving saddles up, "no rider, coach or anyone else without the approval of either the schooling supervisor or the show steward may adjust any tack or equipment, except stirrup lengths" (IEA rulebook). In the coaches meetings that I lead as show steward, I establish who has permission to adjust girths and move saddles up from horse providers and note any horses whose girths or saddles should not be adjusted by anyone except the horse provider. For all other tack (bridles, bits, martingales, etc.) only the horse provider should make those adjustments.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the horse holder must maintain control of the horse from the time the rider mounts until she enters the schooling ring or show ring. The rider should never walk freely around the holding area without a horse holder leading the horse.
Horse Holder Etiquette
Speaking of horse holders, this section provides a few tips for horse holder etiquette. The skill and attentiveness of your team's horse holders can determine how efficiently and safely the show runs.
If your team brought horses to the show, your coach will let you know which classes your horses are in. Pay attention to the show and bring your team's horses up to the holding area at least one class before they are needed so the rider has time to mount. This applies to horses that are alternates, too.
The horses should be held at a safe distance from each other in the holding area and the holders should take care not to stand directly behind another horse. At least one horse-length away from other horses on all sides is often considered a safe distance.
Holders should be alert and attentive at all times so they can react if a dangerous situation arises, such as another horse getting too close, or a tent blowing over causing some of the horses to spook.
If your team brought horses to the show, your coach will let you know which classes your horses are in. Pay attention to the show and bring your team's horses up to the holding area at least one class before they are needed so the rider has time to mount. This applies to horses that are alternates, too.
The horses should be held at a safe distance from each other in the holding area and the holders should take care not to stand directly behind another horse. At least one horse-length away from other horses on all sides is often considered a safe distance.
Holders should be alert and attentive at all times so they can react if a dangerous situation arises, such as another horse getting too close, or a tent blowing over causing some of the horses to spook.
The horse holder must maintain control of the horse while the rider is mounting, stay with the horse while waiting for the class to begin, and lead the horse to the in-gate. It's tempting sometimes to wander off once a rider gets mounted, but the rider is not allowed to school the horse before she enters the arena, so the holder must maintain control of the horse.
The horse holder's job isn't done once the horse enters the arena. She must wait by the gate for the rider to exit the ring and take control of the horse so the rider can dismount. If the holder can't pick the horse up after the class because she has to get ready for her class, she should coordinate with a team mate to get that horse. Don't leave the show rider stranded holding the horse!
If you are the show rider that is stranded with a horse, politely tell the schooling supervisor and hold the horse until a holder can be found.
Holders should always stand while holding. It is tempting to sit down during a long day, especially if the horse you're holding is a saint, but it just isn't safe. Also, the stirrups should be run up and the reins should be held so that they aren't touching the ground. If the horse is wearing a martingale, the holder should check frequently to make sure it hasn't slipped up the horse's neck.
If it is chilly outside, you can put a cooler on the horse between classes, as instructed by your coach. If it is downright cold, you may need to put a blanket on between classes to keep his muscles warm.
Horse holders should dress comfortably. Many like to cover up their show clothes with team apparel. The only clothing requirement for horse holders is closed toe shoes for safety purposes.
Horse holders should feel free to talk to the rider about the horse and share their personal advice on how the horse goes; however, the rider and coach should keep in mind that the advice came from well-meaning student and factor that into whether they take it or not.
Holders should offer their horses water periodically. Many IEA shows take place when its very cold outside, but the horses still need to drink. They also should go back to their stalls a couple times per day so they can pee. Make sure you confirm with the schooling supervisor that the horse isn't needed for an upcoming class before taking him back to the stall for a water or pee break.
And lastly, always confirm with the schooling supervisor that the horse is completely done for the day, including any classes in which he may be an alternate, before taking him back to the stall to untack. I always feel bad for a horse who has already been taken back to his stall and untacked who then has to be tacked back up again for one last class because the holder took him back too early.
As an example, the two young ladies in the picture below are doing a great job holding their team's horses. They are alert and attentive to their surroundings, the horses are a safe distance from each other, the holders are standing (not sitting), they are wearing closed toe shoes and comfortable clothing (with team logo--added bonus!), the stirrups are run up on the saddles, and the reins are not touching the ground.
As an example, the two young ladies in the picture below are doing a great job holding their team's horses. They are alert and attentive to their surroundings, the horses are a safe distance from each other, the holders are standing (not sitting), they are wearing closed toe shoes and comfortable clothing (with team logo--added bonus!), the stirrups are run up on the saddles, and the reins are not touching the ground.
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| Anna Kirsten Todd and Sarah Rose Perlich of the Birmingham Interscholastic IEA team holding team horses Rosie and Jessie at last weekend's show. Photo Credit--Amanda Garner |
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