Inside vs. Outside

   Have you ever been riding around in a crowded ring and heard someone shout "On your inside!" If you've never heard this before you might startle and look frantically around for what that could possibly mean. All the while you are ridding around and start to drift towards the middle of the ring. Then you hear from behind you "Watch out!! On your inside!!!" The words inside and outside are very helpful terms you need to know if you are ever in the ring with another person. Which, I'm pretty sure you will be. 

   Inside. Meaning the side of the rider closer to the middle of the ring. So, if you were going to pass the horse pictured above the inside would on the left side of your screen. Outside. Meaning the side closest to the wall, rail or perimeter of the ring. Again, to reference the picture above, you would be passing the horse on the right side of your screen.

​   Communicating where you plan on riding is of the utmost importance! Riding 1,200 lb animals could equal a huge disaster if there were to be a collision. So please, always look where you are going and PLEASE communicate that to the other riders in the ring. Also, when passing, make sure you give the other horse plenty of room. Many horses have large personal space bubbles and can either get angry about another horse coming so close or may become afraid and dangerous for their rider, you and your horse.