Common Barn Etiquette for the Newcomer
Starting at a new barn, whether you’re working, boarding, or riding can be a pretty daunting thing. Not knowing anyone, not knowing the horses, and being unsure of how the barn operates on a daily basis are among a few factors a newcomer at a barn may face. Luckily, there are a few expectations that are pretty standard throughout all barns.
Be on time.
This cannot be stressed enough. If you are lessoning, confirm with your trainer whether you need to arrive earlier than the lesson start time in order to tack your horse, or if the start time is allotting for the time it will take to tack up. If you are working at a new barn, show up at least a few minutes early prepared to work. Do not expect to be waited on.
Dress appropriately.
Maybe I’m a little old fashioned, but I was raised that appearance in the barn matters. You should be wearing a clean top, preferably with a collar. Your breeches, jeans, or khakis should be clean and lack holes of any kind. The top should be tucked neatly into your pants and secured with a belt. Proper footwear is a must for obvious reasons and should coincide with the discipline you are participating in. Long hair should be neatly secured in a ponytail or bun, and a hairnet should be worn when riding.
Listen.
If you are at the new barn for work and are being trained for the job, LISTEN! The worst thing you can do is waste someone else’s time. There is a very good chance that whoever is training you has been chosen to train you for a reason. Ask questions, observe, take notes, and be as helpful as you possibly can be. Make sure to thank the person that is taking time out of their day to train you. If you are a new boarder, be sure to listen to what the barn manager or trainer tells you. These people are generally very busy and do not typically talk just for the fun of it- they are likely telling you something for a reason.
Be respectful.
Observe the barn rules that may be posted. Some barns will even post their barn rules on their website as well. Being respectful at the barn also includes driving slowly in the driveway or anywhere on the property, no yelling/cursing, cleaning up after yourself and your horse, treating all people and animals with respect, and leaving things the way you found them.
Be aware of arena etiquette.
Follow basic arena rules, such as yielding to lessons, passing on the appropriate side, staying on the inside track if you are just walking, etc. It is never appropriate to talk during someone else’s lesson unless you specifically are asked to chime in. Ask other riders before lunging if they are in the arena with you. Communicate effectively with everyone in the arena, and be sure to announce whenever you are entering or exiting the arena.
While all barns are different, most barns do follow and appreciate these simple rules. Making a good, lasting first impression is important in the horse world and can say a lot about you as a horsemen from the very beginning.