Riding in the Open. Prepared by Shore Riders Pony Club, USPC Delmarva Region, Name: Teacher Copy. Before you go

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1 Riding in the Open (USPC D Manual, 2 nd Ed., p ) Prepared by Shore Riders Pony Club, USPC Delmarva Region, 2010 Name: Teacher Copy Date: Before you go Your mount will stop on You will get hurt command Find an experienced rider with quiet horse Be calm when nervous When in Rome, do as the Romans do This sets a good example for your horse. Horses are copy-cats. Your stress will make your horse stress. You are the master, ride like one.

2 At All Times While Mounted (USPC D Manual p79-84, p , p ) Keep your distance (one horse length between) Crowding is rude and may upset other horses Don t hang back too far. Stay with the group. Don t leave another rider behind by himself!!! Ask before pass Your mount may decide to catch up and go too fast Passing may spook other horses, ask the other rider first Ask before fast. Ask the other riders before cantering or trotting. Tell the dangers Point out problems to others hole, broken glass, wire, etc Hand signal to stop Raise your hand over head to tell others to stop. Cantering may make other horses want to canter. Some riders may not want or can t canter. Because it s the right thing to do. To prevent crowding and have other horse running into each other.

3 Ask Permission Riding on Private Land (USPC D Manual p79-84, p , p ) Stay off lawns, gardens, picnic areas, places where the owners would not want hoof prints or manure. Pick up poop If your horse poops near the house or area where the owners live/play ask to borrow a shovel and pick it up. Stay on the edge of crop fields Leave gates the way you found them. If it was latched, make sure you latch it! If you are not sure if the gate should be closed close it and tell the owner. You are breaking the law if you go on someone s property without permission Treat others the way you want to be treated. You want to come back, don t you? Damaging crops and landscaping is against the law. You have permission to be ON the land, not to DAMAGE it. Leaving a gate open could cause harm to the owners animals or property

4 Leave livestock alone Again, you want to come back, right? Don t jump any jumps without special permission Don t litter Cuz the D manual says so. Duh! Don t hurt the environment; break branches, go in sensitive areas, tear up soil, etc. Because it is the right thing to do. It is a beautiful world, let s keep it that way. Be friendly when you meet others (It could be a friend or guest of the landowner) Thank the landowners!!! Again, it is the right thing to do. You re representing all horse riders, don t give anyone a reason to think badly of us. Do you want to come back??? This is VERY IMPORTANT

5 Riding on Public Roads (USPC D Manual p79-84, p , p ) Avoid busy streets Some horses are frightened by traffic. Not all drivers are safe drivers. Stay well off the pavement Better footing on the shoulder Keep to the walk Going faster is hard on your mounts legs and he might slip. Single file It is the safest way. All stay on the same side So passing traffic can get to the other side of the road. Pass a warning when you see a car So all riders are prepared

6 See Below Everyone crosses at the same time! Because it is the safest and fastest way to cross Crossing a public road: 1. Line up single file 2. 1 st and last riders are the crossing guards 3. 1 st and last riders check for traffic in both directions. 4. They give signal when it is safe for cross. 5. ALL RIDERS cross at the same time in single file. 6. See example below. USPC Rating Requirements: D1 Know basic rules of safe riding in a group, in an enclosed area. D2 - Talk with grandparents, parents, instructors and/or older friends/ neighbors about where they rode when they were young and how it is different from today. AND Know the basic rules for riding on public roads in your state. D3 - Name three important rules when riding across privately-owned land. AND Write thank-you notes to two landowners who support your club and tell them why you appreciate being able to use their land. If you ride on public land, write a thank-you note to the manager or contact person. AND Know rules for riding safely on public roads in your state. AND Know procedure for mounted group crossing a public roadway. C1 - Name three different uses of land on which you, or others, ride. Examples: Farmland, fair grounds, crops, etc. AND If your region conducts an Eventing Rally, determine who owns the land where the rally is held and the total amount of acres owned. AND Identify one place in your area previously used for equestrian activities that is no longer available. AND Discuss safety precautions for riding on a trail including additional precautions during hunting season. C2 - Name the zoning requirements for the county in which you keep your horse. Example: A minimum of 10 acres is required to keep one horse. AND Know what public land is available for riding in your county. Prepared by Shore Riders Pony Club, Delmarva Region, 2010,