03/06/2026
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Let’s Talk About Warm Up Ring Etiquette.
(Yes, that’s me in the photo and I try really hard not to be THAT person in the warm-up)
At horse shows, the warm up ring serves a vital purpose: it’s the space where horses and riders prepare physically and mentally for competition. But with increased activity and sometimes limited space, the warm up ring can easily become crowded and good etiquette matters not just for respect, but for safety.
One trend I’ve observed more and more is riders checking their phones while mounted in the warm up. Or even riding around whilst talking on the phone. I know as trainers our time is limited, we are busy and every moment is a chance to catch up on business but the presence of a phone in hand inevitably draws attention away from the horse beneath you and the riders around you. This isn’t just distracting, it’s a safety concern in a dynamic shared space where anything can happen. Not only are horses an unknown, they can spook, trip, take off etc. but also it’s like driving in traffic and not looking at the road.
To support this, USEF gives show officials broad discretion to address unsafe behavior in exercise and schooling areas including the use of electronic devices (rule JU103.9) While there isn’t a specific line enumerating “no phone use,” the language permits officials to determine when the use of a cell phone or similar device while mounted creates an unsafe situation and to act accordingly. Yet, has anyone ever seen this enforced? On warm up day recently at the horse show, I counted five riders on their phones in the arena, just below half of the riders schooling. It’s largely what prompted me to think about the issue.
Etiquette isn’t about being perfect, and it doesn’t mean never making a mistake. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve accidentally stepped out in front of someone. But for me a big part of etiquette means being present, valuing the safety of others, and recognizing that your behavior affects not only your ride, but the experience of everyone else in the ring.
The warm up should be a space where horses feel confident and riders feel prepared. By minimizing distractions like phone use, staying alert to our surroundings and riding with courtesy, we help make that ideal a reality for everyone.
Let’s raise the standard together not just in the show ring, but in how we prepare for it.
