Lesson Terms

When in a lesson there's a common set of instructions and terms used to describe to riders what to do. They include;

Form a Ride - All the riders go into walk in single file around the outside of the arena with a horses length between each. Usually the instructor will set the order of horses and nominate some one to be lead rein (at the front).

Ride Order - The order of horses that the instructor sets at the start of the lesson.

Leading File - Just the rider at the front of the ride.

Rear File - Just the rider at the rear of the ride.

Change the Rein - A preparatory remark to indicate that next there is going to be a command which will change the direction the ride is going in. E.g. change the rein from C to A would mean everyone going down the long centre line of the arena and at A would be going in the opposite direction to that at C.

The Whole Ride - What ever the next instruction is everyone should do it.

Open Order - Working individually and not in ride order. Needs awareness of where everyone else is to avoid collisions. It's easier if everyone stays on the same rein. If you need to pass head to head the rule is 'left shoulder to left shoulder'.

Long Rein - Allowing the horse to stretch his neck by letting the reins out from their normal riding length.

Go Large - Work on the outermost track of the arena. E.g. if you were on a circle at A a 'go large at A' command would mean stopping the circle and rejoining the outer track when you next passed A.

Inner Track - Moving parallel to the outermost track but closer to the centre to allow other riders to pass between you and the edge of the arena. Riders working at a slower paces should be on the inside track.

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