Document: 2025 Proper Reins Etiquette v2.1
Author: Ashley K, FFF Stable Mistress
Date: 2025-07-01
A pony should obey the following rules of etiquette when on reins or a lead.
1. Standing
When the trainer is standing still holding the reins, the pony should stand slightly to the left or right behind the trainer. The pony should wait quietly and patiently without moving until the trainer moves again.
2. Moving
When the trainer is moving, the pony should attempt to stay behind the trainer and remain close without bumping the trainer. The pony should remain attentive and try to keep pace with the trainer, rather than being passively pulled along by the lead.
3. Sitting
If the trainer sits, the pony should move next to the trainer and kneel, then wait patiently.
4. Back to Position
When the trainer stands up, the pony should also stand and resume their default position behind the trainer.
5. Follow Command
When the pony is not on reins, a trainer can use the “Follow” command. The pony should then follow the trainer exactly as if they have been leashed, and observe all leash etiquette rules.
6. Stay Command
If the trainer uses 2 whip cracks or the verbal command “Wait” or “Stay”, the pony should stop and stay exactly where they are. The trainer can use 1 whip crack or the verbal command “Come” to have the pony resume following the trainer.
7. Present Command
If the trainer uses the verbal command “Present”, the pony should move in front of the trainer and stand face to face, chin up and shoulders back. This command might be used before inspecting the pony’s tack or for giving a treat or administering punishment.
8. Heel Command
The trainer can use the command “Heel” when the pony is not in their default position behind the trainer. When hearing this command, the pony should move back to their normal position behind and slightly to the left or right of the trainer.
9. Release Command
If the pony is observing a Follow or Stay command, the trainer can give the command “Release” to tell the pony that they are no longer leashed and therefore free to act as they wish. If the pony is also released if they are unleashed without a command from the trainer. If the trainer logs out or teleports away and doesn’t quickly return, or if the pony is offline for a while, the pony may presume that they are released.
10. Leashed to Object
If the pony is leashed to a post or other object while the trainer stays nearby (eg. to attend to another pony or talk with someone else), the pony should stand or kneel close to the pole and await the trainer’s return. If the trainer walks away, the pony may move around freely in the area around the post.
11. Greeting
If approached while on reins, the pony should greet with a bow or curtsy when the trainer greets that person, or if the trainer grants permission to greet. Otherwise, the pony’s attention should remain focused on the trainer. If the pony is leashed to an object or obeying a “stay” command, the pony may greet when approached.
12. Courses
If the trainer approaches the starting line of a course and stands next to it, the pony should move into position and prepare to run the course. The pony should then stomp when ready to run. The trainer may use 1 whip crack or the verbal command “Go” to have the pony run the course.
13. Guided Course Walk
While standing at a course, the trainer begins to walk along the course with the leash, the pony should attempt to navigate the course, matching the trainer’s pace as closely as possible. The trainer and pony should focus on moving gracefully together, rather than speed.
14. Leaving a Course
When a pony is doing an activity while on reins (such as whip circle), the trainer may at any time use 5 whip cracks, or the verbal command “Come”, or simply walk away while holding the reins. The pony should immediately stop the activity and resume following the trainer as normal.
Extra:
15. Carting
When pulling a cart, the trainer can snap the reins to signal that the pony should start to walk, or to go faster when already moving. The trainer can also pull to the left or right on the reins to signal a turn. Pulling back on the reins means the pony should slow down, or stop if already moving slowly. A sharp pull back on the reins or verbal command “Whoa” indicates the pony should stop, regardless of speed. Pulling back again when stopped tells the pony to back up. Whip commands may also be used.