The Ultimate Guide to Barn Etiquette: Keep Your Facility Running Smoothly
Updated: Jan 30
Without clear guidelines, even the most well-meaning clients can unintentionally create frustration, clutter, and even safety concerns at your facility. Re-establishing barn etiquette ensures your barn remains a safe, respectful, and welcoming space for everyone—humans and horses alike.
January, being the start of a new year, is a great time of year to re-establish barn etiquette in your facility and program. If this is an area that really frustrates you, consider documenting some of it in the form of a policy and procedure document that your clients can read, understand, and sign and post them alongside your facility rules.

Considerations for Barn Etiquette Policies
Grooming Area Etiquette
Halters hung on hooks when not in use
Grooming supplies kept in their bucket when not in use and tucked to the side
Tack off the ground
Clean up manure left by your horse
Sweep the grooming area after use
Put all supplies away on the proper storage spots at the end of your session
Arena Etiquette
Pick up after your horse in the arena
Ensure all gates are closed and locked when you leave
Turn lights off at the end of your session
If riding with other riders, keep a safe distance from other horses at all times (I teach my students that they need 1 horse length of space per gait, so walk would be 1 horse length, trot would be 2 horse lengths, etc.)
When going opposite directions, pass safely, left shoulder to left shoulder (Just like driving in the US - I’ve always wondered, is this universal across the world? If you live somewhere where driving is flipped, does this expectation change to? Let me know.)
Going a gait faster than others? Stick to the inside of the arena. Going slower? Stick to the rail.
Tack and Feed Room Etiquette
Do not use items that do not belong to you
Keep all cans, drawers, and cabinets closed when not in use
Do not leave grain out unattended
Put all tack, grooming, and other gear back where you found it (if you run a lesson program, I have found name plates, name tags, and color-coding lesson horses' belongings helps facilitate this for students who are not out at the barn several days a week)
I’m sure I’m missing a few. What are your favorite barn etiquette rules or expectations? Some you wish you had? Any unique ones to your situation? Share in the comments.
Refreshing barn etiquette sets the tone for a safe, organized, and enjoyable facility. Start with a written policy, communicate expectations clearly, and lead by example.
Hugs and Happy Riding,
Kristin
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