Holds

General

The call of "Hold!" is used to stop the activity because of a safety issue. Safety issues might include (but are not limited to):
- a problem with someone's weapons or protective equipment, such as weapons that break, or fail in any other way that they feel is unsafe;
- an injury;
- someone about to cross a boundary;
- an unexpected hazard on or near the martial activity's field.
The call of "Hold!" can also be used to announce the end of a bout/combat, e.g., when victory conditions have been met.
Anyone can call a hold, including you, your opponent, the marshal or a spectator, if that person believes someone's safety has been or will imminently be at risk due to the martial activity.
When you hear "Hold!", everyone on the field should:
- stop what you are doing, look around to ensure you are not in danger or placing others in danger; and
- either stay in place or move to a safe location as appropriate
- repeat the call of "Hold!"; then
- secure your weapons safely, in a non-threatening position.
- Follow the instructions of the marshals.
The marshal (or the person supervising the field) will announce when the activity can start again.
If a hold was caused by your equipment failing, you must correct this failure before you can return to the activity.

When you hear "Hold!", look quickly to make sure it is safe to stop your horse before doing so. You may have to move to get out of the way of a rider having a problem, or a loose horse.
Move your horse away from the issue to a safe position. (e.g. the edge of the arena, or near other large structures.)
If there is a loose horse:
1. Stop, and then move to a safe location (edge of the arena, near a large structure) as soon as you can safely do so.
2. If safe to do so, dismount and hold your horse.
3. Close any open gates to help contain the loose horse.
4. Do NOT try to stop the horse by standing in front of it, chasing it, or lunging at it.
5. Allow the owner, marshal(s), or other senior equestrians to handle the situation.