Designated areas for equestrian activities

General

The equestrian marshal-in-charge for the event will designate the areas where equestrian activities are allowed to occur, in coordination with the event steward and event marshal-in-change.
1. Additional limitations should be identified. (e.g. for activities conducted at locations away from the main equestrian area such as security patrols or site rides).
2. Equestrian activities must only occur in an area that has been designated for equestrian.
3. It is the responsibility of each rider to be sure they understand the site limitations for the event they attend.
There must be at least one warranted marshal responsible for monitoring (watch, keep track of, or check periodically) the martial activity occurring in a designated area.

The area should have access and space to support marshals.
The area should be clearly marked or have natural boundaries to exclude non-participants.
Activities with missiles may require a buffer zone between the activity and spectators.
Check that the area can be safely ridden/driven upon.
Check for holes, soft spots, rocks, etc. If possible, these should be marked or cordoned off. If a serious hazard cannot be worked around, move the activity location.
Check that an area for horses and riders to wait while they are waiting for their turn is available. This could be inside or outside the arena.
A 200 x 100 ft (60 x 30 m) arena (or area) will typically accommodate the majority of equestrian activities. Areas may be larger or smaller based on terrain, available good footing, proximity to other activities, or other safety factors.

A solid structure to tie the horses to while tacking up or waiting. (Horse trailers will suffice, if no tie posts are available).
Space for horse trailers. This includes space around each trailer if it is being used to tie horses.
For camping events, space for horses to safely overnight. (e.g. stalls, space for pens/paddocks, tie-lines, etc).
- Pipe panels: 10 x 10 foot (3 x 3 m) minimum per horse
- Electric fence pen: 15 x 15 foot (4.5 x 4.5 m) minimum per horse
- A 5 foot (1.5m) clearance for each aisleway, or around a pen or a cluster of pens (individual pens are often connected together to save space or panels).

Recommended area size: 175 feet x 75 feet (55 m x 23 m). This can usually accommodate 3 or 4 of the following activities depending on layout: Rings, Reeds, Heads, Quintain, Javelin.
For thrown weapons:
1. A safe zone must be established that takes into consideration the weapons being used and the range conditions.
2. The safe zone includes the area behind and to the sides of the targets as well as behind the throwing line.
3. Activities in which the weapon does not leave the rider's hand before contacting the target (aka "ride by and stab the hay bale") do not fall under the definition of "thrown weapon".

Recommended area size: 175 feet x 75 feet (55 m x 23 m).
- Length: Joust lane of 100 feet (30 m) (120 feet (37 m) recommended), with 35+ feet (10.5+ m) of run-out at each end.
- Width: 4 feet (1.2 m) wide lanes (or 5 feet (1.5 m) depending on horse size), with 30 feet (9 m) of buffer area for tip breakage and returning to home.

There must be a clearly defined marked safety zone behind and to the sides of the shooting lane and targets.
It must be of reasonable size to prevent injury to bystanders, and be free of traffic, campsites, list fields, parking areas or other hazards.
The distance behind the targets may be reduced if there is a hill, permanent backstop, archery netting, etc., that will stop stray arrows, or if only arrows with blunts are used.
Recommended:
- General: The safety zone should extend at least 40 yards (36.5 m) beyond each target, measured in the direction from any likely shooting location to the target.
- Straight lanes: The safety zone behind the targets should extend at least 40 yards (36.5 m) beyond the farthest target. The safety zone to the sides should extend at least 100 feet (30 m) at a 45-degree angle from both ends of the shooting lane, and continue straight back from there.
Figure 19.1 shows mounted archery range examples. (A) straight lane with one target (B) straight lane with multiple targets.