Why Dangerous Riding is a Rule

No player may ride or use his stick in a manner which creates danger to another pony, player, official or any other person or which places the welfare of his own pony at undue risk. The following are examples of what may be considered to be dangerous play and may lead to the umpires awarding a red or yellow flag in addition to any penalty:

a. Riding off at such an angle as to endanger a player or a pony or unbalance the pony, or in front of or behind the saddle, or when the speed difference between both players could cause danger.
b. Continuing to ride off another player over the back line or through the goal thereby endangering a goal judge.
c. Riding his pony from behind into the forehand or backhand stroke of an opponent.
d. Zigzagging in front of another player in such a way as to cause the latter either to have to check his pace or risk a fall.
e. Pulling across another player, in front or behind, in such a manner as to risk danger to either pony.
f. Riding an opponent across another player on the LOB or in such a way as to endanger an umpire.
g. Riding off an opposing player at the same time as another member of his team (sandwiching).
h. Riding at an opponent in such a manner as to intimidate and cause the opponent to pull out or miss the stroke although no foul or cross actually occurs.

Dangerous riding is a rule to ensure safety for both horse and rider, and to ensure fair play for both teams. Uneven ride offs, ride offs in front or behind the saddle, ride offs at different speeds and angles are the most common. zigzagging in front of the pickup, sandwiching, riding into a players shot or riding in such a manner as to intimidate an opponent, making a legitimate play, are also instances of dangerous riding.