Dissertation Questionnaire - Volunteering at equestrian events

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rohaise7

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Hi, I’m currently studying BA (Hons) Equine Business Management at Hartpury College and I am researching the motivations of volunteers at equine events for my final year dissertation.
I would really appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to fill out this questionnaire.
All answers are anonymous and will be kept confidential!

http://goo.gl/forms/tkFFbeynuA

Thank you!
 
Done. Might be worth asking about when people volunteer - some volunteer more when by their horse is injured, others only want to volunteer when they're getting the immediate payback of being able to compete themselves. One question should be a "not applicable" on the basis of the previous answer, so I put 'don't know' :)
 
My bugbear with BE volunteering is its full day or nothing in most places around here. One motivation is the total power trip - radio, whistles, flags and the right to order people about.
 
Done. Think more questions could have been asked. Getting thanks for volunteering is always nice to receive! Not so keen to go back to events where you're not appreciated. Once drove quite a way to help out on hot afternoon at a PC event - wasn't even offered a drink, nor got any thanks! Homemade cake always makes me happy!
 
Done, but I ticked that I go alone, but then I had to say the next question about the people I go with (?). I agree, I have requested to do just a half day BE, that way I can still do my yard one end of the day or the other.
 
case895 said:
My bugbear with BE volunteering is its full day or nothing in most places around here. One motivation is the total power trip - radio, whistles, flags and the right to order people about.
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This type of attitude to people who do give up their time, is one of the reasons it is so difficult to get volunteers!
 
I won't volunteer for BE any more - having done several, the volunteers seem to be treated as automata - given a working day that is longer than would be allowed in employment, without access to facilities and no breaks built into the schedule. Very little in the way of thanks either, and sometimes dealing with rude competitors. I'm surprised the sport can survive given the number of volunteers it relies on.
I volunteer with my local unaffiliated dressage, which is a really nice day out.
 
Done! And you so nearly won the prize of having the first dissertation questionnaire I've ever done on here that I could complete without any problems. I had the same issue as Red-1, but apart from that, good effort! I also agree with the other suggestions above.
 
Done but would have liked to have had the chance to say that event organisers vary with the amount of communication. Some are brilliant. Others are not. Also, ad I don't ride or drink, it so annoys me to be only offered wine or schooling vouchers. Also some events offer great packed lunches/refreshments, others leave a lot to be desired. One roll or sandwich, a piece of fruit crisps and a bottle of water is not good enough when you are fence judging from 08.00 to about 19.00.
 
Red-1 said:
Done, but I ticked that I go alone, but then I had to say the next question about the people I go with (?).
Click to expand...

Me too, didn't think that was v logical!

I'd volunteer at bigger events such as Bramham if they let you camp for free and moved those at crossings that view nothing (middle of the woods) to somewhere better for the next class. As things stand it's nicer and more rewarding doing smaller events and if I have to pay to camp I'm not working too.
 
I put British Eventing/Show Jumping/Dressage, as it is my local equivalent. Equestrian Australia run all the events I volunteer at.

Most of the time we get water, sometimes we get lunch or snacks... More often than not (I am normally a marshall or XC jump judge), we get a clip board, a hi-viz vest, a pen and get told where we need to go and sit (byo chair and suncream). Vouchers/Accommodation provided type extras are unheard of and I really don't mind. It enables me to keep competing, but the way some people treat volunteers is disgusting. Not just competitors but officials too. What would make me really enjoy my experience is a simple "Thank you" and some appreciation. Without volunteers, events cannot run.
 
Just to add.... Our helpers get free camping and coralling if it's a multi day (so they can help one day and ride the next), they get fed, they go into the pot for an end of season helper trophy, they get a free entry into an end of season helper raffle for every time they help, they get reduced price dinner tickets for the end of season awards do and then last year we started a new tradition and invited them all to a free fish and chip supper at a very nice local fish and chip restaurant.
 
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