Dressage stewarding

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MrsMurs

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Hi there, I have offered my services at a BE event this year and have been put down for Dressage Stewarding. Anyone have any insider tips for a first time volunteer to help things go smoothly, and what might be a good idea to take with me, eg lunch, drinks etc. Obviously I will be given the run down by the organisers on arrival but thought I might ask on here too.
Thanks in advance
 
MrsMurs said:
Hi there, I have offered my services at a BE event this year and have been put down for Dressage Stewarding. Anyone have any insider tips for a first time volunteer to help things go smoothly, and what might be a good idea to take with me, eg lunch, drinks etc. Obviously I will be given the run down by the organisers on arrival but thought I might ask on here too.
Thanks in advance
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You should be catered for so shouldn't be any need to take extra food/drink.
I'd suggest you take a folding chair and layers/waterproofs for most weather eventualities.
There are normally 2-3 stewards depending on how many arenas are running and you will usually be allocated set arenas to steward.
As a steward the most important thing is to get the riders down the centre line on time. Theoretically they should be entering A at their allocated time, which means leaving the warm up before that time!
Familiarise yourself with your competitors so you can shout them in if needed.
You will also get asked 'which arena' a lot. The easiest way is to point and describe the judges car!

Invariably you will get the odd rider playing the 'I've got multiple horses' card. They should plan to their dressage time and adapt the jumping phases. If in doubt speak to one of the other stewards. If you have withdrawals subsequent riders are fine to start early but are allowed to go on their time if they prefer.

If there are late withdrawals it's helpful to get that message to the judge if possible
 
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^^ good advice from IHW
I used to find it helpful to be told when the horse before me was going in, but that will depend on how busy you are really.
Loud positive voice :)
Kind stewards would also remind you if you hadn't dropped your stick before going in/notice if you still had boots on/no gloves etc etc ;)
 
Layers and gloves and a spare pen/pencil, snacks you can nibble on in your pocket are handy too if you can't get to your lunch

I always make sure I catch all the competitors as they arrive to the warm up and say hello or at least nod/wave to acknowledge so I know I've got them, if I manage to speak I can also let them know if we are behind/ahead/on time and I usually let them know I'll wave at them a couple of horses before too if they want. Its ofetn handy if you have young score collectors and make friends as they can always send messages to judges if you aren't too close to the cars yourself. I always try and introduce myself to the judge too and ask if they have any preferences if they want to know withdrawals or re breaks etc

Have fun, I love doing it esp when its sunny :D
 
I've done it several times and a basic awareness of the tack/whip/hat rules, especially if anything has changed this season can be invaluable.

I ran an arena when the having to wear a proper hat rules for the dressage at some levels came in a few years back. It was useful to be able to remind people early to pop back to the lorry and change rather than having them eliminated in the arena.

You also get the odd person who may have forgotten to take off their boots/tail bandage so I normally give them a '55 you're in next, don't forget about those boots' type warning'.

Also, be prepared to hold stuff for people!
 
All good advice, I also take a note of the colour of the horse when I see them first in the warm up, so I can at least narrow it down if I need to find them. They will undoubtedly be in the furthest corner when needed and there will be a bunch of dapple greys/bays/chesnuts all together....:)
 
The other one that helps competitors and judges is to check whether the judge is using a bell or a horn.

The other one is to say hello to the judge in your arena at the start so they can get your attention if anything is wrong.

Take breathable comfortable shoes if due to be dry, last time I went I got grotty welly feet! :P

Always be polite but don't take any ***** from competitors - if in doubt refer them to the Senior steward :)
 
All good advice. Go prepared for any weather, from top to feet. A chair is a good idea for an occasional sit down, if possible. You should certainly be fed and watered, but don't rely on that 100% - that depends on how experienced the organisers are.

There may be a tack steward, but find out what is allowed and what is not allowed re nosebands, saddlery, whips and it is a kindness to remind about boots, tail bandages left on.

To keep large classes to time, you really must be strict about getting competitors off to the arenas before their time!
 
Having done on couple of occasions agree with above. Lots of layers so you can take off/put bk on,gloves you can write in, sunglasses and a hat cos you never know what weather can do. I found most competitors really nice and appreciated a call when horse before went in. Agree with firmness as had issues with untagged hats and some competitors really unhappy when advised of this as said no-one picked up before/didnt have time to get done etc etc, even more important with hat rule changes to be vigilent. We were treated very well by organisers and it was quite enjoyable, sure you will have a great day.
 
Agree with all the other comments, plus, as a dressage writer at my local BE event, I really appreciate the sterling job done by the dressage stewards. As soon as I hand the sheet to my judge for them to write their comments after a test, I look over towards the warm up area (quite a way away), and every time the next competitor is already making their way over to our arena. This is a huge help to the smooth running of the day.
 
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