Volunteering at BE Events -what to expect?

[Ludi-doodi]

I've volunteered to help out at Allerton Horse Trials next weekend and have been given the task of dressage steward on Saturday afternoon. As I'll be a stewarding virgin

what will I be expected to do and any tips for it all going smoothly. Anything I should keep on my person that someone always needs (plaiting bands, studs etc)?

They haven't risked me on the intermediate crowd on Sunday I'm doing the dressage judges tea/coffee!!

 

[13798]

Thank you for offering to help. Sorry if I am stating the obvious! Arrive a bit early to get organised, water proof & warm clothing and a plastic see through folder to keep your lists dry. I would also take a couple of pens. and a rule bok if you have on because someone might have forgotten the test.
You will be expected to tell competitiors how many more horses are before them, so tick the numbers off as they apear & then as they go into the arena. Riders will want to know which arena they are in and if it is running to time. Any changes try & let the judge know e.g. some one not turning up.

 

[NoCollection]

You might want to read up on the rules about whips/boots/bandages/tack etc, as you will be the last person to remind riders and prevent them being eliminated. Do wear a watch - in fact I found it helpful to have a big clock where riders can see it (car dashboard), so they don't keep asking how long until me.

There is normally an overall dressage steward - they should brief you but if they don't, then ask about things like whether you can allow people to go out of order, when the coffee breaks are and the location of the loos.

The dressage is probably the most relaxed bit of the competition to steward. Have a good day!

 

[lucretia]

when i judge i always to talk to the steward of the section as well as the main steward and do a watch synchronsation, then your watches are the only ones that count! most judges dont care who comes in or in what order (they all wear big enough numbers) but what they really hate is waiting around for the next person. chances are they have fourty odd horses to get thru and the wrath of all if they run significantly late!
i do steward as well sometimes and usually find that if something happens to delay a competitor, as long as the others know someone will usually be happy to slot in so you can keep them coming and the section on time.

 

[hotellie]

i am fence judging at allerton on saturday! good luck with your stewarding.

 

[teapot]

One thing I noticed that at Firle was that each section steward had a number bib on with a piece of paper each side saying what letter section they were stewarding for - made it so much easier to find the right person whilst rider I was with was warming up!

 

[k1963]

A long , tiring but worthwhile day !

Well done for volunteering - try to remain polite but firm with the odd , difficult customer

 

[kick_On]

Be polite and firm with clients give them an air of knowing whats happening (even if in side you haven't got a clue

). Most rider will say hi, which arena and next question how many to go before me.............

And what really useful is shout at next number and once got there attendion say 'Your after number blah blah blah' Let clients come to you............. and have big smile and it will help you through day

 

[k1963]

I do that !
When I'm fence judging and a rider remarks that the fence I'm judging ' Looks a bit strong at this level' , I smile & say ' It jumped really well yesterday ' , despite the fact I wasn't there yesterday