Volunteering at Events

[Carlosmum]

So tomorrow is my last event of the season. Not as a competitor but a volunteer. I've done 6 or 7 days this year, would have done more except for lambing in April and a holiday in June. Just posting to encourage anyone who has thought about it but is not sure it is for them.
My reasons are 2 fold.
I have spent many years competing ( low level) and I am always grateful to those who organise and run these things. It is my way of putting something back into the system, so I can go and enjoy myself with pony occasionally feeling I have done a bit. This year, with a young pony and a poorly leg I have not been out, BUT I get my horsey fix watching others throw them selves over things I would never jump!

Just one last thing to say to those of you doing the competing, please do thank your jump judges/stewards and officials as you walk the course etc. You have no idea how much those 2 little words are appreciated.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

Me and a friend go fence judging sometimes and we have a great day sat in the car having a good catch up, some snacks, watching the riders and of course FJ'ing. I do the stop watch and radio and she does the writing.

 

[Britestar]

Much appreciate all volunteers.

As someone who regularly organises shows I love a willing volunteer, and always make sure I thank them and feed them well!

 

[doodle]

Not eventing but I wrote for BD. I compete too and it has helped my riding. I can't watch everything obviously but the judges are always so nice and helpful. I now have more of an understanding as to the comments.

Bad bit is the chocolate and biscuits always in front of us provided so would be rude not to eat them...

 

[horsimous]

I was show jumping manager/judge for a day, had my own caravan, bell and ring staff and it was great fun. I’ve also been on XC jump scoring and dressage writer. It was quite amusing what the judge came out with sometimes

 

[Bonnie Allie]

Ive been a dressage writer for over 20yrs, started when I was pregnant simply to keep connected and continued. Was an amazing reason to leave small children with husband once they were born and head off for a day of horsy joy without kids.

Then as the kids got older, there was pony club so lots of volunteering mostly in SJ and XC.

Really enjoy it even with some of the clowns who think they are competing for sheep stations not a 40c piece of satin or felt.

However, over the years the thank you have only ever come from amateur riders. Professionals and those that do for horses for a living are sooooooo entitled when it comes to volunteers. They are rude, arrogant and treat you as their staff. What they have failed to recognise is that in order to prosper they need to sell their products and services to us. If we think you are an idiot you won’t be getting our money or patronage in any way shape or form.

 

[Gloi]

I do dressage writing and stewarding when needed and occasionally get collared for pony club. I think it's good to show willing as I don't really compete much these days.

 

[Bernster]

It’s a great thing to do. Well done to everyone that does this.

I did it a few years back and would like to again but struggling to find the time to ride enough let alone volunteer. I’d like to spend some of my retirement years (assuming I get there in good health!) doing more of this.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

I steward at a few showing shows each year. I love it! I am also a panel judge for Shetlands but as I say - stewarding is way more fun as you get all of the craic and none of the flack!

In showing I find 95% of people are polite and say thank you - pro and amateur alike. The rude ones are usually the parents of kids who haven't done well and despite it being obvious why they didn't do well its always everyone else's fault or they berate the child. Ive stepped in a couple of times between parents and kids until the dust settles a fraction.

I volunteered at a driving trials a few years ago. Did day 1 for dressage, day 2 for marathon obstacles. I didn't go back for day 3. I have never been so, so, so bored and underused in my entire life.

 

[southerncomfort]

Now I'm a member of a RC I'll have to volunteer at some point.

Must admit that the thought makes me feel ill, as in...I worry about making a wring decision and ruining everyone's day! I've never competed or stewarded at anything other than showing, so I honestly won't have a clue what I'm doing.

I suppose I could ask to buddy up with someone else.

 

[cauda equina]

Now I'm a member of a RC I'll have to volunteer at some point.

Must admit that the thought makes me feel ill, as in...I worry about making a wring decision and ruining everyone's day! I've never competed or stewarded at anything other than showing, so I honestly won't have a clue what I'm doing.

I suppose I could ask to buddy up with someone else.

Certainly you could!
Some events insist on 2 fence judges per xc fence so that would be a good place to start
And it would be hard to mess up stewarding in a serious way

 

[Lucky Snowball]

I fence judged BE to give back but was left feeling used. Told to arrive 8am but no instructions until gone 9. Didn’t leave until 6 and only given a sandwich and crisps and bottle of water all day. No coffee. Very poor.

 

[OlderNotWiser]

I’m BE jump judging today and we’ve just been discussing the fact that we see the same faces every year with no younger volunteers coming through. It’s a long day but I find it very rewarding.

 

[JackFrost]

I fence judged BE to give back but was left feeling used. Told to arrive 8am but no instructions until gone 9. Didn’t leave until 6 and only given a sandwich and crisps and bottle of water all day. No coffee. Very poor.

I had a similar experience, but I had to pay for my lunch and cup of tea. The next time I was asked, I was 'not available'.
A few competitors are polite and pleasant, but there are a lot with expensive lorries and gear who seem to take it all for granted.

 

[little_critter]

Now I'm a member of a RC I'll have to volunteer at some point.

Must admit that the thought makes me feel ill, as in...I worry about making a wring decision and ruining everyone's day! I've never competed or stewarded at anything other than showing, so I honestly won't have a clue what I'm doing.

I suppose I could ask to buddy up with someone else.

I’ve not volunteered in a while and I wouldn’t feel comfortable fence judging, but would be ok dressage writing, collecting score sheets, picking up showjumps, stewarding a collecting ring, adding up dressage scores.
Many years ago I did have some issues convincing a competitor that they REALLY could not go xc because we had been calling them for the last 15 minutes and when they failed to appear we had to move on to the next class. They would not accept that they couldn’t jump the fences that people were currently adjusting the height of.
My most boring times were running the clear round SJ. We had some days when practically no one would show up. I remember once hand raking the school just for something to do. I was pretty relaxed, if we were deathly quiet and someone showed up asking to pay for a couple of rounds but use it as a schooling session then I’d let them go for it, its not holding anyone else up.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

I fence judged BE to give back but was left feeling used. Told to arrive 8am but no instructions until gone 9. Didn’t leave until 6 and only given a sandwich and crisps and bottle of water all day. No coffee. Very poor.

This was like my 2 days at the driving trials. Day 1 didn't even get so much as a bottle of water. Told to be there for 8am. Nothing kicked off til 9.30am, they had too many volunteers so told half of them to go home. I ended up teaming up with an old guy making sure the carriage wheels fitted between 2 cones - which wasn't even necessary for that level of competition

Day 2 we were to be there by 7.30am. We were told lunch was provided but this never materialised. We had to be on course by 8.30am. Couldn't move from our obstacle, they ended up having to tractor up a portable toilet to the top of the hill to cover the teams of people at 4 or 5 obstacles as they had forgotten. So we were at our obstacle by 8.20am. The first horse didn't come through til nearly midday.

Never again.

Showing I have always been given unlimited water/juice/offered tea & coffee, had lunch/breakfast/snacks provided. And when judging I get sent home with a wee goody bag too.

 

[meggymoo]

I haven't volunteered since Covid struck and I know a lot of things changed with that. I loved doing it and would be fence judging most weekends through the season. Both riders attitudes and venues differed hugely. Some riders were ultra polite thanking us for our time, others looked at us as though we were a piece of dirt. Most TA's we came across were great but there were one or two who were full of their own importance and seemed to have little concept of what it was like (though surely they must have done it themselves at some point.). One example was when our fence was tucked away out of sight. We had no idea when a horse had jumped the previous fence and was on its way to us. Bear in mind that with several whistles being blown, you had no idea if one applied to a horse coming in your direction. Usually we would hear on the radio what was happening at the previous fence but in her infinite wisdom, this TA said it wasn't necessary for the fence before us to report as they could see from the commentary box. No use at all to us and wouldn't change her mind when we pointed it out.
Some venues were absolutely rubbish at looking after volunteers and we gradually cut those out, one was notorious for running over and we were once on course for over 10 hours. With over an hour's drive there and back that was a step too far for me. The best by a long way was, without doubt Eland Lodge. They were our first event and like the op we were very nervous of doing things wrong. We needn't have worried, they were so lovely, putting us at ease. The briefing covered everything we needed to know, they checked in on us to make sure we were ok, several times through the day and the hospitality was great - pre-briefing breakfast and coffee/tea, packed lunch (ham/cheese rolls, crisps, kitkat and apple) to take out on course with flask for tea/coffee and as many bottle of water as we wanted and a meal cooked by Ronnie at the end of the day. Oh and a voucher for £10 each for their shop, which we always saved up till the end of the season. Broadway was another great favourite. Their mid-afternoon cake and wine run was a highlight .
Its a great way to get up close and personal to a sport that we would never have a cat in hells chance of competing in and very rewarding.

 

[Carlosmum]

I steward at a few showing shows each year. I love it! I am also a panel judge for Shetlands but as I say - stewarding is way more fun as you get all of the craic and none of the flack!

I was a WHP steward at the NPS. One irate Mum took her frustration out on me when the judge wouldn't hold the class for her precious darling who was in another ring. All the other stewards ( including the chief) were most concerned about me, but I just shrugged it off as I didn't take it personally. But i agree all the fun and non of the hassle ( normally)!

 

[humblepie]

I’ve done odd bits. Most fun was secretary’s tent at BE. On the basis I couldn’t recognise famous people just asked everyone their name. Best food judging working hunter at local show. Most boring riding club show jumping as too many helpers. Most educational writing for dressage and showing stewarding. How to give dressage scores for movements judge missed . Was secretary of a big show for a few years which was hard work but meetings in the pub good fun.

 

[sollimum]

I have done lots of volunteering at endurance rides. Most fun is to spend the day vet writing as you get to see lots of trot ups - really good for getting your eye in and cp stewarding as all the riders call out their numbers as they pass and if you have water/sloshes they will have a quick chat about how their ride is going. Food has always been provided and I would be so upset if I volunteered somewhere and I was not catered for. When I do get to ride it means that I know lots of the volunteers at the venue and en route, which makes the day very social.

Edited to add that whenever I am at a local fun ride etc I always try and thank as many check point/ gate stewards for giving up their day. Even if I just shout over my shoulder or wave. I see the same faces each year and without being rude they are getting older so I am not sure what will happen in the future if people don't have the time to volunteer.

 

[Orangehorse]

I volunteered as a show ring steward earlier this year and as I sauntered over it struck me that I had never done a showing ring before. I have done dressage writing (essential for an competitor I think, so interesting even when the judge wants to write an essay for everyone) and I prided myself on running the show jumping to time at a local one day event for a few years. I have done cross country fence judging but not for a long time and only up to riding club or Pony Club level. I have taken part in most types of competition over the years, so I have been on the receiving end of judges and stewards in the past!

Anyway, I had a slight panic and admitted to the judge that I hadn't been steward in the show ring before and she was absolutely lovely and she was also lovely to the competitors, and ended up nearly running a masterclass as it was obvious to some that they hadn't been in a showing class before. However, the champion and reserve champion were the worthy winners. We had a packed lunch before starting, but it was a long old day and there was no tea in the afternoon or anything at the ringside.

I remember with affection one riding club where we had a packed lunch that included a small bottle of sherry. Appreciated.

 

[Birker2020]

I've done loads of volunteering, mainly dressage writing or fence judging at my local RC and you didn't get looked after very well. The event often ran over so half a day ran into a whole day.
The food bags contained not a lot and you were lucky if you got a voucher for money off events/arena hire, if you did you had to work there all day long
No one came and asked you if you were okay and no one thanked you afterwards.

Then I went to Aston Le Walls and have fence judged with my friend, and thoroughly enjoyed it. They really look after you, make you feel very welcome and like you are doing them a great favour (which you are really) and the coffee and bacon butties and sandwiches are amazing. They don't get stroppy with you if you make a mistake and genuinely care about you. I can't wait to go back again. Half a day is nothing when you get looked after so well.

 

[humblepie]

I have done lots of volunteering at endurance rides. Most fun is to spend the day vet writing as you get to see lots of trot ups - really good for getting your eye in and cp stewarding as all the riders call out their numbers as they pass and if you have water/sloshes they will have a quick chat about how their ride is going. Food has always been provided and I would be so upset if I volunteered somewhere and I was not catered for. When I do get to ride it means that I know lots of the volunteers at the venue and en route, which makes the day very social.

Edited to add that whenever I am at a local fun ride etc I always try and thank as many check point/ gate stewards for giving up their day. Even if I just shout over my shoulder or wave. I see the same faces each year and without being rude they are getting older so I am not sure what will happen in the future if people don't have the time to volunteer.

I think that is really important - I try to thank people whenever possible, and have a chat with the guy on the gate or at least a cheerful hello to the chap on security whether volunteers or paid roles at some of the bigger shows.

 

[TRECtastic]

I compete at TREC which needs a lot of volunteers to run a competition
I didn't plan on competing at the national championships this year , we had qualified but pony has only done 2 comps , so I went for the 1 day as a volunteer
I was very well looked after , plenty to eat and drink plus a lovely goody bag
I have volunteered and run TREC comps and have mostly been very well treated , also if running a comp we always provide food and drink for our helpers

 

[Velcrobum]

I have done 22 days volunteering this year in a variety of roles. Have been volunteering for over 20 years for both BE & BD as I used to compete. For BE it was a guarantee your entry was accepted but I also enjoyed doing it. When I was in a RC also did lots but got peed off as it was always the same people helping who then always got bitched at when we had the AGM!!

Dressage writing is well worth doing as you learn an awful lot about how not to lose marks by simple ring craft.

I personally feel ALL BE competitors should do at least 1 day per year volunteering at a BE event as if there were no volunteers they would not have a competition to compete at.

 

[Annagain]

I've done a bit of everything, as I'm Chair of my riding club so usually end up doing something because someone hasn't turned up even if I'm competing. Area Qualifiers are the main ones I do though, usually vaccination checking - as soon as people know I can do it, I usually get roped in. I normally get paired with a rookie so I end up teaching them how to do it as we go - it's a great way of building the skill base in the area so don't worry if you've never done something before, you either get a full briefing (usually for XC fence judging) or paired with someone who knows what they're doing.

 

[hairycob]

I help at TREC competitions and there is always plenty of food and often home made cakes

 

[Birker2020]

Dressage writing is well worth doing as you learn an awful lot about how not to lose marks by simple ring craft.

Yes I agree. It's a very good way of learning.

But how I struggle trying to remember how to write the word ' rhythm'.

 

[Bobthecob15]

I haven't done this for years but much respect to those who have!

My best experience was a good 25 years ago at the British National Dressage Championships at Hickstead, volunteered for about 4 days I think...accommodation was an ancient caravan with no power, cold showers...we didn't care though because we got to do various roles including manning the stables 24/7, entry and exit barrier of the arenas for tests and the best bit was we got to go to a ball on the Saturday night and be in the presence of the riders! We had to dress up which was hilarious considering none of us had had a warm wash for 4 days and had no way of doing our hair other than au naturel! Carl Hester was nice to us though which made up for it!

 

[claracanter]

I fence judged BE to give back but was left feeling used. Told to arrive 8am but no instructions until gone 9. Didn’t leave until 6 and only given a sandwich and crisps and bottle of water all day. No coffee. Very poor.

This sort of thing has happened to me too. It’s such a ridiculously big ask for a volunteer, some of whom have a fair old drive there and back too. The whole thing could be almost a 12 hr day door to door with no break. Not sure what the solution is though.