Though it may not seem as altruistic as volunteering to teach children with disabilities to ride or to help an abused horse learn to trust again, there’s no doubt that volunteering at horse shows is meaningful to horse show organizers and attendees.
Volunteering at horse shows isn’t just a self-service to watch some nice horses and riders go around. The vast majority of horse shows, specifically unsanctioned, local shows, are run by nonprofits, such as local 4-H clubs or equine charities. Most of these organizations host horse shows as fundraisers and to raise awareness of their mission.
Volunteering at a horse show is a wonderful way to meet like-minded people. If you’re new to an area or new to the horse world, volunteering at a show is a great way to get a read on the horsey heartbeat of your town.
While horse shows are usually busy affairs, there’s typically at least some down time between classes or during lunch or ring-drag breaks to get to learn more about those who are volunteering with you. And let’s be honest–there’s no quicker way to bond with someone that standing in the pouring rain or roasting sun for a few hours!
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By volunteering, you will also get a sneak peek at how trainers act, both with their horses and their clients. You’ll get to see how trainers handle not only stellar trips in the ring, but also the not-so-spectacular moments, as well.
In the end, this insider knowledge might solidify your choice for an instructor or make you think twice before investing the money into lessons or training with someone. Spending a few hours of your time volunteering at a horse show could potentially save you a lot of heartbreak down the road.
Most horse shows require the same basic positions to make the day run smoothly. These include:
Helping the host organization further its mission will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. But there are some things to keep in mind when you volunteer to keep the good vibes going.
The vast majority of equine industry events could not operate without the help of people who give their time and talent to see an event to fruition. Many equine events, including horse shows, are run by organizations that operate on a skeleton crew, whether because they are a nonprofit entity or because they are run by an independent contractor with minimal staff.
Volunteering at events such as these not only will make you feel good about yourself, you will fulfill a vital role in helping the show run smoothly and keeping your local equestrian scene going strong.
When not partaking in horse shows herself, Sarah Coleman loves to volunteer at horse shows and hunter paces throughout Kentucky.
Based in Lexington, Ky., Sarah Coleman has a soft spot for chestnuts with chrome, including her off-the-track Thoroughbred, Chisholm. The pair competes in the hunters.
How to I go about volunteering - I would love to do this. Where do I start???
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