Girls?
Sure.
Great song, empowering, fun to dance to, great workout jam. But today that’s not what I’m looking for.
Volunteers. Volunteers is what I’m talking about.
As we begin to thaw in the northeast horse events are going to start happening once more. Clinics. Shows. You name it.
As you fill your calendar with fun events TO DO with your horse…may I suggest picking one or two events to HELP?
The truth is, clinics and shows (and clubs) RELY on volunteer support to make them run more smoothly. There’s a lot more to these events than meets the eye, and without volunteers they might not exist. There are also clubs and organizations that are on the verge of falling apart without volunteer support.
How would you feel if your favorite show or clinic could not happen?
That’s not a distant risk…that is a CURRENT concern.
Reasons Not to Volunteer
“I have no time”
A thing we all could say. Do you REALLY not have time or is this an excuse? Would volunteering cut into your TikTok time? Cut into the time you spend scrolling on your social media site? We are a community whose culture has celebrated people with busy schedules.
Believe me…I understand (Just ask again about my full time job, full time business, part time stall cleaning, my own horse adventures, and my home/health/family/social life).
It is so easy to say “yes” and fill your schedule with the familiar or the fun items or things that “matter” to you…so why doesn’t the future of your sport have the same priority? Say yes to trying something new and volunteer. MAKE the time…trust me even if it’s limited I’m sure event organizers will be thrilled with whatever you can do.
“I only have time to go to the events I’m participating in.”
Consider this. Many shows are met with periods of downtime. If you have a day stall…why not ask THAT event if there’s something you can do between classes? Give an hour or two, your horse will appreciate the peace. If you don’t have time at the event maybe you can help set up or tear down or even help remotely in the days surrounding the event.
“I’m too far away.”
Many organizers need help behind the scenes. Maybe there’s something you can do remotely. Scheduling? Advertising? Getting sponsors?
“I love horses but I’m a little afraid to be too close to them/I have no experience”
There are many volunteering roles that allow you to support at a safe distance. Talk to the coordinator and they can help find you a job that you’re comfortable with.
“I’m too good for that”
With that attitude your sport will die, and you’ll only have yourself to blame for it.
All jokes and sarcasm aside…there ARE genuine reasons why volunteering doesn’t work for your right now. Volunteering is important but as the airlines say…put your own facemask on first. You are not meant to sacrifice yourself in order to volunteer. Instead, if you find yourself in a situation where you truly cannot give back…make a mental note to check back in with yourself when situations have changed. Maybe then you’ll have capacity to lend a hand in some way. Remotely or in person.
Reasons to Volunteer
Volunteering helps to minimize the entry cost to participants.
If all positions at these events were paid entry fees would have to be substantially increased. We know that horses are expensive, and currently there is a huge divide between the wealthy and the average horseperson. Higher entry fees mean the sport would be even less accessible to the average adult amateur than it is now. The caveat is that adult amateurs and lower level riders make up a huge majority of entries at shows…imagine if they had to stop showing because they could no longer afford the fees.
Some sports would cease to exist.
Volunteering builds a sense of community.
It’s amazing what people you’ll meet when you volunteer. They are kind, supportive, and from all walks of life. They are young, they are older, they are new, they are retired veterans, they are amateurs, they are professionals. It takes all types, and they all have an altruistic nature that loves the horse sport.
Volunteering will give you deeper knowledge and insight into the sport of your choice.
You’ll gain a better understanding of the rules, of the inner workings of the sport, of how your sport is judged, of how these events are governed. If you are new the coordinator can help put you into an entry level role. They train you to make sure you have the tools you need. As you get more knowledge and experience you open doors to help in other ways.
Volunteering is a way to give back to those who have served you.
If you’ve participated in an event you have volunteers to thank for that. Join them as a volunteer; it’s an excellent way to give back to support the events you love.
Volunteering is a way to pay it forward to those who come after you.
If you volunteer you are casting your vote for the future of your sport. You are setting an example for the younger generation and showing how strong your community within the sport can be.
Volunteering offers intrinsic rewards.
Choosing to volunteer has been shown to boost confidence, self esteem, autonomy, and a sense of accomplishment. Try volunteering sometime this year and I hope you’ll find how rewarding it can be.
Who is Volunteering for?
ANYONE. It’s that simple. There is something for everyone.
People who love horses yet don’t actively ride/drive and want a way to get closer.
People who are just beginning in their sport and want to learn more about it.
People who are curious about the sport and if they want to switch disciplines.
People who are active in the sport and want to help.
People who are temporarily sidelined…for injury, between horses, or otherwise.
People who no longer ride but can help promote the sport’s future.
Parents who want to learn more and help with their child’s favorite sport…and set a good example for their children.
Ways to Help
The best way to pitch in is to ask a human. Many events have a coordinator. Bigger events have volunteer coordinators. Shows should have contact information available on their listings. If it’s your first time volunteering they will help decide which roles are right for you at this time.
If you’re looking to help remotely say so. Maybe a group member organization (GMO) needs some remote work. Ask a GMO board member and they can help find a way for you to give back…or connect you to the right person who can.
A Non-Exhaustive List of Volunteering Roles
- Jump Crew
- Stewards
- Scribes
- Jump Judge
- Hospitality
- Parking
- Score Runner
- Maintenance
- Set up
- Tear Down
- There are plenty more roles than this and each discipline will have it’s own needs and specific roles.
Volunteering is important for the future of our sport. None of us are above it. All of us have something we can contribute. So….
Your mission, if you choose to accept it….is to find at least one event to volunteer for this year.
And please let me know how it goes!
The Green Horseman 
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