Last weekend at the Florida Horse Park, a couple of familiar faces were spotted paying their dues back to the sport in the form of some volunteer hours. Some riders may not have recognized the man in the baseball cap barking out the upcoming order of go or the five-star rider helping out at cross country warm-up. Both David O’Connor as well as Katie Ruppel were out volunteering in a great show of what it means to be all-in with the sport we love.
So how would you feel if a former president of the USEF volunteered to be ring steward at your event? How about the former USEF Eventing coach and current Canadian technical advisor? Or maybe the current FEI Eventing chairman? Ok fine then we will just settle for Olympic Gold medalist. I thought it was pretty cool to see the world famous David O’Connor volunteering at the Florida Horse Park last weekend. I am not sure the kids in his ring knew who the guy in the hat getting them in the ring was but they knew they had better listen! Be sure to tune in for the Jon and Rick Show from Horse Trailer Pros studios this Thursday the 13th at 6pm! #horsetrailerpros
Posted by The Jon and Rick Show on Monday, February 10, 2020
Yes, showing can be busy and stressful. But these shows do not run without the support of volunteers who are also up at the crack of dawn to get ready for the day and who spend their whole day on their feet out in the sun. So let’s all make it a goal to make an effort to volunteer as much as we can. And no matter what, always thank the volunteers when it’s your turn to compete!
If you’re looking for an opportunity to volunteer this weekend, here are a few shows in need of some help. Not listed below but likely still in need of extra hands is Rocking Horse’s Winter II Horse Trials in Altoona, Florida. You can visit this site to sign up as a part of the volunteer crew.
Event: Fresno County Horse Park February Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, February 14 through Sunday, February 16
Address: 7430 North Weber Avenue, Fresno, CA, 93726
Positions available: Dressage Score Runner, XC Jump Judge, XC Safety Check, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Timer
Event: Paradise Farm February Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, February 14 through Sunday, February 16
Address: 4069 Wagener Rd., Aiken, SC, 29805
Positions available: XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Steward, Dressage Steward, Dressage Warm-up, Hospitality Steward, Volunteer Lead, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Out Gate, SJ Score Runner, SJ Warm-up, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Score Runner, Stabling Check-in and Trailer Parking, XC Score Runner
Event: Carolina Horse Park Pipe Opener II
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, February 14 through Saturday, February 15
Address: 2814 Montrose Rd., Raeford, NC, 28376
Positions available: All positions filled at time of publication. Please reach out on the grounds if you want to help!
Event: Pine Hill GHCTA Schooling Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Saturday, February 15 through Sunday, February 16
Address: 1720 Hwy 159 East, Bellville, TX, 77418
Positions available: Parking Steward, XC Crossing Guard, XC Jump Judge, XC Pinney Collector, XC Score Runner, Dressage Score Runner, Event Takedown – XC, Secretary, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Timer, SJ Warm-up
Event: Stable View February Eventing Academy
Date(s) volunteers needed: Saturday, February 15 through Tuesday, February 18
Address: 117 Stable Dr, Aiken, SC, 29801
Positions available: Event Prep – SJ, Event Prep – General, XC Jump Judge, Floater, Parking Steward, XC Safety Spotter, Hospitality Prep, General Sign-up, Jump Crew
