EN Says Thanks to Volunteers

You think dressage is boring now?  What might you think after watching 50 or 60 Training Test A’s or Beginner Novice B’s.  Scribing a dressage test is one of the most educational experiences a volunteer can have.  It’s like getting 100 free audits with a top dressage rider.  Just think, someone in the barn will be cursing your chicken scratch shouting, “Lacks suppleness?  What does that even mean?!”  Help us all out; brush up on your shorthand and get to know the newest dressage tests.  Scribing Abbreviations and 2010 Dressage Tests

How to get the “good jumps”

What is it with volunteers and looking scary?  If almost every horse gives you the googly eye and then takes a bad jump, maybe you should re-asses your wardrobe and position in the field.  Judges should be inconspicuous and quiet for optimal safety and good decision making.  That’s right, I’m holding you accountable for unnecessary spookage.  Fort Rucker volunteers are well hidden in the trees because the boys suckered into judging are all wearing camouflage.  It’s hard not to look for that eye candy while you’re on course.

Cross-country judges are no longer simply responsible for reciting “horse 23 clear jump 4” into the radio.  There are more things to mind than that.  Dangerous riding is awarded spectator criticism and 25 penalty points in the “DR” section of a score sheet.  The definition of dangerous riding may vary depending on who you ask.  Sometimes using a whip is necessary for a safe ride, but there is a fine line between appropriate whip use and abuse.  Technical Eliminations are also common occurrences, so take good notes in case the rider has questions later.  Refusals aren’t always black and white.  Watch to see if the horse steps back, even with one foot, and be mindful of whether the horse maintains forward movement.  Just stay focused and stop texting–you’ll be fine.

Review the Eventing Rulebook for clarification on penalties and rules, particularly sections EV-3 Rules for Horse Trials, EV-111 Abuse, and EV-112 Dangerous Riding.  

Some rules are easy to follow, like whip and spur length. EV-114 Dress describes all current regulations on competitor attire.

**current whip/spur length restrictions….one whip no longer than 110 cm (43.3 in) including lash on the flat; whip may not exceed 75 cm (30 in) in length for jumping tests…spurs with shank must not be longer than 3.5 cm (1 3/8 in)

Accidents happen, and it is important to know how to handle difficult situations.  The Horse Trials Crisis Plan outlines how to handle  unfortunate incidents on course.  Your actions may help show officials react and control the situation in the best way possible.  The most important thing you, as a volunteer, can do is hold on to your walkie-talkie.  In the scramble to see if a fallen horse and rider are OK, some people shout something about a fall over the radio and then leave it in the chair while they run over to assist the competitor.  Tell the office the number of the fallen rider, the fence number, and whether or not they need medical attention.

Mum used to say, “It’s not a matter of if you will fall, but when.”  Often times, spry young eventers pop right up, eager to continue.  Unfortunately, a single fall is now cause for elimination, so the decision whether or not to continue on course is moot.  We should hold ourselves and others accountable, however, to possible injuries.  

My horse ran off in the dressage warm-up once, and to avoid a collision in the congested arena, I pulled him out at the gate.  He zigged, I zagged, and I wound up whacking my head on the hard Georgia clay.  I rode my test with a torn jacket, clay-stained helmet and screaming bruised hips.  While removing my horse’s braids later, I suddenly felt lost.  Meandering over to the ambulance, the paramedic recognized me and asked, “How are you?”  “A little confused,” I said.  I know we all think we are indestructible English cowboys, but it’s important to not underestimate our falls.  This Concussion Brochure is useful for riders, show officials, and volunteers.  Watch out for one another, K?

A valuable learning opportunity and the chance to support the continuation of your favorite sport, that’s what!  And sometimes a coupon for merchandise or a cross-country schooling session.  Woohoo!

Again, I say thanks to the horse enthusiasts, riders, and family members who spend long hours watching horse after horse go by.  I hope you take full advantage of the educational experience volunteering provides, and don’t ever be afraid to ask questions.  As for the competitors, treat the volunteers with respect.  Sometimes we get caught up in the moment when things go wrong, or right, and we forget our manners.  Without the volunteers…well…we would be without events.

USEA Forms and Documents