Longwood Farm South in Ocala, FL is a treasure for eventers. Their cross-country schooling is fantastic, and it is frequently the host site for many clinics, including the ICP Symposium. The farm also hosts regular schooling shows; but now they are sticking to dressage and hunter/jumper shows only, as a lack of volunteers has made 3-phase schooling events too difficult to run.
Eventing is a costly sport, we all know that. Volunteers are what makes it all possible– somebody sitting beside a jump all day, someone else running scores, someone else stewarding a ring to make sure everyone runs on time. Everyone you see with a clipboard is donating part (or all) of their day so that you can ride and have a good time. They could be doing anything else on their Saturday or Sunday, but instead they chose to be there for you. What happens if that person stays home? The event disappears.
Please, think of your local events and get out and volunteer. Plan it into your event schedule; work it into your horse’s training/conditioning schedule; make a point to get out and show your support. I know we’re all busy and things come up…but that will sound like a weak, selfish excuse when there are no more events left. Look up your local event’s secretary or organizer and send them an email, they will be beyond grateful for the offer.
[Thanks to Abigail Scovil for the tip!]
