Volunteer Nation: 5+ Opportunities to Help Out This Weekend

The new horse show must-have accessory – who would’ve thought? Photo via Jan Byyny on Facebook.

Much time has passed since we last brought you an edition of Volunteer Nation! With events kicking cautiously back into gear, the need for volunteer support has also returned.

Of course, much has changed in just a few short months, and protocol for volunteers looks different than it used to. We compiled some resources on volunteering with COVID-19 regulations in mind. We’ll reference this list each week in Volunteer Nation, so take a few moments to familiarize yourself with what’s new and different.

COVID-19 Resources for Eventers

Volunteers Adapt to the New Normal

Volunteers Weigh In on New COVID-19 Protocols

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

In addition, I’d also like to take a moment to encourage you to find other ways to volunteer your time or skills within your local community. Perhaps there is a therapeutic program or an access program geared toward lower income riders. Even if you don’t have a lot of money to donate or a vast amount of hours to spare, sometimes just reaching out to ask how you can help can yield rewarding opportunities. If you’re not sure where to start, one popular source for volunteering opportunities is VolunteerMatch.org, which of course spans all facets of volunteering. I’d also love to compile a list of equestrian access programs and other related nonprofits, so if you have one we should know about please tip me by emailing [email protected].

Here is a look at the events looking for volunteer help this coming weekend. Remember to stay safe and socially distanced!

Event: Winona Horse Trials
Dates: Today through Sunday, July 5
Address: 31407 Schneider Rd, Hanoverton, OH, 44423
Position(s) Available: Event Prep – General, XC Decorator, FEH Conformation In Gate Steward, YEH In Gate Steward, General Help, Greeter, XC Control, XC Jump Judge, Dressage In Gate Steward, Dressage Score Runner, Floater, Secretary – Awards, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Score Input, SJ Scribe, XC Score Input, XC Score Runner, Hospitality Helper, Safety Steward

Event: Twin Rivers Summer Horse Trials
Dates: Today through Sunday, July 5
Address: 8715 N River Rd, Paso Robles, CA, 93446
Position(s) Available: Dressage Scribe, Dressage Steward, XC Jump Judge, Dressage Score Runner, SJ In Gate

Event: Maryland International CIC & HT
Dates: Today through Sunday, July 5
Address: 1235 Park Mills Road, Adamstown, MD, 21710
Position(s) Available: Event Prep – General, SJ Start Timer, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Steward, XC Crossing Guard, XC Jump Judge, Shuttle Drivers, Dressage Warm-up, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Warm-up

Event: Larkin Hill Summer Horse Trials
Dates: Today through Monday, July 6
Address: 515 County Route 312, North Chatham, NY, 12132
Position(s) Available: Event Prep – Dressage, Event Prep – XC, Event Prep – SJ, Stabling Check-in & Trailer Parking, XC Jump Judge, Dressage Score Runner, Parking Steward, SJ Jump Crew, Event Takedown

Event: Pine Hill GHCTA Combined Test
Dates: Saturday, July 4 through Sunday, July 5
Address: 1720 Hwy 159 East, Bellville, TX, 77418
Position(s) Available: Hospitality Helper, Greeter

Event: IEA Leg Up Schooling HT and CT
Dates: Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5
Address: 7105 S. Kern St., Edinburgh, IN, 46124
Position(s) Available: Event Prep, XC Warm-up, XC Jump Judge, Event Takedown, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Out Gate

Other opportunities for volunteering:

We are still looking for some volunteers for the SGHTs this weekend! Please contact Carol Jones if you can help (her info is below).

Posted by MSEA-CCC on Tuesday, June 30, 2020