Job Descriptions

 Our events could not run without the help of dozens of volunteers – there’s no better way to get really close to the action, and to learn more about our sport!

Can you help out? Our organizers would love to put you to work! And you’re usually well rewarded with great lunches and enormous thanks. Contact the event sites directly if you are interested in volunteering, their information is at https://albertahorsetrials.com/index.php/event-sites/

Our friends at the United States Eventing Association (USEA) have also put together some great resources for volunteers, check out the links below!
Volunteer Checklists
Volunteer Position Videos

1. Scorer -use an adding machine to calculate dressage scores.  It is helpful if you have experience running an adding machine but not necessary.  On the job training can be provided.  This is a sit down job, usually under cover or inside out of the weather.  Attention to detail is important.
2. Office- help to check in riders and collect any money owed, hand out schedules and numbers.  This job is usually under cover or indoors.  Early morning is especially busy as the majority of riders arrive.
3. Dressage Scribe- write down the score and comments from the dressage tests.  Being able to write neatly and quickly is helpful.  Knowledge of dressage is helpful but not mandatory.  Must be able to pay attention to the judge’s remarks and accurately record the information.  Some short hand abbreviations are allowed (these can be sent to you for review prior to scribing ).  This is a sit down job that may or may not be under cover depending on the facility.  The judges’ are always very helpful to new scribes.  A great way to educate yourself in dressage.  It is best to volunteer the whole day as a scribe but a 1/2 day is acceptable.
4. Jump Scribe- sit with the jump judge and help them verify the competitor number, possibly help with a stop watch, and keep track of faults.  A very exciting job!
5. Warm Up / Ring Stewart -check the warm up areas to be sure riders are there and make them aware of the schedule and know how many rides before them.  This is a stand up job but you may bring a chair for resting.  This job is very important to keep the show running smoothly.  Eventing shows will need two paddock people, one for the dressage arena and one for the jumping arena.
6. Jump Crew -several people to help change jump heights between divisions and reset jumps if they are knocked down.  Need to be at the jumping arena and ready to go at a moment’s notice.  Other than that sit back, relax and enjoy the show!  Jumping usually starts late morning or early afternoon. Typically jump courses are built the day before the show and any volunteers are welcome to help with that.
7. Runner- bring dressage tests from the dressage judge’s box to the office for scoring. A great job for an active/restless child. Need to be able to wait at the judge’s box quietly until the scribe hands you the tests then you may walk (running not required!) to the office where the scorer will calculate the score. You make the trip after every two or three rides.
8. Stadium Timer: is responsible to the Stadium Judge. Attends a briefing, given usually by Stadium Judge, to learn the specifics of the role, operates a stopwatch, observes and times horse/rider combination through the start and finish flags, communicates with the Stadium Judge and operates the stopwatch according to instruction during each round, should there be an unusual occurrence.
   Stadium timers need the following: stopwatches, clipboard/ paper/order of go/writing material, radio, seat/chair, waterproofing. They should be prepared to: get wet/hot/ bitten, attend very carefully, filter out extraneous stimuli, operate a stopwatch and radio, follow instructions, remain calm in moments of anxiety, be able to round up partial seconds to whole seconds, be able to turn minutes into seconds and seconds into minutes.
9. Jump Judge X Country: is responsible to the Technical Delegate, attends a briefing that explains judging procedures, completes various forms including: jump judge sheet, accident report, judges horses/riders at designated jump(s), controls spectators (if asked), communicates by radio to control, assists riders (only in manner prescribed by TD), stops horse/rider (if asked by control).
   Jump judges need the following: a pack sack, writing equipment, waterproofing (for self and paper), seat/chair, radio, food/drink, papers and clipboard, a watch. They should be prepared to: get wet/ hot/bitten, walk, be lonely, act independently, make judgments, write or draw what took place when unsure of a decision, use radio, follow instructions, help rider (when asked, under certain conditions).
10. Timers – need to use a stop watch to time both the cross country and stadium rides. Usually two people at the start and two people at the finish. They work with the Controller to ensure that times are correct.
11. Cross Country Starter – needs to give the rider a countdown to their ride, make sure the right rider is in the start box and leaves the start box on time, and wish them a great ride.
12. Dressage ring set up – help the organizer set up and put away the dressage rings.
13. Controller – manages the overall running of cross country day. Ensures that jump judges are in place, radios all work, and timers are set and correct.
14. Event Site Helpers – help the organizer and course designer mow fences, decorate jumps, help set stadium courses, do errands, make lunches, and any job that an organizer may need help with. You name it, the organizer probably needs help with it.

Check out some pictures of our great volunteers – Please offer to help, our events can’t run without you!