Husbands and family members, beware; you are about to take a journey into the world of horse showing. Standing on the side of the arena watching your kids, wives, and husbands throw a rope, run down a cow, or ride a trail class with your hands in your pockets is a thing of the past. Now it’s your time to shine! How? By volunteering. My husband and sister have always been at shows to support my efforts and dreams. Hours of waiting around so I can have minutes in the competition ring seems like a great deal for me. But is it a good deal for them? This year we have discovered how, as volunteers, at shows, and other equine-related events we can play an important role in the success of the horse industry. 

My personal family volunteering stories 2024

Maureen Neubeker

My sister Maureen, who no longer has a horse, has renewed her interest in going to events by being more than just a spectator. “This is the first year I have volunteered at horse shows. Volunteering at events has made me feel like I belong and that I’m still a part of the horse industry. As a spectator, I enjoy watching, but volunteering has opened up a new way to not only enjoy events but be a part of the action and learn more about what the classes are about.”

Craig James

My husband Craig has spent countless hours trailering me around the countryside from show to show, never complaining. He was a little shocked when I signed him up to volunteer. He wasn’t sure he would be able to help since he has some physical limitations and no real horse experience. Well, he discovered he loves volunteering! “It’s a chance to learn so much, especially since I don’t ride. I get the opportunity to learn more about what my wife does, and that helps me understand more when I’m watching her train and she’s talking her way through a ride. I feel more in tune at a show when I volunteer. I get a better understanding of what is happening at the shows. I feel that I am more helpful to my wife since I’m more in the know. I even feel pretty connected to the other competitors, and they are so encouraging and let me know I’m doing a great job.”

Laureen James

For me, I am thrilled that I signed these two up to help at some shows. I knew they’d be a bit apprehensive, but I was hopeful that it would give them something to do other than be at my beck and call. Yup, I’m a horse show Diva, I think they were glad to have a solid reason to ditch me. The three of us volunteered for the Alberta Ranch Horse Versatility Show in Didsbury, AB. I noticed that they had a call for volunteers on their Web site. It turned out none of us had to be association members to help out. They were just so happy to have us at the show. We arrived early, and they put us to work. We liked that the shifts were short and that we could watch the classes while volunteering.

Q&A

Zack Straker, Alberta Ranch Horse Versatility Vice President and Volunteer Coordinator 

Q

Are there particular activities where volunteers need specialized experience?

A

“Yes. In our sport, we need some volunteers who can help with organizing cattle and holding cattle for the cow classes. For safety reasons, these volunteers need prior cattle handling experience. We also need volunteers to run the in and out gates and other tasks that do not require any experience. We take a few minutes to train the volunteers, and we keep their shifts to one and a half hours so they can also enjoy the show. We really appreciate our volunteers.”

Weighing in – author and volunteer Laureen James:  “I really did feel valued! The announcer did a great job of thanking all the volunteers for their help in putting on a great show. Even the competitors thanked the volunteers. Zack not only organized the volunteer efforts but competed at the event in all the classes. Talk about organized!” Back to Zack Straker.

Q

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

A

“I think volunteering is a great opportunity for youth to become more involved in the running of shows and to learn more about set-up, running classes, and teardown. Youth are the future of sport, and we need to be able to pass the torch to them. I’d also like to say that it’s important for show committees to always give many thanks to volunteers throughout the show. Let them know they are valued. This is the first year that we have had a volunteer coordinator. It has helped us to organize and coordinate volunteer efforts. 

Matt Gingras, Gingras Performance Horses, Alberta Reined Cow Horse Director

Matt specializes in reined cow horse and cutting training, rope horse training, and colt starting. He offers lessons and extensive non-pro and show horse programs. His facility is located east of Strathmore, AB. I had a quick phone conversation with Matt about volunteering and how important it is for the future of horse sport. 

Q

What are some of the perks for volunteering at horse shows?

A

“One of the greatest perks I can think of is volunteers being in a position to listen to trainers coaching clients and even discuss their own show strategies. At our shows, we offer volunteer members free stabling. You volunteer for a said amount of time, and your horse’s stall is free. That’s a winning situation.”

It seems that volunteers get lots of great opportunities at horse shows and events. Here’s a recap.

Volunteering Allows Us To

• Learn about an equine event we are thinking of competing in
• To feel a part of something

• Gives non-riders a chance to participate
• Free education about a sport of interest
• Making new friends
• Be valued

Tips to Retain Volunteers

• Feed them well
• Have one person as a point of contact (volunteer coordinator)
• Keep shifts short
• Make sure volunteers have the tools, information, and knowledge to do the job
• Written job descriptions
• Sign-up sheets
• Treat people like they matter; the success of your show depends on happy volunteers
• Clear communication is key

There you have it! My family has really enjoyed volunteering this year, and we plan to continue next year. I hope you will volunteer at the shows you go to. It’s so worth the experience!

Article by Laureen James,

Photography of Matt Gingras by Mary Reimers, photography of Zack Straker provided by Zack

About Laureen

Laureen James, BCom, Journalist, EC/NCCP Coach Certification IOB. Laureen is an equine journalist who writes for many publications. She also writes for the pet industry and is a columnist for Unison 50+ News. She has covered rodeos and related events over the past few years as a journalist and photographer.