Show Organizer Hacks #3: It Takes a Village (Or a Small City)

Throughout this series, we’ll be hearing best practices from organizers who host a combined total of over 50 horse shows annually!

#LearnFromTheBest with tips from:

• Anna Mitchell of Mitchell Dressage Series
• Miranda Kettlewell of Commonwealth Dressage & Combined Training Association
• Liz Erwin of Potomac Valley Dressage Association
• Cynthia Brickley of Elysian Hills Training Center

Great Horse Shows Take a Village

The third installment in our series has helpful hints on making your horse show village the best it can be. From hiring judges to motivating volunteers, STRIDER has you covered for creating the best show series possible. 

You will want to have volunteers who will foster the experience you want your participants to have, and judges who will provide the riders with an overall experience that meets your goal for the show.

Remember: Select a judge who will suit the needs of your competitors.

#StriderShowHack: Many riders wish to submit their scores to local GMOs for year-end awards. If your target customers have these aspirations, you’ll want a judge that is a USDF “L” Program Graduate or higher.

#StriderShowHack: The higher the judge’s certification, the higher their fees. But, the higher certification also means more experience.

Commonwealth Dressage & Combined Training Association, for example, typically hires USDF ‘r’ or “R” judges who are kind and positive in their feedback to riders.

Anna Mitchell told us, “I host a laid back series, so I like the judges who themselves are pretty laid back and good with exhibitors”.

 

#StriderShowHack: Try not to book judges that are farther than 1.5 hours’ drive from your facility. It can be difficult to drive a huge distance after a full 8-hour day of judging.


Plus, you might be able to avoid paying travel costs for the judge if they are closer to your venue. Remember, a full day of judging will start at around $200.

#StriderShowHack: Don’t hesitate to ask your judges “what would you like to see changed about show organization?” They often judge at a variety of venues and may be able to provide tips to improve the show experience for all the next time around.

#StriderShowHack: For a jump judge, select someone who is loosely familiar with the sport, and if rounds are timed- make sure their equipment is working!

Remember: One of the most critical aspects to running a successful schooling show or series is your volunteers.

Jobs like jump crew and parking direction are a bit simpler and can be doled out to non-horsey-friends and family. Scribes, timers, and warm-up stewards can require a bit of training.

#StriderShowHack: Eventing Focused? Use the website https://www.eventingvolunteers.com/ to solicit volunteers.

 

#StriderShowHack: Schedule breaks or “reliefs” for your volunteers throughout the day. You never know when someone might need a caffeine boost or to step out of the sun for a bit!

#StriderShowHack: Use checklists!

#StriderShowHack: Automated Email Reminders work well to triple check with your volunteers that they are a) going to show up and b) know what is expected of them.

#StriderShowHack: Keep your people happy. Place sunscreen, bug spray, a few bottles of water, and some snacks in a 5 gallon bucket for their use. Label it “Volunteers- Please Use. Thank You!”

Coming Up: “Preparation is Key”. Can’t wait for more?

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