Volunteers are the backbone of most dressage shows, and thanks to the efforts of the New England Dressage Association (NEDA) led effort, in conjunction with other Region 8 GMOs, potential volunteers will now have the chance to receive training in some of the behind-the-scenes aspects of running a dressage show.
NEDA is offering a series of traveling workshops that will take the sport of dressage to a higher level by training scribes, stewards, scorers and show participants.
“In 2012, NEDA will be holding seven workshops throughout the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Region 8. Our goal for the workshops is to offer a fun experience combined with an educational opportunity for potential volunteers,” said Debbie Carr-Kirk, of NEDA. “Through these workshops we hope to create a volunteer work force that will help host better competitions.”
The workshops will be held in March, April and May, and so far the schedule includes: Johnson & Wales University in Rehoboth, MA, the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH, Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, ME, The Cornell Cooperative Extension in Ballston Spa, NY, the Green Mountain Horse Association in South Woodstock, VT and Cutler Farm in Medfield, MA.
“We are still working on finalizing the facilities in Connecticut, and will be announcing that soon,” Carr-Kirk said. “By coordinating with equestrian organizations and farms in each state it is our hope that these volunteers will become an asset to the many groups and many shows in those areas. Anyone involved in the show world knows that most equestrian disciplines operate on volunteer power. It’s important to train our volunteers so that shows everywhere will be fun for competitors and volunteers.”
The workshops will last four hours and will include 45-minute sessions for scribes, stewards and scorers, as well as a 30-minute session on basic show dynamics and an overview of relevant equestrian organizations. “There is the opportunity that a fence judging component may be added if the host facility so desires,” Carr-Kirk said. “In that case, the length of the workshop would be increased to five hours.”
The cost of each volunteer workshop will be minimal, as most materials will be able to be found online and will include relevant materials for each participant. NEDA is working creatively to come up with no cost options to attend that will not only include valuable information, but a snack as well.
“NEDA is the largest single chapter of the United States Dressage Federation and we are known for offering top quality education to our members,” Carr-Kirk said. “We are excited to be able to offer these workshops, in conjunction with the other GMOs in the region and it will be a great opportunity for people to meet and greet and network with other equestrians throughout the region.”
For more information on the workshops, to host a workshop in your area or help teach a workshop, contact Carr-Kirk at willowdck@aol.com or 508-539-3534.