Where to Start? Do it all.

I've been asked before “how would I get started”? Volunteer is my answer. Call the show manager and see where the show needs help. I volunteered for the first couple of years that I was involved with shows. Very few shows are fully staffed and good to go. Most shows have openings and are looking for more help, even if you don't have experience at shows or with horses. Simply tell whomever you contact about your experience and skills, and they can schedule your assignment accordingly. No, volunteers don't get paid, but they are greatly appreciated and necessary. I haven't come across a show that's not worried about their budget. Also, when you volunteer, you are in a unique position to meet the competitors and learn from them. Listening to their perspective is a valuable opportunity. They will tell you the general pros and cons, how the show flow is going, whether the venue setup works well, etc.

The second thing I would say is: be willing to do anything. The more areas you try and learn, the more you know, and the more you understand how everything works together. Each type of show is different. The needs of a one-day open show are not the same as a week-long breed show or county fair. Having a solid understanding of all jobs a show has will make you better at any position you fill along the way. And yes, you should even do the jobs you are not fond of. Being a member of the cleanup crew is not glamorous, but its needed. It boils down to educating yourself. Be willing to do anything needed and learn from whatever you're doing in the moment. You will learn a lot about yourself and your preferences too. You may even find you enjoy a task that you didn't know existed.

You may want to start at a small one day open show to see how you handle a full day of work mentally and physically. Horse shows are not for the faint of heart. You may be able to schedule a half day of working, but often being available for a full day is preferable. Even small shows can be 10 to 12-hour days. Staff and volunteers usually arrive early and leave last. Do your homework. If you have specific needs for your health, such as my diabetes, make sure you ask questions. Questions you may want to know the answer to before working a show:

· Is that job physically or mentally demanding?

· Does the show provide lunch? Drinks? Snacks?

· Are food and drink easily accessible?

· Does that position get a break?

· How far away is the restroom?

· What’s the forecast for the weekend? How many layers may I need?

· Is the drive “ok” for you or would you need a hotel?

Many shows have just a few paid positions. Some shows have no paid positions, and everyone is volunteering. Will you end up in a paid position at every show? Probably not. So why do we do it? Because we have a passion for the people and horses. We have a drive to support youth and to help them learn and grow so the equine industry has a future. The reason I'm telling you to learn, try, and understand every task at a show is because the person scheduling staff and volunteers will quickly realize how versatile you are. Your skills and knowledge will be a valuable asset to show management. Be ready to multi-task to the max. Even be willing to change jobs as needed throughout the day. Over time, you will gain a solid understanding of how each position affects one another and what is needed for each of them to be successful.

Lastly, when the opportunity arises, say yes. There was a point when I was asked which job I wanted to do instead of getting assigned a job. I said I wanted to announce. I enjoy announcing the most and now that is typically the job I do. But I still do other things if that’s what a show needs. I've been the gate person, office staff, paddock manager and show manager in the past couple years. The equine industry needs people that are willing to work the long hours, stay positive through the ups and downs, and be part of the team that works for everyone’s success.

Don’t limit yourself to just one type of show either. My schedule from one weekend to the next is really diverse. In four weeks, I may work four different types of shows: buckskin, carriage, open show, and then ranch horse. I enjoy it all. I get excited about the diversity and variety of people and horses at all the different types of shows. From a polished carriage turnout pulled by an exquisite Friesian, to watching the top ranch horse in the nation ridden by a true horseman. I enjoy seeing youth competing at County Fair to earn a ticket to State Expo or competing as a team to earn WIHA top honors.

You may be wondering why we are talking about this now. One, because I wanted to expand a bit on last week’s post: Supporting Youth. And two, because many shows have already started planning for next year and know their show dates. You can contact them and plan ahead too, especially if you have to ask for time off of work. So many of us juggle a job and a passion. Make sure you say “hi” if you volunteer at a show I’m working. I’m looking forward to meeting you!