| Learn and Earn at the Same Time | | | | at a series of shows. Phone the organizers |
| | | | of any shows that you would like to attend, |
| While many riders enjoy showing, it is not | | | | and ask if they need any more members in |
| unusual to want to learn more about the horse | | | | their ring crew. You will learn a lot about |
| show environment before investing money into | | | | the ins and outs of showing, and you can chat |
| it. While most shows are free for | | | | with the other staff to find out more about |
| spectators, you might be limited to what you | | | | how things work. |
| can learn as far as what goes on behind the | | | | |
| scenes. If you have a friend that is | | | | Be a Scribe |
| showing, you can ask him or her to explain | | | | |
| the classes when not busy in the ring. Even | | | | If you write neatly and are good at copying |
| so, showing is expensive, and it never hurts | | | | down what you are told, you might want to |
| to earn a bit of cash as you learn about how | | | | volunteer as a scribe. The scribe usually |
| the show world works. Here are some jobs | | | | works at dressage shows, but some other types |
| that can help you learn about the world of | | | | of shows may also work with a scribe. A nice |
| showing while earning some money. | | | | thing about scribing is that you will hear |
| | | | directly from the judge what the riders are |
| Be a Groom | | | | doing well, and what needs improving. It can |
| | | | be a great way to learn what judges look for |
| Often a coach takes riders out as a group to | | | | in the ring. Not all show will pay the |
| shows. Sometimes the riders care for their | | | | scribe, but the experience makes up the |
| own horses, but more often than not, the | | | | difference. |
| coach hires grooms to help out. If you are | | | | |
| pretty good with handling horses and coping | | | | Help in the Office |
| with stressed-out riders, you might want to | | | | |
| ask your coach about serving as a groom for a | | | | Not the most exciting of jobs, but some shows |
| few shows. The money isn't great, but you | | | | need extra office help. While keeping track |
| can learn a lot, especially as you stand | | | | of entries may not be all that interesting, |
| ringside and watch the horses as they show. | | | | you can learn a lot about the behind the |
| Often a coach will cover your food while at | | | | scenes aspects of running a show that you |
| the show, which helps a lot with the | | | | could not learn any other way. |
| expenses. | | | | |
| | | | So, if you are interested in learning more |
| Help in the Ring | | | | about horse shows, don't be afraid to call up |
| | | | the organizers and see if there are any jobs |
| Many shows require ring crews to help set up | | | | that you could help with. Even if they are |
| the courses, move the jumps, or set up | | | | only looking for volunteers, you may find |
| obstacles. Some shows will hire staff for | | | | that the experience is well worth the effort. |
| each show, while others have people who work | | | | |