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