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