We love volunteers!
Volunteers are vital to the success of our shows. Many roles require no previous show or horse experience - a perfect way to get yourself, your friends, and your family involved with the dressage community! If interested in volunteering or have any questions, please send an email to kcdsdressage@gmail.com
Common Volunteer Positions at Dressage Shows
Announcer: Uses the show system PA system to announce show and class sponsors; show announcements; which rider is in which ring, what horse they are riding, and what test they are riding; and class results.
Gatekeeper: Ensures the correct rider(s) enter the competition arena at the correct time. Communicates with the Announcer.
Warm-Up Gatekeeper: Manages the warm-up arena. Ensure the number of horses warming up is appropriate for the size of the warm-up ring. Communicates with “on-deck” and “in-the-hole” riders. Communicates with the Gatekeeper.
Bit Check: Verifies that competitors use legal bits, nosebands, spurs, and whips. USEF requires that 1/3 of a class be checked. The Technical Delegate will provide specific training and instruction on-site to the Bit Check volunteer.
Runner: Collects tests from the scribe and brings them to the show office for scoring.
Scribe: Writes the judge’s comments on the test sheet. Scribes must have previous training/previous experience.
Awards Table: Hand out tests, ribbons, and awards to participants.
USDF Member Organization Volunteer Incentive Program
USDF has a recognition program for Volunteers. USDF Group Members can earn national recognition for their volunteer time with their GMO. KCDS would like to promote this program that began on May 28th, 2021. Any hours earned with KCDS after the start date can be submitted towards the incentive program. Below are links to the volunteer hours lists for 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 (will add 2025 soon). The form must be completed and signed by any member of the KCDS executive board. Here is a link to the full details of the program.