This page has information about the volunteer positions that make the Equestrian competition
happen. There are 'mini' job descriptions so you can understand who is doing what and it may
help when a question arises. The majority of the people will either work in the arena or paddock.
These jobs are considered 'show management' since they are not jobs working directly with the
athlete such as coaches, horse handlers and side walkers.
happen. There are 'mini' job descriptions so you can understand who is doing what and it may
help when a question arises. The majority of the people will either work in the arena or paddock.
These jobs are considered 'show management' since they are not jobs working directly with the
athlete such as coaches, horse handlers and side walkers.
| EQUESTRIAN VOLUNTEERS SHOW MANAGEMENT Two day commitment |
The jobs listed in this section are for the two days of the show. We like the individual to commit for both days. All the positions are unpaid volunteer
positions. This group is referred to as the Posse. We prefer to recruit for these positions long before the show so people can be sure they
understand what is expected of them not only in the specific job but in their interactions with athletes and other volunteers.
JUDGE This individual is required to have a strong background in horses show competition and be familiar with current AQHA rules. He/she will be
on his/her feet all day in the arena. The Equestrian Advisor will make the final determination on the suitability of the individual to judge the show.
Filled for 2008
RING STEWARD This person will assist the judge. He/she performs secretarial duties for each class per the judge's needs and request. He/she
communicates with the announcer regarding class requirements such as change of gait, change of direction,stop and line up, etc. He/she
communicates class results to the announcer. He/she may relay instructions to the exhibitors as directed by the Judge. He/she will be in
communication with the Paddock Secretary and Gate Attendant regarding exhibitors in each class. This person will work in the arena being on
his/her feet most of the day. The individual needs to have good organizational and communication skills. Interactions are with the Judge, Exhibitors,
Announcer, Gate Attendant and Paddock Secretary. Filled for 2008
ANNOUNCER The announcer will work in the announcers stand. He/she must be comfortable with public speaking, using a microphone and have
the ability to keep the show moving. The individual must be able to communicate clearly and have a good strong voice. He/she will make any
announcements of general interest as required, announce judge's directions to the athletes as relayed and announce the results of each class. The
job is sedentary. Interactions are primarily with the Ring Steward and Secretary. Filled for 2008
SHOW SECRETARY This person works in the announcers stand. He/she must have a background in Special Olympics, understand the rules of the
competition as well as divisioning of athletes. He/she keeps the records of the event as it is occurring and tallies information in preparation of end of
show awards to athletes. He/she provides information to the state office and any other as required. He/she will work with the Ring Steward and
Announcer.
ARENA MANAGER This person is stationed inside the arena as the events take place. He/she is responsible for safety in the arena such as
spacing between exhibitors when they are waiting in line up. He/she will instruct the athlete and their support personnel to correct a situation he/she
perceives to be a safety hazard. He/she will be in the arena with all events both days. May be designated to help with stop watches and quick train
the timers for the gymkhana events. This individual will have the ability to continually assess the activities in the arena for optimal safety. He/she is
on his/her feet all day and working in the sun. Filled for 2008
MAIN GATE ATTENDANT The gate attendant is stationed in the paddock just outside the arena. He/she is in charge of letting exhibitors into the
arena when they are due to perform. He/she will maintain a closed gate at all times when an exhibitor or exhibitors are in the arena. He/she is in
regular communication with the Ring Steward, Paddock Liaison and Paddock Secretary. He/she will also serve as last 'safety eyes' on the exhibitor,
horse and tack as they prepare to enter the arena. Will work with Paddock Secretary in assuring only waiting athlete and his/her support personnel
are in the waiting area before entering the arena. May be designated to help with stop watches and quick train the timers for the Gymkhana events.
If someone has questions of the judge, they will come here and let the Attendant know. The attendant will signal the Ring Steward so questions can
be addressed properly. This person will be on their feet and in the sun all day. Filled for 2008
OUT GATE ATTENDANT This person is responsible for making sure the out gate remains closed during all events. It is only opened when the
exhibitor is walking the horse to it.
**PADDOCK LIAISON This is a person from Special Olympics who is familiar with the athletes and coaches. He/she will float in the paddock area
and perform safety checks prior to exhibitor entering the arena. He/she will take care of any changes in the 'order of go' in a class if needed for tack
change, horse or any other need. These changes will be communicated to the Gate Attendant and Paddock Secretary as soon as known. The
Paddock Liaison, EA Resource and Athlete Coordinator and Athlete Wrangler will work together to keep athletes ready for their classes and best
use volunteers in their areas. This person is in the sun and on their feet all day and in the horse area.
**EQUESTRIAN RESOURCE This person is from Special Olympics and has been recruited by the Equestrian Advisor as a general resource person
to him/her. This individual will be in the paddock area helping with the show but available to the EA if needed. The ER will assist with safety checks
before exhibitor enters arena. He/she will work with the Paddock Liaison regarding exhibitor order of go in classes or any changes. He/she will work
with Paddock Liaison to assign volunteers in the paddock area as needed. He/she will work with Paddock Liaison and Athlete Coordinator to keep
athletes ready for their classes and to best utilize volunteers. This person is in the sun and on their feet all day and in the horse area. Filled for 2008
**ATHLETE COORDINATOR He/she is from Special Olympics, stationed in the paddock and responsible for having athletes ready and waiting as
their class is called. The AC will work with the athletes to get them from their waiting area to the mounting area in proper of go for their class. The
AC will see that mounting blocks are moved as necessary, that the athlete mounts and dismounts safely, that tack adjustments are made for the
athlete if needed, that the athlete's helmet is properly adjusted prior to entering the arena. The Paddock Liaison, Equestrian Resource, and Athlete
Coordinator work together to keep the athletes ready for their classes and to best utilize volunteers. This person is in the sun in the horse area and
on their feet all day.
**Special Note The Paddock Liaison, Equestrian Resource and Athlete Coordinator oversee the duties as described. They will have volunteers
working under their direction to accomplish the various tasks.
ATHLETE WRANGLER This individual is in charge of volunteers assigned to wait with athletes in the waiting area. He/she is responsible for having
enough people assigned to entertain, visit with and escort athletes that are waiting to compete. He/she will work closely with the Paddock Liaison,
Equestrian Resource and Athlete Coordinator. He/she will work in the athlete waiting area. Filled for 2008
COORDINATOR KID CORRAL This person will manage volunteers to work with children that accompany volunteers and families of participants.
He/she will structure a program for each of the two days that will provide activities for these children. The children will range in age from maybe 5-6
to teenagers. They will be located in an area near the competition but not in or near the paddock. He/she will be in contact with the Posse Volunteer
Coordinator. Filled for 2008
COORDINATOR POSSE VOLUNTEERS This person will be the contact for the volunteers working in the paddock and arena. He/she will be
stationed in the paddock with the Paddock Secretary. Volunteers will report in to this person and he/she will see them to their assignment. He/she
will have a master list of volunteers and phone numbers to contact them if necessary. The list will include the time of their assignment and he/she
will see that they are in place when needed. He/she may provide documentation to volunteers who need it for their organization or business. He/she
will see that those volunteering less than the two days receives Posse Recognition. He/she sees to it that those volunteering are accounted for so
they will receive recognition. He/she will work closely with the Paddock Secretary and may relieve that position if needed. He/she will work closely
with the Equestrian Advisor. He/she will be in the sun and on his/her feet part of the day. Filled for 2008
PADDOCK SECRETARY This person needs to be highly organized and flexible. He/she is responsible for paperwork in the paddock. He/she will
work closely with the Ring Steward, Announcer, Main Gate Attendant, Paddock Liaison, Equestrian Advisor, Equestrian Resource and be available
as a resource for coaches, families and athletes. He/she will also serve as last 'safety eyes' on the exhibitor, horse and tack as they prepare to
enter the arena. Will work with Main Gate Attendant in assuring only waiting athlete and his/her support personnel are in the waiting area before
entering the arena.He/she will be responsible for posting results in the paddock area; supply timed events recorders with their prepared forms prior
to the class; collect completed score sheets - all events; receive any SO feed back forms. He/she will be the keeper of the Advisor's rule book and
assist as necessary in looking up information for athletes, coaches and families. He/she will make sure questions not easily answered are referred
to the Equestrian Advisor . Filled for 2008
POSSE PHOTOGRAPHER This person will be in the paddock area and will take pictures of those volunteering and working the show. HE/she will be
out in the sun and on his/her feet. He/she will be in the area with high horse activity. He/she will see that a copy of photos is given to the Equestrian
Advisor. Filled for 2008
ATHLETE PHOTOGRAPHER This individual has performed the job in the past and is returning. He is a professional photographer volunteering his
time and resources to this endeavor. He will be inside the arena for all events. If there are any concerns about where he will be shooting from when
an athlete is in the arena get information to him prior to the run. The only concern has been in timed events. Remember, where he is stationed will
affect the look of the photo.
PUBLIC RELATIONS The Clovis/Portales Area Coordinator will fill this job. He/she will not be assigned to any specific task. He/she will be available
and will float among the volunteer areas during the competition. He/she will make arrangements for any media coverage of the event; meet with
media representatives that show up; arrange for the reps from Albuquerque to meet volunteers and get a feel of what is going on; take time to listen
to comments from those he/she encounters. Filled for 2008
EQUESTRIAN ADVISOR Prior to the show he/she will review the current rules posted by National and assure compliance of this show. He/she will
communicate during the year with those involved to improve the upcoming show. He/she will recruit a qualified judge and provide necessary training.
He/she will maintain the communication website for this event and the three county Special Olympics groups. He/she will assist in recruiting
volunteers for this event and local Special Olympics in general. He/she will provide training if requested. If participants respond to post show survey
he/she will compile results and post survey information tot he website. As volunteers are recruited to work with the horses may provide basic
instruction to them so they can be safe and safely work with horses. The days of the show he/she will arrange for a pre-show meeting for anyone
interested to address any last minute questions. He/she oversees the flow of events in the arena and paddock. He/she will have available on the
show grounds the rules governing the competition. It will be easily accessible by anyone with questions. He/she serves as a resource to the Posse
Volunteers. He/she will observe, interview, and otherwise gather information in order to improve future shows. He/she will gather information to bring
to the post show meeting. He/she will arrange for a post-show meeting for anyone interested to share comments and ideas while information is
fresh. He/she will provide a final report to the Area Coordinator and post it on the web site. Filled for 2008
positions. This group is referred to as the Posse. We prefer to recruit for these positions long before the show so people can be sure they
understand what is expected of them not only in the specific job but in their interactions with athletes and other volunteers.
JUDGE This individual is required to have a strong background in horses show competition and be familiar with current AQHA rules. He/she will be
on his/her feet all day in the arena. The Equestrian Advisor will make the final determination on the suitability of the individual to judge the show.
Filled for 2008
RING STEWARD This person will assist the judge. He/she performs secretarial duties for each class per the judge's needs and request. He/she
communicates with the announcer regarding class requirements such as change of gait, change of direction,stop and line up, etc. He/she
communicates class results to the announcer. He/she may relay instructions to the exhibitors as directed by the Judge. He/she will be in
communication with the Paddock Secretary and Gate Attendant regarding exhibitors in each class. This person will work in the arena being on
his/her feet most of the day. The individual needs to have good organizational and communication skills. Interactions are with the Judge, Exhibitors,
Announcer, Gate Attendant and Paddock Secretary. Filled for 2008
ANNOUNCER The announcer will work in the announcers stand. He/she must be comfortable with public speaking, using a microphone and have
the ability to keep the show moving. The individual must be able to communicate clearly and have a good strong voice. He/she will make any
announcements of general interest as required, announce judge's directions to the athletes as relayed and announce the results of each class. The
job is sedentary. Interactions are primarily with the Ring Steward and Secretary. Filled for 2008
SHOW SECRETARY This person works in the announcers stand. He/she must have a background in Special Olympics, understand the rules of the
competition as well as divisioning of athletes. He/she keeps the records of the event as it is occurring and tallies information in preparation of end of
show awards to athletes. He/she provides information to the state office and any other as required. He/she will work with the Ring Steward and
Announcer.
ARENA MANAGER This person is stationed inside the arena as the events take place. He/she is responsible for safety in the arena such as
spacing between exhibitors when they are waiting in line up. He/she will instruct the athlete and their support personnel to correct a situation he/she
perceives to be a safety hazard. He/she will be in the arena with all events both days. May be designated to help with stop watches and quick train
the timers for the gymkhana events. This individual will have the ability to continually assess the activities in the arena for optimal safety. He/she is
on his/her feet all day and working in the sun. Filled for 2008
MAIN GATE ATTENDANT The gate attendant is stationed in the paddock just outside the arena. He/she is in charge of letting exhibitors into the
arena when they are due to perform. He/she will maintain a closed gate at all times when an exhibitor or exhibitors are in the arena. He/she is in
regular communication with the Ring Steward, Paddock Liaison and Paddock Secretary. He/she will also serve as last 'safety eyes' on the exhibitor,
horse and tack as they prepare to enter the arena. Will work with Paddock Secretary in assuring only waiting athlete and his/her support personnel
are in the waiting area before entering the arena. May be designated to help with stop watches and quick train the timers for the Gymkhana events.
If someone has questions of the judge, they will come here and let the Attendant know. The attendant will signal the Ring Steward so questions can
be addressed properly. This person will be on their feet and in the sun all day. Filled for 2008
OUT GATE ATTENDANT This person is responsible for making sure the out gate remains closed during all events. It is only opened when the
exhibitor is walking the horse to it.
**PADDOCK LIAISON This is a person from Special Olympics who is familiar with the athletes and coaches. He/she will float in the paddock area
and perform safety checks prior to exhibitor entering the arena. He/she will take care of any changes in the 'order of go' in a class if needed for tack
change, horse or any other need. These changes will be communicated to the Gate Attendant and Paddock Secretary as soon as known. The
Paddock Liaison, EA Resource and Athlete Coordinator and Athlete Wrangler will work together to keep athletes ready for their classes and best
use volunteers in their areas. This person is in the sun and on their feet all day and in the horse area.
**EQUESTRIAN RESOURCE This person is from Special Olympics and has been recruited by the Equestrian Advisor as a general resource person
to him/her. This individual will be in the paddock area helping with the show but available to the EA if needed. The ER will assist with safety checks
before exhibitor enters arena. He/she will work with the Paddock Liaison regarding exhibitor order of go in classes or any changes. He/she will work
with Paddock Liaison to assign volunteers in the paddock area as needed. He/she will work with Paddock Liaison and Athlete Coordinator to keep
athletes ready for their classes and to best utilize volunteers. This person is in the sun and on their feet all day and in the horse area. Filled for 2008
**ATHLETE COORDINATOR He/she is from Special Olympics, stationed in the paddock and responsible for having athletes ready and waiting as
their class is called. The AC will work with the athletes to get them from their waiting area to the mounting area in proper of go for their class. The
AC will see that mounting blocks are moved as necessary, that the athlete mounts and dismounts safely, that tack adjustments are made for the
athlete if needed, that the athlete's helmet is properly adjusted prior to entering the arena. The Paddock Liaison, Equestrian Resource, and Athlete
Coordinator work together to keep the athletes ready for their classes and to best utilize volunteers. This person is in the sun in the horse area and
on their feet all day.
**Special Note The Paddock Liaison, Equestrian Resource and Athlete Coordinator oversee the duties as described. They will have volunteers
working under their direction to accomplish the various tasks.
ATHLETE WRANGLER This individual is in charge of volunteers assigned to wait with athletes in the waiting area. He/she is responsible for having
enough people assigned to entertain, visit with and escort athletes that are waiting to compete. He/she will work closely with the Paddock Liaison,
Equestrian Resource and Athlete Coordinator. He/she will work in the athlete waiting area. Filled for 2008
COORDINATOR KID CORRAL This person will manage volunteers to work with children that accompany volunteers and families of participants.
He/she will structure a program for each of the two days that will provide activities for these children. The children will range in age from maybe 5-6
to teenagers. They will be located in an area near the competition but not in or near the paddock. He/she will be in contact with the Posse Volunteer
Coordinator. Filled for 2008
COORDINATOR POSSE VOLUNTEERS This person will be the contact for the volunteers working in the paddock and arena. He/she will be
stationed in the paddock with the Paddock Secretary. Volunteers will report in to this person and he/she will see them to their assignment. He/she
will have a master list of volunteers and phone numbers to contact them if necessary. The list will include the time of their assignment and he/she
will see that they are in place when needed. He/she may provide documentation to volunteers who need it for their organization or business. He/she
will see that those volunteering less than the two days receives Posse Recognition. He/she sees to it that those volunteering are accounted for so
they will receive recognition. He/she will work closely with the Paddock Secretary and may relieve that position if needed. He/she will work closely
with the Equestrian Advisor. He/she will be in the sun and on his/her feet part of the day. Filled for 2008
PADDOCK SECRETARY This person needs to be highly organized and flexible. He/she is responsible for paperwork in the paddock. He/she will
work closely with the Ring Steward, Announcer, Main Gate Attendant, Paddock Liaison, Equestrian Advisor, Equestrian Resource and be available
as a resource for coaches, families and athletes. He/she will also serve as last 'safety eyes' on the exhibitor, horse and tack as they prepare to
enter the arena. Will work with Main Gate Attendant in assuring only waiting athlete and his/her support personnel are in the waiting area before
entering the arena.He/she will be responsible for posting results in the paddock area; supply timed events recorders with their prepared forms prior
to the class; collect completed score sheets - all events; receive any SO feed back forms. He/she will be the keeper of the Advisor's rule book and
assist as necessary in looking up information for athletes, coaches and families. He/she will make sure questions not easily answered are referred
to the Equestrian Advisor . Filled for 2008
POSSE PHOTOGRAPHER This person will be in the paddock area and will take pictures of those volunteering and working the show. HE/she will be
out in the sun and on his/her feet. He/she will be in the area with high horse activity. He/she will see that a copy of photos is given to the Equestrian
Advisor. Filled for 2008
ATHLETE PHOTOGRAPHER This individual has performed the job in the past and is returning. He is a professional photographer volunteering his
time and resources to this endeavor. He will be inside the arena for all events. If there are any concerns about where he will be shooting from when
an athlete is in the arena get information to him prior to the run. The only concern has been in timed events. Remember, where he is stationed will
affect the look of the photo.
PUBLIC RELATIONS The Clovis/Portales Area Coordinator will fill this job. He/she will not be assigned to any specific task. He/she will be available
and will float among the volunteer areas during the competition. He/she will make arrangements for any media coverage of the event; meet with
media representatives that show up; arrange for the reps from Albuquerque to meet volunteers and get a feel of what is going on; take time to listen
to comments from those he/she encounters. Filled for 2008
EQUESTRIAN ADVISOR Prior to the show he/she will review the current rules posted by National and assure compliance of this show. He/she will
communicate during the year with those involved to improve the upcoming show. He/she will recruit a qualified judge and provide necessary training.
He/she will maintain the communication website for this event and the three county Special Olympics groups. He/she will assist in recruiting
volunteers for this event and local Special Olympics in general. He/she will provide training if requested. If participants respond to post show survey
he/she will compile results and post survey information tot he website. As volunteers are recruited to work with the horses may provide basic
instruction to them so they can be safe and safely work with horses. The days of the show he/she will arrange for a pre-show meeting for anyone
interested to address any last minute questions. He/she oversees the flow of events in the arena and paddock. He/she will have available on the
show grounds the rules governing the competition. It will be easily accessible by anyone with questions. He/she serves as a resource to the Posse
Volunteers. He/she will observe, interview, and otherwise gather information in order to improve future shows. He/she will gather information to bring
to the post show meeting. He/she will arrange for a post-show meeting for anyone interested to share comments and ideas while information is
fresh. He/she will provide a final report to the Area Coordinator and post it on the web site. Filled for 2008
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