We do ask for help at our shows, as so much is involved in organising and running a successful one, from putting together the programs to organising judges, fundraising, prizes, that’s even before we have seen a horse and if the same people are constantly being a show official, they never get the chance to show their own horses, this seems unfair. Below we have put together some information points and job descriptions, in case you thought it would be too hard to help out…it’s easy and fun, if I can do, anyone can!
· All helpers need to be at the show at least 15-30 minutes prior to start time to run thru their jobs and be introduced to fellow show officials. Being a show official can be an informative and fun way to learn more about showing as you get to speak/listen to judge and other competitors.
· If you can only help for half the day, that’s great. If that is all you can do that will still go towards your show credit.
· All show officials will be given a badge to wear so people know where to go if they need help and there will always be the show manager around who will know the answers to the tricky questions.
· All show officials will be provided with drinks and snacks throughout the day. Only the Ring Steward and Announcers are provided lunch and usually have it with the Judge.
OFFICE DUTIES:- Take entries, hand out numbers, programs and assist the Treasurer
OUTSIDE GATE MARSHALL:- This role is to get all competitors in the next event into the inside marshalling area and prepare the next event & competitors ready to go in. Just keep everyone on the move. You will be given a clipboard with a list of who’s in each event so you know who/what number to call. It is just a matter of crossing everyone off your list as they enter the arena then making sure each competitor is ready at the start so time is not wasted.
INSIDE GATE MARSHALL:- The indoor marshall ensures that they have all the horses for the next event ready to enter the ring. This side of things MUST be kept flowing, keep horses entering in the ring as per the judges instructions. Some events competitors must go into the event in a certain order. This job too gets a clipboard and ticks off competitors. Also you need to keep in mind that people showing multiple horses have space to do their change over. If a competitor has a question about an event for the judge they must ask thru you and you pass it on to the ring steward who passes it on to the judge. Bit like pass the parcel. You also advise the rings steward how many competitors are in the event.
RING STEWARD:- The ring steward stays with the judge for the whole show in the ring. They have a clipboard with sheets where they mark placing of each event and assist judge wherever needed. They advise the judge the number of competitors before each event. In halter you must line the horses up however the judge asks and ensure the judge can get a clear view with room to safely move around. Most other events the judge will advise you how they want the competitors lined up. The ring steward also calls the gait out for the competitors when on the rail, or advises the announcer via a walkie talkie to call out gaits. You receive the ribbons or prizes from the ribbon runner and if so give the ribbons to the judge who will give you the placing to call out. You then ask competitors to leave the ring. Trail and reining you have to focus totally on the points the judge is calling out and put them down on a score sheet.
RIBBON RUNNER:- You will have the ribbon stand and table of prizes (if there is any) you need to ensure you have the correct amount of ribbons / prizes ready for each event and as they line up take them out to the ring steward for presentation.
ANNOUNCER:- Self explanatory, announce classes, announce gaits, mention sponsors, make general announcements as needed. Provide some fun and entertainment if you wish.
JUDGE PICKUP/DROP OFF:- Pretty self explanatory, you need to get the judge to the show by a set time and then return them to their accommodation, sometimes having to detour if there is somewhere they’d like to go/see along the way (this is for Non WA judges of course)
TRAIL GEAR:- Arrange for trail gear to be delivered to the show and returned afterwards. We always welcome big strong men to help set up and put away trail gear !!
ATTIRE:- You must at all times when being a show official be in western attire with hat, shirt, jacket and boots.
A huge thank you to all the people who have taken time out of their busy schedule to help out at our shows this year without you these shows wouldn’t have been as successful Thank you