We are always looking for volunteers to help run CDCTS sponsored events like shows, clinics, symposiums, etc. Volunteers are what make our club work, and we cannot organize and put on fun and educational events and shows without a good staff of volunteers. If you would like to become a volunteer, please review the job descriptions below, and contact a board member or the event's organizer. As a perk of volunteering for CDCTS, you will earn Dressage Bucks, which can be used to pay for CDCTS sponsored events, such as clinics, shows, and symposiums, as well as merchandise, food at CDCTS-run food booths, and much more! We also recognize outstanding Volunteers with a Year-End Volunteer award, so come on out and get started, we'd love to have your help!

Please remember, for the 2007 membership year, any CDCTS member who would like to be eligible for year end awards must complete a minimum of 4 hours of volunteer work during the membership year (December 1, 2006 - November 30, 2007).

Volunteers who would like to be eligible for year end awards must complete a minimum of 4 hours of volunteer work during the 2007 membership year. Please download and print a copy of our Volunteer Hour Log, which you will use to record your volunteer work throughout the year. Logs must be signed and dated by the event coordinator, and turned in with test scores at the end of the year for year end awards.

Scribe - The scribe sits with the judge (or stands in rail classes) and writes down comments and scores on the sheet provided. Scribing for dressage tests is relatively easy at the lower levels, and can be done by anyone with quick and legible writing. Scribing for upper level tests is more fast-paced, but anyone with some previous scribing experience can do it. Scribing is a great opportunity to learn about dressage from the judge's point of view, and is considered by most to be a great educational experience.

Runner - Runners are responsible for collecting tests from the judge and delivering them to the scorer, as well as for retrieving food or other necessary items for the judge and scribe. Runners may be asked to do various odd jobs, but often have plenty of time to watch the show!

Scorer - The scorer is responsible for tallying up scores for each dressage test, checking them twice, and then posting the placings for the class. A scorer must know the basics of how to tally a dressage or CT test (it is very easy to learn), and good electronic calculator skills are a plus. Scorers are usually inside, away from the action, but their job is very important and accuracy is a must!

Jump Crew/Arena Setup Crew - The jump crew is responsible for setting jumps, re-setting jumps after a rail is knocked, and doing any necessary course adjustments for the different levels. Jumps can be heavy, so crew members need to be fit enough to lift and carry 50lbs. The arena setup crew is responsible for setting up the dressage arena and letters before the show, and for tearing down the arena after the show. The CDCTS dressage arena is very easy to set up, and is lightweight, so anyone who is available before the day of the show or at the end of the show day might want to volunteer for this job.

Ring Steward - The ring steward is responsible for the warm-up area. He or she must check each rider's bridle number to make sure it is the correct number and is correctly placed, and must let each rider know when their turn in the arena is coming up. The ring steward may also be asked to check tack and bits to make sure they are legal for competition, and acts as the go-between for riders in the warmup and the arena, keeping everything running on time and informing the arena of any discrepancies, problems, or scratches. The ring steward has a big job, but it is a fun way to get to know riders and their horses as well as to be very involved in the organization and running of the show.

Concessions - The concessions are a big part of every show...and an opportunity to make some money if everything runs well! Concessions can be basic to elaborate, but good things to offer are lots of drinks, snack foods, and possibly lunch items like hot dogs, hamburgers, or soup/sandwiches. CDCTS occasionally runs a concession stand, and staffers are in charge of setup, cleanup, and collecting money, but often we invite pony club or 4-H to run their own concessions at our shows as a fund-raiser. If you would like to organize a concession stand at one of our shows, just ask!