Helping at rides
Rides can only take place if there are enough volunteers to run them. There are a number of roles that have to be fulfilled before a ride can take place - from Chief Steward to providing the rolls for the ride volunteers.
So, if you get a call from the Ride Co-ordinator asking you to help at a ride, please try to say "Yes". You might miss one ride, but there will be lots more to come and without the volunteer team, no-one gets to ride. We always welcome volunteers - please contact us if you're interested in taking on any of these roles for future rides.
The main tasks are:
Ride / route organiser
Investigates the route and organises the ride. Must have a clear and detailed knowledge of the route.
Ride Co-ordinator
Generally a committee member who liaises between the Ride Organiser and the committee. Makes sure vets, farriers, helpers, Raynet etc are organised. Organises helpers. Puts out guidelines and directions to the venue. Organises caravan transportation and catering for the volunteer helpers.
Chief Steward
Responsible for the smooth running of the ride. Needs to be familiar with the Club's rules; able to make impartial decisions when a complaint is lodged or incident reported and keep a cool head when the going gets tough. Can also be Ride Organiser or Administrator.
Ride Administrator
Based at the caravan at the start of the ride; gives out numbers; takes in Mastercards and mileage cards; liaises with Raynet and checkpoints; calculates speeds and works out awards; makes sure all horses and riders are accounted for; completes all riders' forms and returns them with rosettes at the end of the event; checks that all signage is returned to the caravan.
Starter / Timekeeper
Takes vet sheets from riders as they start and ensures they go out on time and with adequate gaps between them; enters time on sheet and completes timekeeper's sheet; at finish or halfway halt, gives riders their vet times, using three part forms provided; passes vet sheets back to Ride Administration; returns completed timekeeper's sheet to Ride Administration at the end of the event.
Vet Gate Timekeeper
Similar to above but must also record time when horse is declared ready to present to the vet as this is when the ride time clock stops running for each competitor; warns each competitor two minutes before departure time and counts down final 10 seconds to departure from vet gate.
Vet Writer
Plays a key part in efficient running of vet inspections. In absence of Vet Steward, ensures that horses present on time and in the right order; fills in the heart rate and any other vet comments on the bet sheet; cuts down on noise or other distractions in area; ensures trot-up is laid out correctly; ensures vet sheets are passed quickly back to the Ride Administrator at the end of the vetting.
Vet Gate Steward
On race rides, ensures smooth allocation of horses being presented to the vet(s); makes sure timekeepers are aware of progress of each horse and riders; ensures that riders and crews know length of hold time.
Competent Person
At Pleasure / Training rides, in absence of the vet or to help the vet at busy rides, takes heart rates, observes trot-up and general condition.
Tack Inspector
Checks condition, fit and correctness (according to Club Rules) of the horses' tack; riders' hat, whip, boots and first aid kit; refers disagreements to eth Chief Steward; signs vet sheet.
Checkpoint Steward
Checks off each rider as they pass through a checkpoint, recording the number and time. Informs base by mobile of any rider apparently missing or in trouble. Occasionally acts as road crossing marshal although is not authorised to stop traffic.
Course Marker / Demarker
Helps Ride Organiser mark the course before a ride and demark it after. A good way of familiarising yourself with the course.
Venue Marshall
Responsible for vehicle parking at the start. May be asked to fill other roles once all the riders have arrived.