[QUOTE=Winding Down;8227405]
Geeze, I will drive down to SP to volunteer if I can get a free place to sleep at night. Seriously![/QUOTE]
CHP is fantastic to their volunteers. The goodies at the CIC were awesome, and lunch was delicious. You should come down!
[QUOTE=Ajierene;8227790]
From a competitor standpoint (first 3 venues same, 4th and 5th different)
Venue 1 - proximity to house/horse is always a plus. The venue is well-run and offers recognized as well as unrecognized shows. Unrecognized courses tend to be a bit easier/shorter, but many obstacles the same (ie-water jump, ditch). Friendly staff, willing to accommodate when issues arise. Ribbons given out to 8th place or so.
Venue 2 - not to distant, runs rec. and unrec. Recognized shows well run, courses very flowing. Unrecognized shows are nice, but no cross country jump judges so very much the honor system. I compete there when I can.
Venue 3 - Only unrecognized, but nice courses. Website is confusing; I had trouble finding entry form and dressage test. Fairly well run. It is on my list, but not a priority. I am a bit torn because I don’t like how they treat the volunteers, but the course is really nice. They also usually give out ribbons for completing the course and often give out ribbons to 10th place.
Venue 4 - 2.5hrs away (all previous less than an hour). The course is nice, but they tend to try to squish to much, possibly to save money. The problem is when you have dressage 5+hours before jumping. I went novice and someone going beginner novice had a 6+wait time. For a one day show, that is a LONG day! If I need a show and it is the only one available, I will go there, but will probably take my money elsewhere if there is a choice.
Venue 5 - about 2 hrs away. Well run, very similar to venue 1 in terms of organization and friendliness. They offer recognized and unrec - similar to venue 1, unrec is a bit easier, but much of the similar obstacles. They also have prizes for top three placings - I got a tote bag that I still use and 10% coupon to a tack store that is often at shows, so even though their home base is not close, I can still shop there. If it were closer, I would compete there again.
The above is to give you an example of what brings volunteers and what brings competitors. I LOVE having goodies. Little bags of treats, water at the end of xc, etc. I can see where a victory gallop may be desired by someone else, but more than that, either all or nothing - the previous poster that mentioned a victory gallop for only the higher levels has a good point. It does make one seem less important.
Also, JP60 has some very good thoughts - whether you are for profit or not-for-profit, you are offering a service and need to think about what will bring the customers in. Venue 2 that I mentioned has a Halloween unrec show where prizes are given out for best costume - the top prize one year was a framed photo of you in costume. Photo was taken by local professional photographer that was at the show. Venue 3 I went to for my older mare’s last show and was happy that they were giving out ribbons for completion as I wanted that momento (often, I don’t have money for photographs). I ended up with a place ribbon (9th) due to the amount of people that finished in that class. That ribbon still hangs on my wall.[/QUOTE]
color me soooo jealous. closest venue to me is 4 hours away! But I did just move from a place where I had both Chats Hills and Poplar very very close.
[QUOTE=phoenixrises;8227910]
color me soooo jealous. closest venue to me is 4 hours away! But I did just move from a place where I had both Chats Hills and Poplar very very close.[/QUOTE]
I am VERY spoiled where I live. Within 2.5 hours, I have at least 6 recognized venues and (including those that run both) at least 5 unrecognized venues that are well run with good courses.
It does make being picky easier.
[QUOTE=trubandloki;8227290]
Wildlifer, I want to come volunteer at the events you are talking about, that sounds amazing.
The chapstick idea is brilliant, even more brilliant if it has sun screen in it.[/QUOTE]
Here you go (& we do have competitors & staff who come from the NE, including NY, VT, CT, even MN, lots of ride-share!): 
http://www.so8ths.com/volunteers/
You can also download my 2015 program of pretty (totally unbiased, ROFL) if you want to get an idea of it.
And actually, this post I just realized is rather pertinent to the conversation, plus includes some incredible video & a glimpse of the unique & diverse event that keeps growing every year: http://bit.ly/1Qz8s2t
(I cannot claim the chapstick idea, that I got when I jump judged at the Carolina International in 2014, I think it did have an SPF rating, it was brilliant!)
CHP is not so awesome to all volunteers… at the CIC I could only do one day and unfortunately that meant I didn’t get any goodies since they were all handed out and gone. So I did feel really left out when I saw what the other folks had gotten, but I’m not in it for the cool stuff right? I also feel bad about the fact that my volunteering the day of means I’m not part of the eventing community to folks on this board. If I’m in it to support eventing (and I’ve been volunteering for over a decade) and compete when I can, how can I not be part of the community?
[QUOTE=jelly8bean;8228015]
I also feel bad about the fact that my volunteering the day of means I’m not part of the eventing community to folks on this board.[/QUOTE]
I’m hoping that nothing I said was misconstrued. My point is that everyone, including (especially) those that volunteer are part of the eventing community. Which is why I think the service [industry] comparison is very dangerous – it sets up competitors as people who are being served by everyone else. IMO, it’s our sport and we have to treat it as such.
[QUOTE=jelly8bean;8228015]
CHP is not so awesome to all volunteers… at the CIC I could only do one day and unfortunately that meant I didn’t get any goodies since they were all handed out and gone. So I did feel really left out when I saw what the other folks had gotten, but I’m not in it for the cool stuff right? I also feel bad about the fact that my volunteering the day of means I’m not part of the eventing community to folks on this board. If I’m in it to support eventing (and I’ve been volunteering for over a decade) and compete when I can, how can I not be part of the community?[/QUOTE]
You are a part of the eventing community. Everyone who competes SHOULD volunteer. Whether they are a pro or not. I joked the last time I was a volunteer (a month or so ago) that if I donated at my hourly rate instead of my time, I’d be a top sponsor. Time is extremely valuable to everyone. But as part of this sport…we should all give some of it. I don’t donate my time for the swag. While some is nice…I’d rather have most of it go into the event and the swag is not why I volunteer my time.
Ive volunteered for a few events in areas II and IIII and been well treated. I think that is the norm.
I have also organized an HT before…and you couldn’t pay me to do it again. So I’m perfectly happy to get a cheap ribbon (if any) and an empty packet…if there is s good xc course for me to play on.
When I have volunteered I never expected anything, I bring my own chair, the only thing I expect is a clip board, pencil and radio. Lunch I can bring, but they offer so I’m cool with that. Other than that I’ve never received anything as a volunteer.
[QUOTE=LadyB;8228139]
the only thing I expect is a clip board, pencil and radio. [/QUOTE]
And sufficient bathroom breaks 
LOL can’t say I had any of those, also while jump judging as many fences as I could see because of the lack of volunteers.
[QUOTE=KayBee;8227603]
Bigger issue is how you know which particular plants have been sold so nothing gets sold twice. Yikes![/QUOTE]
I’m sure that could be figured out. Something like, “There’s an tag on each plant with a number. If you want to buy it, rip the tag off the plant and include the plant number with your payment.”
“The lovely plants you see decorating our courses and the dressage arena are on loan from our excellent local nursery, Bob’s Flowers-n-Things. These plants are for sale - please see X at location Y if there’s a plant you’re interested in purchasing. Or, visit them to see their full selection – they’re located nearby on Route 66.”
Yes, exactly that! For extra points, have the announcer talk about how hardy the plants are, or what conditions they thrive in, or make some jokes about how barns can park their plant next to their ::cough:: compost pile and wash rack. 
“I really want a T-shirt from your event, but I hate them, please hire a screenprinter instead.”
If you volunteered to do the legwork, I bet they’d jump at the opportunity. Most events know that their shirt sucks, but they don’t have time to track down a decent graphic designer. You could hire an actual graphic designer (like COTH’s own FlashGordon), get a local designer to barter for free advertising to the equestrian community (who are often desperate for good graphic design), or hire somebody on Fiverr. You could get an amazeballs shirt design on Fiverrr for $50 or less.
Also, am wondering if it’s something you could do at the really, really big shows, given the number of spectators? Long waits might lead to frustration. Small to medium-sized venues might work best? Thoughts?
I’ve seen live-screen printing at big concerts/festivals, too. The company just brings more screen presses, like six/seven/eight racks going at once. It’s a really fast process, like 30 to 60 seconds per shirt. A video example:
https://youtu.be/XnWyY3cJELk?t=35s
The vendor at my local elementary school’s carnival only had one screen, and there were easily 500+ people at this carnival. He had no trouble keeping up. A picture of their setup from Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/alisonrosetees/photos/a.10151949115269521.1073741831.30707114520/10153290563304521/?type=1
For what it’s worth, when I organized the HT, we did get donation of plants and sold many off. I know many HTs that do this. The September event at plantation sells all the mums off in the days following the event. They move them all to one place and you drive up and pick out the ones you want.
[QUOTE=kcmel;8228152]
And sufficient bathroom breaks :)[/QUOTE]
I try to jump judge near tree lines. I have 2 min in between each rider!
Good ideas! Meanwhile…
[QUOTE=jn4jenny;8228365]
Most events know that their shirt sucks, but they don’t have time to track down a decent graphic designer. You could hire an actual graphic designer (like COTH’s own FlashGordon), get a local designer to barter for free advertising to the equestrian community (who are often desperate for good graphic design), or hire somebody on Fiverr. You could get an amazeballs shirt design on Fiverrr for $50 or less.[/QUOTE]
In this particular case, I have no issue with the graphic. It is the Hanes Beefy T that it is printed on. I bought one, several years ago and I’ve worn it twice. Either I have to wear something that looks like I’m wearing a bag, or it’s too tight over my chest in an unflattering way (I’m somewhat generously endowed).
Ah well. First world problems
I know exactly what you mean. Probably 75% of the “free” shirts I get for running races are like this.
[QUOTE=Ajierene;8227790]
Also, JP60 has some very good thoughts - whether you are for profit or not-for-profit, you are offering a service and need to think about what will bring the customers in.[/QUOTE]
Thank you. That had been my major point. Without customers/competitors there is no event. Without repeat customers/competitors an event cannot survive.
No business/Event should accept boorish, poor, and rude behavior from attendees, but when bringing together hundreds of people, not all will be saints. Someone talked about litter, but how can one say that didn’t come from spectators?
There are so many things that go into holding an Event that I, as a competitor cannot see or know about. that is unfortunate since most likely it is those things that help make a smooth running event. When I talked about the small things, ribbons, candies, thank yous, staying till the last group is gone…those are the visible things and in one way, the least expensive, yet the most powerful impact to the competitor/customer. I cannot take home good footing, even though it was important to a good show, I’m not privy to the long hours, the wrangling of volunteers, the herculean effort to ensure ride times are met. I just see the part of the iceberg sticking up and those are the small things and as a whole, they do matter.
(and yes, I personally do know these things, I do volunteer, but not everyone does).
[QUOTE=bornfreenowexpensive;8228096]
I have also organized an HT before…and you couldn’t pay me to do it again. So I’m perfectly happy to get a cheap ribbon (if any) and an empty packet…if there is s good xc course for me to play on.[/QUOTE]
I am curious, what prompted you to organize a Horse Trial, what were your expectations, and what was it that made you so adamant to never want to do it again?
As one who organized a national sailing event your comments are not unknown, but it might be helpful to understand the emotion.
[QUOTE=JP60;8229525]
I am curious, what prompted you to organize a Horse Trial, what were your expectations, and what was it that made you so adamant to never want to do it again?
As one who organized a national sailing event your comments are not unknown, but it might be helpful to understand the emotion.[/QUOTE]
I was on the board of our local combined training association that ran a recognized HT among other things. The former Organizer stepped down and as an eventer, I was asked to do it. No one else would. The old organizer stayed on as event Secretary. But the association was suffering from volunteer burn out. So every time I went to the old organizer with something…I got, well we have a committee who handled that…but then no one was left on the committee who wanted to do anything so my co-organizer and myself ended up doing almost everything. It was brutal. Then add that the long time land owner sold the farm…and while the new owners were fine to let the even still run (it was actually a condition in the sale)…the rings hadn’t been dragged in months, the fields were not cut (I ended up having to call in help–and pay for it–to get things mowed).
There was just soooo much to do…on top of my 60-70+ hour a week job.
While we broke even (because of our schooling day)–I told he board to sell the jumps and put he HT on hiatus for awhile. Without a land owner willing to do the basic up keep of the facilities and with the extreme lack of volunteers, they needed to find another location and let the volunteer pool recharge. Which is what happened. The association now runs an unrecognized event on public grounds but it took a few years to find the location and for some more people to volunteer.
Besides not ever being an organizer…it burned me out from being on boards for these sorts of things for a few years (I got sucked back into a few though). I’m used to public companies and more sophisticated businesses…it is hard for a lawyer to be on any board as you get peppered with legal questions when that isn’t your role.
[QUOTE=bornfreenowexpensive;8229585]
I was on the board of our local combined training association that ran a recognized HT among other things. The former Organizer stepped down and as an eventer, I was asked to do it. No one else would. The old organizer stayed on as event Secretary. But the association was suffering from volunteer burn out. So every time I went to the old organizer with something…I got, well we have a committee who handled that…but then no one was left on the committee who wanted to do anything so my co-organizer and myself ended up doing almost everything. It was brutal. Then add that the long time land owner sold the farm…and while the new owners were fine to let the even still run (it was actually a condition in the sale)…the rings hadn’t been dragged in months, the fields were not cut (I ended up having to call in help–and pay for it–to get things mowed).
There was just soooo much to do…on top of my 60+ hour a week job.
While we broke even (because of our schooling day)–I told he board to sell the jumps and put he HT on hiatus for awhile. Without a land owner willing to do the basic up keep of the facilities and with the extreme lack of volunteers, they needed to find another location and let the volunteer pool recharge. Which is what happened. The association now runs an unrecognized event on public grounds but it took a few years to find the location and for some more people to volunteer.
Besides not ever being an organizer…it burned me out from being on boards for these sorts of things for a few years (I got sucked back into a few though). I’m used to public companies and more sophisticated businesses…it is hard for a lawyer to be on any board as you get peppered with legal questions when that isn’t your role.[/QUOTE]
Whoa, that read like a horror story of organization. Now I understand. It is sad to read that a owner would not want to be more active. Makes me mad for at this point in my life I would love to be in that position (owner with property to use).
When I was chairman for a national sailing event, the factor for me was trying to organize/run and compete at the same time (and keep a full time job). At the end I placed well, everyone was really happy and I was so burnt out I walked away from sailing (though other factors were at work).
Thank you for sharing.
I just do not like the title of this thread. So there. I said it. :eek:
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