Assuming they are paid at USDF shows? Any volunteer opportunities to do so? Its on my bucket list. Eventer doing more dressage than ever before, so curious about protocol in dressag land, etc. TIA.
In my area it is a volunteer position and for rated shows scribes must have prior experience, which they would get at schooling shows.
That may not be true in all areas.
There are both paid and volunteer opportunities available. 
Schooling shows are often a good place to break yourself in when it comes to scribing.
I’ve never been paid. It is fun though.
I have scribed 1000’s of hours all the way to CDI
never been paid
and they are USEF shows not USDF
Simply contact shows and say you are a new to scribing but would like to volunteer
Scribing is not a difficult task IF you are an experienced show rider.
If you have never shown, I think you might want to volunteer for other jobs at the show, and think about getting some ring time to boot. Paddock stewart is another cool job- you get to watch all the rides, help the competitors, and keep an eye on the warm up, which is an education in itself.
Our chapter held a scribing tutorial some years ago, which gave me the confidence to start scribing myself.
I’ve never heard of it being a paid position- and I scribed at CDS annual show last year as a volunteer, which is a HUGE event.
It’s an interesting job, fairly high pressure as there is a lot to write down, and keep on track. Can give you a birds eye view of what the judges are looking for, and at “C” it’s pretty obvious who stacks up against who, even with only glimpses of the tests that you get as a scribe.
Judges by and large are very gracious, hoping to give good marks and see good riding. I don’t see a whole lot of favoritism about anything in the box, yet people whine on and on about judges not liking their horse because of breed, sex, color, whatever. Mostly the judge doesn’t give higher marks because of the way the horse is going, or the rider is riding, and that impacts the performance. So scribing gives a lot of insight into the process.
Frankly, I think judges are amazing at what they do- I could not possibly stand in their shoes and keep their objectivity and cool for hours on end in the box. Hats off to our dedicated judges!!
[QUOTE=eventer2002;8661079]
Assuming they are paid at USDF shows? Any volunteer opportunities to do so? Its on my bucket list. Eventer doing more dressage than ever before, so curious about protocol in dressag land, etc. TIA.[/QUOTE]
Like hoopoe, I’ve scribed more hours than I can count, and never been paid. I have heard that there are judges who have their own scribes and the scribes travel with them and are paid by the judges. I’ve never scribed at the international level, though, so I don’t know the ins and outs of scribing at that level.
The very best way to get your feet wet is to volunteer at schooling shows. I remember how nervous I was the first time I scribed. When I told the judge I was a new scribe she was lovely and did everything she could to help me learn the ropes.
Scribing is a great opportunity to learn about how the judge sees things and, if you’re lucky, to hear some great gossip. You must never, ever repeat anything you hear from the judge’s mouth, though, unless it’s something like, “Your GMO sure knows how to put on a great show!”
I have enjoyed every scribing experience except one, and that judge was a pompous “gentleman” who treated me like his indentured servant. Most judges are lots of fun, very nice, and eager to teach you about dressage from the judge’s point of view.
Down here in Florida scribes are regularly a paid position at recognized shows. Schooling shows ALWAYS need volunteers of some type or another; Find your local association and see what they are doing.
This also allows you to start scribing at lower levels; its much easier to do a training level test than the upper levels where movements come faster and there are more of them!
Don’t forget that eventing dressage needs scribes, too! That might be a good place to start, since you’ll be familiar with the tests and already have connections to show manager.
The smaller size arena means that movements come much more quickly than similar levels in a large arena, and IMO you’ll want to look for judges who have “regular” dressage licenses (unless eventing did away with their weekend licensing course?) to get started. They have the most solid methodology which is helpful when you’re just getting started.
[QUOTE=HSS;8661335]
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I’ve never heard of it being a paid position- and I scribed at CDS annual show last year as a volunteer, which is a HUGE event.
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thank you!
Most of the scribe positions are volunteer in our area - and at rated shows, experience required. Some of our bigger, multi-day shows pay the scribes who commit to the ENTIRE show - so 3 or 4 days. Otherwise, it is volunteer. I’ve scribed through CDI level and the only “pay” I’ve gotten is lunch - and one time they paid my hotel bill because it was 2 days and 3 hours of driving each day, and they couldn’t find a scribe!
Volunteer work in our area as well, although I know one person - with a great deal of experience - who spends part of the winter in FL and gets paid to scribe at Global.
I am interested in learning to scribe as well, and think it would be an interesting and educational experience. I also feel like I benefit from the efforts of other volunteer scribes a lot when I show, and should therefore pitch in and do my part to give back a bit. (The challenge for me is that most of the shows here are far enough away that they require a hotel stay.)
I scribed several times and many years before I ever entered a show myself. I can see where there would be advantages to your scribing ability by having shown first. But there are huge advantages to showing after having first scribed, as well.
Chief among which are seeing the judges as regular people with senses of humor. And more than anything, gaining the understanding that the judge is truly on the side of every pair that comes down centerline.
The judge wants to see you do well. He or she also wants to see you having fun, and appearing to enjoy your horse. I’m so glad I scribed and got that perspective from C long before riding a test. That experience informs my attitude in every show now that I finally made it to the inside of the ring.
Paid? Didn’t even realize that was done. I’ve scribed at CDIs as a volunteer. Never realized payment was even a possibility. LOL
I remember now that I did get paid once. The venue was over an hour drive each way, but they were desperate for a scribe and offered me $6 an hour. I did it because the show manager was a friend. It did pay for my gas, wear and tear on my car, etc.
[QUOTE=Sandy M;8661786]
Paid? Didn’t even realize that was done. I’ve scribed at CDIs as a volunteer. Never realized payment was even a possibility. LOL[/QUOTE]
Not in California, Sandy, but here in central Florida, it seems to be the norm. It may be because the shows are longer and there are many more of them, managers want to be able to count on people for the whole week month after month, not just a long weekend here and there.
I haven’t been able to find a volunteer opportunity for the last two years. (Even when I’ve offered to scribe for no pay.)
Golly! CDS pays a kings ransom to put on shows, big shows, little shows, it’s very expensive. Can’t imagine how much more it would be if they also had to pay for positions now filled by volunteers.
By the way, volunteering is FUN these days. Get free food, water, treated nice, many thanks, see your friends, etc. all without having to hang onto your horse all day. Stay a LOT cleaner if not riding too 
I quite enjoy it and am glad to do it whenever I can help out.
“I have scribed 1000’s of hours all the way to CDI never been paid.” Ditto. Paid? I can’t even imagine! How can they pay you when there is no accreditation for scribes as there is for judges? Anyone can scribe. Think I’m moving to Florida.
[QUOTE=Mondo;8662173]
How can they pay you when there is no accreditation for scribes as there is for judges? Anyone can scribe. Think I’m moving to Florida.[/QUOTE]
What does accreditation have to do with whether or not scribes can be paid? It’s a position like any other one at the show. Whether or not it gets paid is up to the individual show.
Golly! CDS pays a kings ransom to put on shows, big shows, little shows, it’s very expensive. Can’t imagine how much more it would be if they also had to pay for positions now filled by volunteers.
By the way, volunteering is FUN these days. Get free food, water, treated nice, many thanks, see your friends, etc. all without having to hang onto your horse all day. Stay a LOT cleaner if not riding too
I quite enjoy it and am glad to do it whenever I can help out.
