I’ve been part of the horse show world for over twenty years. From teenage gate opener to show secretary and board member, I’ve seen every side of how a show comes together. And if there’s one truth that remains constant, it’s this:
None of it works without volunteers.
We love to spotlight the competitors, the ribbons, and the highlight reels — but behind every smooth class and on-time schedule is a small army of people who showed up not for a paycheck, but because they care.
The Horse Show Heroes You Don’t See
Sure, you might see the gate crew, the announcer, or the person handing out ribbons — but there’s so much more happening behind the scenes. Volunteers serve on boards and committees, write rulebooks, plan events, troubleshoot emergencies, answer emails at midnight, and spend months prepping for a show that lasts just a few days.
They juggle logistics, field complaints, and problem-solve on the fly. And most of the time? They do it all while balancing their own jobs, families, and sometimes even competing themselves. Sure, some positions are paid, but not at every show.
These are the people making sure:
- The judges get hired
- The footing is prepped
- The stabling is organized
- The entries are processed
- The rules are followed
- The ribbons arrive on time
In short: they are the reason you get to step into the arena at all.
“They Don’t Know What They’re Doing!”
I’ve heard that sentence more times than I care to count. And it always stings — not just because it’s usually untrue, but because it’s directed at people who are giving up their free time to make the show happen in the first place.
This year, my own mom — a long-time volunteer — was loudly criticized by a trainer in front of a group of people at our own club’s show. And you know what? She may never want to volunteer again. And I can’t blame her.
When we lose good volunteers, we don’t just lose help. We lose experience, passion, and leadership.
Let’s Be Honest: We Need to Do Better
This blog was supposed to be a warm “thank you” to the volunteers who keep our shows running. And it is. But it’s also a call to action.
If you love horse shows — whether as a competitor, coach, parent, or fan — then it’s time to appreciate the people who make them happen.
Not just with words, but with actions.
- Be patient when things don’t run perfectly.
- Offer to help when you see a need.
- Say thank you to the people at the gate, at the in-gate, behind the clipboard, or at the check-in stand.
- Better yet, volunteer yourself. Even once. You’ll gain a whole new appreciation for the process.
The Future Depends on Us
The horse show community is small, passionate, and mighty. But we can’t afford to burn out the very people keeping it alive. I’m closer to being burned out right now than I would have expected.
Volunteers are the backbone — not just of the shows, but of the organizations that govern and support them. From breed associations to show committees, from youth programs to year-end awards — none of it exists without people stepping up.
Let’s show them they matter. Let’s thank them. Let’s be them.
Because while the gate might open for your class — it didn’t open itself.
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