FEBRUARY 2023 THE RIDER /15 Pandemic Purging And Streaming Horse Shows


By Janice Wright ~ CanteringOnThru


It’s mid-January 2023


(yawn) and I’m listening to the pelting of ice rain on windows. There’s a hot chocolate with a splash of Irish cream off to the side of my desk, alongside my es- sential, warm-popped popcorn. (all say ‘aye if you just jumped up for popcorn or a hot chocolate… or both!) Coronavirus was so unex-


pected… and I hear ‘ya! I’m tired of talking about it, too. Years and years of cocooning. Make it stop. Altho, I’ve had my moments of making progress. “Yes; yes sir- ee! I’m getting “things” done!” What are these ‘things’ I


bore you with? Well, it’s purging; donating; organizing …annnnd, purging again. Right? When I hit a wall, my re-


ward was time to online shop. … Wait. Like, what? Huh. Well,


like… necessities


silly!… Cool, new stuff to re- place all that …that, purged stuff! (oh geez; it seems worse on paper) Pandemic or not, I am ob-


sessed (yup,still am) with watch- ing streamed horse shows. And while there’s nothing special about that, I can’t stop reminisc- ing of “live” horse shows… “…I’m tightly grasping a


clipboard (pesky papers! trying to escape in the wind) along with a bundle of pencils (lots - no time for sharpeners) wearing my trusty watch, water bottle at- tached to my belt. Check. The weather is warm, and swirling dust collects on my sunglasses… ”


I’m a familiar sight at this


point - sporting my headset, sun- screen and extra-rich-lip-balm tucked into my front


jean


pocket…positioned just so — like a holster — for a quick draw and reload. I’ve participated at zillions


of horse shows but, just a handful of which I was a competitor.


How come?…Nerves. Just


not much of a competitor. And even when nerves AND ability were in check, I’m relying on my astute visuals: “I’ve got this!” (only until the course change…) But what I did excel at was


volunteering. I never rationalized the opportunities of volunteering until I fell into volunteering. The endless opportunities. “WE NEED YOU!” So what does it take to be a


good volunteer? A GREAT vol- unteer? I’m here to “Re-Boot Volunteering 101” and put it all out there for ‘ya! Let’s get comfy and set the


scene…(hot chocolate, now???) Once you’ve perused The


Rider’s upcoming events, you’re on high alert. There’s excitement, and new found energy takes over … ears perked, nostrils flaring, maybe a foot stomp and swish of the backside… (ok that does sound lame. But definitely — ears perked) And what would you ex- pect to do with all that ‘perusing’ and bright ‘energy’, Janice? Well…


I was, (hmm-hmm) after all, thee Volunteer Coordinator (at what once was York Equestrian Cen- tre) over a course of three, glori- ous show seasons. Dressage Canada called my


name. Literally. Oh, AND I sidelined as a


Whipper-In. It changed my life. Read on… From my experiences there


aren’t that many rules per se that overtake our enthusiasm. How- ever, important details that I like to call: “Foresight vs Hindsight” First up: Look at all the


horse show venues. …heck, google horse shows! And up they come — possible prospects ready for the asking. And once you do ask — connect- ing and hooking up with show coordinators who’ll gladly take your name and a few details — you’ve experienced acceptance. Status to follow! Be sure your dedication and time constraints are noted. Or-


ganizations depend on their vol- unteers. Like, ooozing depend. The time needed to prepare starts early — much earlier than you may not understand: schedules, times slots, follow-ups… the tension (but... but, you


prom-mised…) in the coordina- tor’s neck and forehead only starts to subside when all is look- ing great! Or, looking good. Be prepared! (did you read


my flashback?? — especially about the lip balm?) There’s a learned mantra: “Whether hot or cold always drink..drink..drink” (water!) Add the undeniable impor-


tance of safe&comfy footwear (my worn-in paddock boots never failed me) and a selection — changes and/or layers — of suit- able clothing. (Remember that weatherman’s warm and sunny prediction? And yet, [!#@?#!] here we stood — submissive in the cold rain?!) Riders, coaches, and beloved equine partners rarely stop for weather. (On a side note - if you DO


NOT have a change of clothes, the vendors at most shows have a-ma-zing gear! Breaks are never the same.) Be on time! Can’t stress this


enough. I know, I know. You’re not being paid, but you signed up and you’re presence is being counted on. Factor in extra startup-time to make your pres- ence known, get your bearings, a name tag and most likely a bottle of water. Oh, and a map of the venue is essential if you take on a huge horse show — especially if it’s your first time there. Be respectful. Put the phone


away. Like, really away. Check it on your break (yes, there is that - while you’re shopping!) And pay attention to your surroundings. Give it your all. Be respectful. (Yes, it does


warrant Part B) This being, gen- uine respect shown to everyone involved. No griping; no yelling; no ‘not-fun’. Your whereabouts are just as important as the com- petitors’ whereabouts. Don’t just


Ontario Reined Cow Horse Association Werner Bohner, President, 519-209-8196


Craig Black, Vice President, 519-874-1294


To promote the reined cow horse in Ontario through education, participation, and mentorship


Or visit us at our website: www.orcha.ca ORCHA Sponsors


up and leave your post without informing…well, informing someone! This could be the coordinator, another vol- unteer, the show office. Just com- municate. (No, not to the horse that just refused his…well…now, it’s pick-up-sticks — resulting in a tem-por-ary stop in time - put the “back in 10” signs away) Be ready to re-group at any


given moment. O-kay. Sooo.. “…did I just see what I


thought I saw which looks like that volunteer just fainted…?!” Depending on the oh-so-many scenarios — aka whatever else happens at horse shows — things can and do change! Take it in stride and leave that coveted spot (in your mind anyway) and com- ply with your coordinator’s next move. You might just ace a better, coveted spot!! (well, first breathe a sad sigh to the fainter…) Be sure to check if you need


insurance. This is something we all [should] have as riders. (i.e., Ontario Equestrian) Although, as a non-rider don’t be thinking you’re like an accident waiting to happen when volunteering. Every where you turn it’s may- hem! But as a whipper-in I had my share of hoof-meets-foot or, whoa,.. this will take more than a bandaid!! In most cases the or- ganization has liability insurance, or, waivers. Or both. But do check. Be aware with the venue,


driving distance, eat or not to eat. Or, how much time you re-


alistically feel capable of staying upright. Or, seated. You never know. And never underestimate the drive home in the dark; the


overwhelming yawning that fol- lows after an exciting one, two or three days of “I volunteered at a horse show!!” When I come even close to


a horse show facility my well- being is bolstered. All horses are a given (and that comes as no surprise!!) but freshly cleaned tack: saddles; bridles & reins; rid- ing boots. “AROMATHERAPY IS INCLUDED!” Although I shouldn’t boast


(we’ll, okay, some boasting) about how I became a “volun- teer-extraordinaire”, I do boast about how much I gained in this role as coordinator and volunteer. You know the saying — “You had to be there.” — and the typi- cal response of… like, ‘yeah- yeah’ ? Well. You have to be there.


Schooling shows or the Kur,


the vastness of knowledge out there is a biggie. Being among the best of the best. Observing and listening to riders and their coaching. I’m talking person to person ca-


Janice is a UofG recognized free- lance writer/photographer spe- cializing in equine. She can be contacted at can- teringonthru@gmail.com


maraderie with like-minded peo- ple — that you may (or may not) choose to remain in contact. If I’ve been able to convince


those new to volunteering — waaay ahead of “ShowTime!” — or, past volunteers to restart searching and become involved — well, your welcome!


Bring on the selfless-fuzzy-


feeling… That knowing you made a


difference; That you’ll likely get a call


back; That you’ll likely say “yes”.


Next Month: “Volunteering Perks Do Exist!” The experiences volunteering with Equine Guelph’s “Equi- Mania!”


A new show season is fast


approaching us and it looks like it will be a full and exciting one. We are starting the year off with our annual cow horse clinic on May 27. We have the ever-popu- lar and knowledgeable team of Greg Crispin and Jess Cofell to kick things off. The next day, May 28, will be our first show of the year! Memberships are due now - and please be advised that to participate on the Tuesday night practices in Richmond, you


must have an ORCHA member- ship. Membership forms can be found


on the website


(www.orcha.ca). A work day is planned for the end of April to re- pair and get the pen in shape for the year. Come on out and give us a hand. Also in the works, is a clinic to help educate turn back and herd holders in the cutting pen. Along with this, we are planning a cutting clinic.


Calendar of Events: Clinic May


Sponsor Spotlight: Grogan Ford is a returning Platinum Sponsor in 2023. Grogan Ford Lincoln maintains a large inventory of new and used vehicles - a Ford dealership that wants to help you save money - check to see if they have what you want 519-849- 7000!


27, Shows May 28, June 25, July 23, August 20, September 10


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48