Area 4 helper day!
As you will all know (mainly through mine or Nicki’s constant nagging!), we need to provide helpers at the Area 4 events. These events are run by volunteers, such as ourselves, who dedicate a lot of time beforehand to organising venues/qualifications/entries however they need extra help on the day to make things happen.
This year we were asked rather than help at every event if we would take on one event but in a larger capacity. This year our job was stewarding the show jumping rings at the Area Summer Show in July. Helping on the day was Julie, Jayne, Nicki, Kathryn, Paul, Becca, Donna, Sharon and Cher (ooh and not forgetting our 4 legged supporter Harry!). So off we trundled in convoy up the A1 to Richmond, slightly panicky about the rain clouds that lay ahead! Well Julie’s car of helpers not so panicky as we were covering the indoor ring! The jobs we were covering were gate steward, tack steward, arena party and scoring. Basically we made sure that the competition ran smoothly, that competitors were where they should be, in legal tack, we picked up poles and altered courses accordingly and made a note of knockdowns, stops etc. Jayne and Cher spent Saturday shopping and baking lovely treats to keep everyone going throughout the day. Bev, Wendy and Steve did a fantastic job keeping us hydrated and providing extra help where needed on the day. They also worked very hard for us on the Saturday night course building. After a long day competing for the club in the dressage competition, they stayed behind to help course build for the Sunday before heading to find their stables and a nights camping, and still had smiles the next day!
It was a long day but I have to say enjoyable and I even saw one or two smiling faces as we left the car park even from those drowned rats in the outdoor arena! I even had a text from one helper saying they had a good time just as they were sinking into a hot bath with a bottle of wine!! For me there were a couple of highlights, firstly being sat in the indoor arena as we waited to do the junior jump off listening to the rain pour outside as poor Becca, Nicki, Kathryn and Paul were getting soaked. My heart felt for them but not enough to go trade places! Secondly, the course builder was fantastic. He was very friendly and took the time to explain why he had built the course like he had and what were the difficult elements and why. I think everyone that spoke to him learnt something. As a competitor it sometimes can be worthwhile to gain another prospectus, we are always learning! The final highlight was Harry! Firstly for his helpful skills at gate opening with Julie, going backwards and forwards again and again but mainly for his over exuberance by the prospect of the Junior Jump off! Ponies, children flying everywhere were just a bit too much for one little Labrador who was getting very excited about ponies flying in and out of the arena as poor Julie was trying to open the gate with one hand whilst Harry wrestled the lead out of her other hand in a bid to go join them. I’m sure he could have done it in a faster time than them!
It was a mammoth task to organise and getting that number of volunteers together beforehand is hard work. However I do think that this new format is better. The atmosphere was fantastic amongst the helpers and everyone united to get the jobs done. Thank you to all of you for coming and giving your time up. You did a fantastic job and did the club proud!