Get involved in dressage
You don't have to be in the saddle to get involved in dressage. There are many opportunities for you to learn more about the sport and enjoy watching the beauty and harmony of horse and rider working together.
Did you know…
…dressage simply couldn’t happen without volunteers?
- All British Dressage judges are unpaid volunteers – even the ones at Grand prix level!
- The nine Board Directors of British Dressage are voluntary as are all 56 of the regional committee staff.
- At competitions, all scorers, stewards, runners (who collect test sheets from the judges and take them to the secretary’s office), writers (who write down the judge’s comments) and many of the show secretaries do it for the love of the sport.
How can I get involved in British Dressage?
Offering to help at competitions is a great way to get involved in dressage. Not only will volunteering your help support the events and their organisers, but you can benefit too.
If you are only just considering competing, helping out at a competition will give you an invaluable insight into what to expect, which will help battle nerves when you do take to the arena.
Your understanding of what the judge is looking for can also be boosted dramatically by doing a stint or two as a writer. This is when you note down the judge’s comments on the dressage sheet as a test in being ridden.
Sometimes volunteers are needed to bring their horses to a demonstration event and ride as 'guinea pig' pupils for the trainer - this is a great opportunity for both you and your horse to increase your skills and experience.
Offering your services at a competition is also a great way to meet like-minded people and enjoy a fun day out. Simply contact your regional development officer - you can also find their details in the British Dressage magazine. Some regions will have dedicated volunteer co-ordinators who can guide you more specifically about what events need help and what your role might be.
Get closer to affiliated dressage - for free!
You can also take up a FREE Associate Membership to British Dressage. This web-based membership gives you access to the members' discussion forum, an online version of British Dressage magazine and more. Click here to find out more.
