Why Volunteer?
When you volunteer at DSDCTA events, you are doing so much more than just checking a box for your year-end award requirements, you are actively keeping our local equestrian community alive and thriving.
Our shows, clinics, and educational programs simply cannot happen without the dedication of people like you.
Whether you have a few hours to spare or a whole day, your time directly supports the sport we all love. Join us, support your peers, and be a part of making this season unforgettable!
This page breaks down the most common volunteer positions at our events and provides helpful information for each role.
Scribe
A dressage scribe is the person who sits next to the judge during a competition and records the judge’s scores and comments for each movement in a test. As the rider performs their dressage test, the judge calls out a score and often gives brief remarks. The scribe writes everything down accurately on the official test sheet.
Helpful information about scribing:
Warm-up Steward
The warmup steward monitors the warm-up arena and assist that competitors in know when they’re close to their ride time and helps get them out of warm-up and to the correct arena on time. Although the warm-up steward is in no way responsible for ensuring competitors are on time for their rides, they can help keep riders informed of the schedule and timing as a courtesy to support smooth flow in the arena.
Equipment Check
Gate/equipment volunteers check cavessons, curb chains fit/tightness, etc. They also inspect equipment (spurs, whip, blood, proper attire, saddlery, helmet fit, etc). Equipment check will at times work in tandem with the shows TD.
Helpful information about equipment check:
USDF Equipment Check Guidlines
Dressage Attire and Equipment Booklet
Show Office/Hospitality
Dressage Office Staff
The control center of the show—handles check-in, schedules, entries, scratches, and keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Scorers
The number crunchers of the arena—record tests, calculate results, and make sure every score is accurate, timely, and official.
Hospitality
The heart of the show—keeps volunteers, judges, and staff fueled, welcomed, and taken care of throughout the day.
Runners
The movers and connectors—deliver tests, scores, and messages between arenas, judges, and the office to keep the flow seamless.
Volunteer Alternatives, Requirements and Rewards
Volunteers are the heart of Deep South Dressage & Combined Training Association, and every contribution helps make our events, clinics, and programs possible. At DSDCTA, we understand that volunteering looks different for everyone, and non-traditional volunteer roles are just as valuable as helping at events. Support may include securing donations or sponsorships, hosting clinics or shows, providing a venue, assisting with fundraising efforts, or sharing professional skills that help strengthen the organization and its programs.
To be eligible for DSDCTA Year End Awards, all members age 13 and older are required to complete a minimum of four (4) volunteer hours during the competition year. Volunteer hours may also be donated to another current DSDCTA member, provided the donation is declared to the Volunteer Coordinator or show management at check-in on the day of the event. For members unable to volunteer, a volunteer buyout option is available.
We are incredibly grateful for every person who helps our community grow and thrive — whether behind the scenes, at the show grounds, or through donated resources and expertise. Members who exceed the four-hour minimum can also earn volunteer perks and incentives at the end of the year, including gift cards, show reimbursements, class entries, and even a ticket to the USDF Convention. Every hour, talent, and helping hand makes a difference, and we deeply appreciate the continued support of the sport we all love.