Issue:
Volunteers
Welcome to the Equestrians' Institute volunteer page! For more information about volunteering for E.I.
please see our Frequently Asked Questions and testimonials below. To go directly to the My Volunteer software please
click here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why should I volunteer for E.I.?
E.I. plays an important role in the Northwest equestrian community by providing educational and competitive opportunities. We are a not-for-profit volunteer organization. If it weren’t for volunteers- from the President of the Board all the way down to the test runners- E.I. wouldn’t exist.
As a volunteer for E.I. you will get a behind-the-scenes educational opportunity. You will be able to learn from some of the best judges, TDs, trainers and organizers in the country. We strive at every event to make sure that every volunteer enjoys their time with us- from lattes to sunscreen, we take good care of our volunteers!
How much time do I have to commit?
We have shifts that last as little as two hours and as long as all day. We are aware that horse people often have many commitments and are happy to work with you to find a schedule and position to fit your needs.
What volunteer positions are available for me?
For detailed descriptions of common volunteer positions click here. Most of our positions are good for new and experienced volunteers alike. We do ask that scribes be trained and/or experienced.
You can find a list of upcoming volunteer opportunities here. For more information about how to sign up see below.
How do I sign up?
You can view a list of our upcoming volunteer opportunities here. If you are already signed up with the My Volunteer software you can use your username and password to login and express interest in a position. If you have forgotten your username or password you can e-mail , Director of Volunteers, to have it reset.
If you have never used the My Volunteer software, click on “I would like to volunteer for this organization” and follow the account setup instructions. While some of the information is optional, we ask that you include your e-mail address, cell phone number and mailing address. We use this information for contacting volunteers (and mailing prizes!) and will never sell or share it with anyone else.
You can always contact , Director of Volunteers with any questions.
Testimonials
"Volunteering gives me a look behind the scenes at what it takes to make clinics, shows, and other events happen. At horse shows, I've found it great fun and educational to get the "judge's view" when scribing, and cheer on my friends when working as paddock steward or test runner. Helping out gives you the opportunity to be part of a program, not just a spectator, with the satisfaction of knowing you contributed to a successful event." -Beth Glosten, MD, Past E.I. Dressage Director, USDF "L" graduate, USDF gold, silver, bronze medalist
"I love the benefits I receive as a volunteer at E.I. events! As a regular volunteer scribe I have had the benefit of the knowledge and experience of the sitting judges. I find that the judges I have scribed for are happy to share their knowledge enhancing my own training, riding and teaching abilities. Also as an L Program participant all of the judges I have worked with have been generous in helping to further my education. My students have also benefited from their volunteer hours at shows. It opens their eyes and helps them to prepare for the transition from schooling shows to recognized and they have fun! E.I. show management always takes good care of its volunteers." -Jane Judson Horses On Course, USDF Assoc. Instructor, USDF "L" Program Participant
"When I was fairly new to this area, a long-time local rider introduced me to E.I. By volunteering at various events, I had the opportunity to get to know other riders and locally based officials. In a very short time I felt like an active contributor to the Puget Sound dressage community. I found I had friends I could call to get information about vets or farriers or clinics, and people I knew to celebrate or commiserate with at the shows. E.I. gave me the opportunity to meet other riders outside of the little circle at my own barn. In addition to that volunteering allows, almost requires, you to take the time to watch other competitors and see what's working (or not) for someone else. Developing a strong connection to the local show infrastructure made me realize how much dressage depends on volunteers to keep costs down and made me feel good about doing my part. The social and educational benefits of pitching in made the effort well worthwhile. It's fun to be a part of an organization that supports a sport that is so important to me." -Wendy Meyers - Dressage Instructor, past E.I. President and a long time supporter
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why should I volunteer for E.I.?
E.I. plays an important role in the Northwest equestrian community by providing educational and competitive opportunities. We are a not-for-profit volunteer organization. If it weren’t for volunteers- from the President of the Board all the way down to the test runners- E.I. wouldn’t exist.
As a volunteer for E.I. you will get a behind-the-scenes educational opportunity. You will be able to learn from some of the best judges, TDs, trainers and organizers in the country. We strive at every event to make sure that every volunteer enjoys their time with us- from lattes to sunscreen, we take good care of our volunteers!
How much time do I have to commit?
We have shifts that last as little as two hours and as long as all day. We are aware that horse people often have many commitments and are happy to work with you to find a schedule and position to fit your needs.
What volunteer positions are available for me?
For detailed descriptions of common volunteer positions click here. Most of our positions are good for new and experienced volunteers alike. We do ask that scribes be trained and/or experienced.
You can find a list of upcoming volunteer opportunities here. For more information about how to sign up see below.
How do I sign up?
You can view a list of our upcoming volunteer opportunities here. If you are already signed up with the My Volunteer software you can use your username and password to login and express interest in a position. If you have forgotten your username or password you can e-mail , Director of Volunteers, to have it reset.
If you have never used the My Volunteer software, click on “I would like to volunteer for this organization” and follow the account setup instructions. While some of the information is optional, we ask that you include your e-mail address, cell phone number and mailing address. We use this information for contacting volunteers (and mailing prizes!) and will never sell or share it with anyone else.
You can always contact , Director of Volunteers with any questions.
Testimonials
"Volunteering gives me a look behind the scenes at what it takes to make clinics, shows, and other events happen. At horse shows, I've found it great fun and educational to get the "judge's view" when scribing, and cheer on my friends when working as paddock steward or test runner. Helping out gives you the opportunity to be part of a program, not just a spectator, with the satisfaction of knowing you contributed to a successful event." -Beth Glosten, MD, Past E.I. Dressage Director, USDF "L" graduate, USDF gold, silver, bronze medalist
"I love the benefits I receive as a volunteer at E.I. events! As a regular volunteer scribe I have had the benefit of the knowledge and experience of the sitting judges. I find that the judges I have scribed for are happy to share their knowledge enhancing my own training, riding and teaching abilities. Also as an L Program participant all of the judges I have worked with have been generous in helping to further my education. My students have also benefited from their volunteer hours at shows. It opens their eyes and helps them to prepare for the transition from schooling shows to recognized and they have fun! E.I. show management always takes good care of its volunteers." -Jane Judson Horses On Course, USDF Assoc. Instructor, USDF "L" Program Participant
"When I was fairly new to this area, a long-time local rider introduced me to E.I. By volunteering at various events, I had the opportunity to get to know other riders and locally based officials. In a very short time I felt like an active contributor to the Puget Sound dressage community. I found I had friends I could call to get information about vets or farriers or clinics, and people I knew to celebrate or commiserate with at the shows. E.I. gave me the opportunity to meet other riders outside of the little circle at my own barn. In addition to that volunteering allows, almost requires, you to take the time to watch other competitors and see what's working (or not) for someone else. Developing a strong connection to the local show infrastructure made me realize how much dressage depends on volunteers to keep costs down and made me feel good about doing my part. The social and educational benefits of pitching in made the effort well worthwhile. It's fun to be a part of an organization that supports a sport that is so important to me." -Wendy Meyers - Dressage Instructor, past E.I. President and a long time supporter