Brought to you by The Plaidcast
At any given horse show, competitors and spectators can see freshly dragged rings, flowing schedules, ribbons handed out with precision, and a team of officials quietly keeping the day on track. But behind that seamless experience is a critical group of people many exhibitors don’t think much about—volunteers.
Horse show volunteers are the backbone of the sport. Whether it’s a bustling A-rated weeklong circuit or a one-day schooling show at a local barn, many of the roles essential to a successful event are filled by people working without a paycheck, just a love of the sport.
Berry Porter, a lifelong horseman with decades of experience across riding, training, and managing shows, knows exactly how vital volunteers are. In Episode 437 of The Plaidcast, Porter joined Piper Klemm to reflect on a lifetime of involvement in horse shows. As someone who still volunteers today, he had a clear message: the sport doesn’t run without people who show up simply to help.
Why Volunteers Are Essential
From running back numbers and handling check-in tables to stewarding at the gate and setting jumps, volunteers make up the invisible engine of horse shows.
“You don’t have to be in the ring to be involved,” Porter said. “There are so many ways to support the sport and help things go right.”
Even the most organized horse show can be derailed by minor delays—tack changes, scratches, weather adjustments. But when volunteers are present and engaged, shows can adapt, improvise, and keep moving forward. Volunteers are the ones who:
- Hand out numbers and programs
- Hold horses while riders switch tack
- Operate the in-gate and radio communication
- Assist with hospitality, awards, and cleanup
- Spot-check footing or walk courses with officials
Often, these individuals are also the first to notice when something isn’t quite right—a child crying at the warmup ring, a class running behind, or a loose horse in need of containment. Their contributions may be quiet, but they are deeply impactful.
The Ripple Effect of Showing Up
One of the most powerful aspects of volunteering is that it changes your perspective on the sport. According to Porter, spending time behind the scenes gives riders, parents, and trainers a new appreciation for what it takes to run a show.
“When you work behind the scenes, you realize just how much effort it takes to run a show,” he said. “You get a whole new level of respect for the people doing the jobs you never think about when you’re just showing.”
It also builds empathy. The next time a ring is delayed or an announcer makes a mistake, someone who’s volunteered before might pause before complaining—because they understand what’s going on behind the curtain.
A Culture That Needs Protecting
In recent years, the equestrian industry has leaned heavily on professionals to make shows more efficient and high-end. And while that’s advanced the sport in many ways, Porter worries that it may also cause people to forget the importance of volunteering, especially at grassroots and regional levels.
“You see a lot of folks who think they don’t have anything to offer if they’re not a rider or trainer,” he said. “But that’s just not true. Everyone can contribute something.”
In fact, some of the best-run events are those that blend professional organization with a strong, committed volunteer base. It’s not about saving money—it’s about building community. When people volunteer, they’re not just helping a horse show run. They’re becoming part of its story.
Start Small, Think Big
You don’t need to have decades of experience to make a difference. Porter encourages newcomers to start simple—work a gate for a division, help with ribbons, or shadow an experienced show steward.
“Start small. It adds up,” he said. “And you’ll learn things that make you a better competitor too.”
Even a few hours of volunteer time can ease the burden on show staff and create a better experience for everyone. It also creates pathways for future involvement—many long-term managers and stewards started as teen volunteers, handing out prizes or holding horses.
The True Reward
Perhaps the most powerful reason to volunteer is the satisfaction of knowing you made something possible. You may not get a ribbon or stand on a podium, but your efforts will be felt in every class that runs smoothly, every young rider who has a positive experience, and every moment of teamwork that happens in the background.
“I don’t need a trophy,” Porter said. “I just want the show to run smoothly, and I want to see people have a good experience.”
That mindset is what keeps horse shows alive—one person, one shift, one helping hand at a time.
Want to hear more from Berry Porter about his years of service and passion for helping behind the scenes? Listen to Episode 437 of The Plaidcast with Piper Klemm, available wherever you get your podcasts.
