Experienced equestrian volunteers wanted for Olympics

Are you an experienced steward, fence judge or dressage writer? Would you like to assist at the 2012 London Olympics?

British Dressage (BD), British Eventing and British Showjumping are asking equestrians interested in helping at Greenwich to pre-register their interest before 16 July.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) starts its formal application process at the end of July.

A LOCOG spokesman said: “We will be looking for up to 70,000 volunteers in total, and approximately 500 specialist volunteers for equestrian sport.”

Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 10 days over the Olympics or Paralympics (or both) and to attend a minimum of three training sessions. They will get free travel within London to and from the venue, free meals and a uniform.

They must also be available for the equestrian test event, provisionally planned for 4-6 July 2011.

BD chief executive Amanda Bond said: “The Olympics are an amazing opportunity for the equestrian community and we hope that working with LOCOG to develop our volunteers will mean that we have a real lasting legacy.”

Registration forms are on the British Equestrian Federation and disciplines’ websites. There are set criteria for the specialist positions, which are explained on the member bodies’ websites. For example, an eventing warm-up steward must have regularly assisted at three- or four-star CIC/CCI events during the past three years.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (8 July, 2010)