British Eventing are hosting a Young Volunteer Programme which might be of interest for any juniors/seniors aged between 16 and 21.
This project uses funds from, and is delivered by, the British Eventing Charitable Foundation.
If you are aged between 16 and 21 and interested in working or volunteering with horses, or even if you just love being outdoors, this is the course for you!
This free, three day programme https://www.britisheventing.com/training/courses/?RoleId=3 gives young people access to expert advice about how to get involved with the horse industry, specifically the sport of Eventing, through career guidance, advice on business enterprises, options for education and the benefits of volunteering.
Attendees will also have the chance to meet and ask questions of some of the sports’ most experienced volunteers, as well as getting ‘hands-on’ with an exclusive behind the scenes look at the organisation of a BE event.
All attendees will also be given free registration to the well renowned Young Equestrian Leaders Award (YELA) Bronze course, which is designed to recognise the time and effort young volunteers give to equestrianism and shape their experience, so they become equestrian leaders of the future.
Day 1 – Volunteering: so many benefits!
A number of Experienced Volunteers will bring many years’ worth of experience and expertise volunteering for British Eventing and will talk about why they love volunteering and how it has benefitted them.
A BE Official will talk about all the different roles available as a volunteer for British Eventing and will run a fun workshop to let attendees have a ‘virtual’ go at some of the skilled roles available, such as fence judging or cross country controlling.
A representative from the Young Equestrian Leaders’ Award will explain how the YELA works, why you should be getting involved and also explain how previous YELA award recipients have benefitted.
Day 2 – Career choices: what are the options?
A lecturer from a local college will talk about different routes into a career with horses, including apprenticeships, NVQs and full time educational options.
A representative from the British Grooms Association will talk about your options as a person employed in the industry – what to expect from employment as a groom or a coach, what to think about if setting up as self-employed and where to go for advice.
Day 3 – Behind the Scenes at a BE Event
A BE representative will give the group a guided tour around the event, giving volunteers the opportunity to speak to some of the officials and volunteers involved and see what goes into the planning and management of a BE affiliated event.
The Organiser will welcome the group.
A Coach/rider will conduct a walk of the cross country course with the group, talking about what goes into the planning and building of a cross country course, what the riders should be looking for when riding the course and explaining what the fence judges and course officials do on the day.