United States Eventing Association

While riders are focused on putting their best foot forward in the dressage arena, another important part of the competition is happening just outside the ring. Behind every promptly posted dressage score is a team of dedicated volunteers helping ensure that completed tests make their way from the judge's booth to the scoring office as quickly and efficiently as possible.

In the next installment of the VAP Series, which shares best practices for completing your badge in every role available through the USEA Volunteer Achievement Program (VAP), we're highlighting the Dressage Score Runner—a position that keeps volunteers on the move while playing an important part in keeping competition running smoothly.

For those who enjoy staying active, watching dressage, and connecting with fellow members of the eventing community, this might just be the perfect volunteer opportunity.

What Does a Dressage Score Runner Do?

The primary responsibility of a Dressage Score Runner is simple but essential: collect completed dressage score sheets from the scribes and deliver them to the scoring office. While the task itself is straightforward, prompt and accurate delivery helps ensure competitors receive their scores in a timely manner.

Before beginning their shift, volunteers should check in with the Volunteer Coordinator, determine which dressage rings they are responsible for, and familiarize themselves with the route between those rings and the scoring office. They should also introduce themselves to the scribes so everyone knows who will be collecting the completed tests.

Throughout the day, score runners make regular trips between the dressage arenas and the scoring office, collecting score sheets in batches according to the event's preferred schedule. The USEA Volunteer Committee's guidelines recommend approaching the judge's booth quietly between rides, checking that each score sheet has been signed by the judge, and delivering the completed tests promptly to the scorers.

For Debbie H. (Area VIII), the opportunity to stay active while making a meaningful contribution is what makes the position so enjoyable.

"This job is fun because you get to keep moving all day, and you get the satisfaction of knowing that your timeliness lets scoring stay on time. Riders always appreciate prompt feedback as well," she said. "Many of the volunteer jobs are seated positions, and having an active job is a very nice break in routine. Plus, you have the opportunity to speak with friends and family of the riders on the sidelines and meet a lot of new friends of eventing!"

A Simple Job With an Important Impact

Although score running is often considered one of the more approachable volunteer positions, it still requires attentiveness and an understanding of what is happening in and around the dressage arenas.

Volunteers must be careful not to interrupt a test in progress or distract a horse and rider. The job checklist recommends remaining at least 20 feet away from the dressage arenas and waiting until a competitor has finished their test before approaching the scribe to collect completed score sheets.

"Although the job may seem simple, it requires constant attention and awareness of what is happening in each dressage ring," explained Masae M. (Area III). "Every competitor is eager to know their scores so they can mentally prepare for the next part of the show. Therefore, it is important to collect and deliver each score sheet promptly and in the correct order. I am happy to contribute to the smooth running of the competition and to help ensure that everyone receives their scores as quickly as possible."

Beyond delivering score sheets, runners can also help support the dressage judges and scribes throughout the day. Because officials generally cannot leave their booths except during scheduled breaks, they may ask runners to bring additional supplies, refreshments, or other necessities.

"The Score Runner is also an important member of the dressage volunteer team," Masae continued. "The role involves helping with various tasks, responding to judges' requests when needed, and making sure they have the supplies and materials they need throughout the competition. Just as importantly, a Score Runner must be alert and attentive without disturbing the judges while they are working."

A Front-Row Seat to Dressage

One of the unique benefits of score running is the opportunity to watch dressage tests throughout the day. Depending on the event and the rings assigned, volunteers may get to observe riders across several levels of competition, making the position especially appealing to those who enjoy learning from others.

For Ginny R. (Area VII), the opportunity to watch and learn is one of her favorite aspects of the job.

"I enjoy the Score Runner position because I like to watch the dressage, gaining tips for my own tests. It's fun to try and score the riders yourself and then see how the judge scores the same riders," she shared. "It's a low stress position, involves just the right amount of walking at my favorite venue. Each time I do the job, I get an opportunity to meet the judges and that's fun too."

That chance to observe different horses and riders is equally rewarding for Joyce D. (Area III).

"I love the opportunity to work around horses. The Dressage Score Runner gives me the opportunity to make rounds to gather the scores and deliver them to the office. By doing this I have the opportunity to see different breeds competing, and different ages competing. It is so rewarding to be a part of this."

And for volunteers who have stepped away from competing themselves, the role offers a meaningful way to remain involved in the sport.

"I like being a part of the eventing community, even though I don't show much anymore," Ginny added. "The score running is a great way for older people to give back."

Barb F. (Area III), who regularly volunteers at Rocking Horse in Ocala, Florida, shares that sentiment.

"I mostly enjoy meeting the judges and scribes. Over the years many of them have come back to Rocking Horse and I have come to know them well," she said. "The way Rocking Horse is set up, the rings are a distance from the scorer, so I get to go around the grounds when going back and forth and often help out with other tasks when necessary along the way. Finally, I have retired from competing and this keeps me active in the sport in a way I can be useful."

A Great Place to Start Volunteering

For anyone interested in volunteering at their first USEA recognized event, Dressage Score Runner is an excellent position to consider. It requires no specialized knowledge of dressage scoring and provides an opportunity to become familiar with the competition environment, meet event officials, and contribute to the event's success.

Jeff Eakle, who was introduced to volunteering through his wife believes the position is particularly well suited to newcomers.

"My wife is an amateur eventer and got me into volunteering. I really enjoy being a Dressage Score Runner. For some reason, this seems to be a volunteer position nobody signs up for. It's great for those that are new to volunteering," he shared. "I'm still a little nervous for the responsibility of being a cross-country fence judge, but this is an easy but important job. Riders are anxiously waiting for their scores to be posted."

Jeff also appreciates the flexibility of the position and the opportunity to enjoy the competition while helping out.

"Benefits are getting to see some dressage in all the rings at all levels. The dressage judges and scribes have always been very friendly to me. And I'm out moving around in the fresh air," he said. "This position also ends earlier in the day than many others, so I often can make it back to the barn to ride my horse. I'm inspired by the dressage rides I've seen during the day."

Depending on the layout of the competition grounds, volunteers may complete their rounds on foot or have access to a golf cart to travel between the dressage rings and scoring office.

For Anne C. (Area VII), that variety is part of the appeal.

"I enjoy the volunteer position of dressage runner because I get to be on the move all the time, either walking or driving a golf cart. Those carts are so much fun!!"

But Anne also recognizes the bigger picture behind donating her time. "I return to volunteer because if we did not volunteer, the competitors would be charged for the cost of paying for people to fill the needed positions. As entry fees increase, it becomes harder for everyone to participate."

Preparing for Your Shift

Dressage Score Runners should arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled shift to check in with the Volunteer Coordinator and receive their assignments. Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, water, and snacks are all recommended, as volunteers may spend a significant amount of time traveling between the dressage arenas and scoring office.

It is also helpful to bring a bag or large plastic zip-lock bag to protect completed score sheets from rain or other weather conditions while transporting them.

Once assigned to their rings, volunteers should confirm how frequently the scoring office would like tests collected. While the job checklist suggests collecting approximately five completed tests at a time, the exact number may vary depending on the event's needs.

Above all, successful score runners are punctual, observant, and considerate of the horses, riders, and officials around them. A little attention to detail goes a long way toward helping the entire dressage phase operate efficiently.

How Do I Earn My Badge?

Are you ready to earn your Dressage Score Runner badge? Log onto EventingVolunteers.com, go to "My Dashboard," and use the "My Achievements" tab to start working toward your next VAP badge.

1. View the volunteer video and read the guidelines for the role by clicking the icons next to the "Dressage Score Runner" title in the first column.
2. Take the assessment for the role and score an 80% or higher to proceed.
3. Work as a Dressage Score Runner at USEA recognized competitions to complete the required volunteer hours and event experience.
4. Once the requirements have been met, apply for the badge through EventingVolunteers.com by requesting a recommendation on the "My Achievements" page.
5. The appropriate Volunteer Coordinator(s) or Organizer(s) will be asked to approve your application.
6. Once approved, the badge will be added to the role in your Eventing Volunteers profile.

To learn more about the Volunteer Achievement Program, visit the USEA website. To create an Eventing Volunteers profile, visit EventingVolunteers.com.

Whether you're looking for an easy introduction to volunteering, an opportunity to stay active, or a way to remain connected to the sport you love, Dressage Score Runner is a rewarding role that makes a difference with every trip to the scoring office.

Good luck earning your next VAP badge!

About the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program

Volunteers are the lifeblood of our sport—the unsung heroes, and the people who make it possible to keep eventing alive. In efforts to recognize the dedication, commitment, and hard work that volunteers put into eventing, the USEA formed the Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) in 2015. In 2017, an online management portal was designed for volunteers, organizers, and volunteer coordinators at EventingVolunteers.com, which is also available as an app for iOS and Android.

Volunteer incentives include national and area recognition, year-end awards, a top 10 USEA Volunteer leaderboard, and a Volunteer of the Year award which is given to the volunteer who accumulates the most volunteer hours on EventingVolunteers.com at recognized events throughout the USEA competition year. Click here to learn more about the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program.

The USEA would like to thank the Maryland International Educational Foundation and Horse Illustrated for their support of the Volunteer Incentive Program.