Volunteers

As the Gateperson, you are responsible for the entrance and exit of athletes into and out of the competitive arena. With the aid of the Hitching Ring attendant, you are the final check to ensure that competitors are entering the arena in the correct order.

As Gateperson, you communicate via headset with the Hitching Ring. Confirm with the rider that the ‘on-deck’ horse (next in) is ready at the gate; if not, inform the Hitching Ring attendant. As the athlete enters the ring, remind them of the Pre-load (if applicable) and salute location and wish them good luck. As gateperson, you must also communicate the number of the horse entering the ring to the Judges’ Booth. For Presentations, you are the final check to ensure that the correct order of athletes are entering the ring. 

When opening the gate, it is necessary to note the location of the nearest horse, as the raising of the gate can alarm some horses. If a horse is loose on-course, leave the gate closed until the loose horse is back under control. If there is an emergency, keep the gate closed and stay in contact with the Hitching Ring attendant. This position requires an attentive person who has patience and good communication skills. Any knowledge of the sport would be an advantage, but is not required.

Flagging is a key component of a tournament as accurate timing is essential to the success of our sport. As a Flagger, you are responsible for informing officials (located in the Judges’ Booth) when the horses cross the start and finish lines.

Start Flagger

This person is positioned in line with the electronic timing cells at the start line. When the klaxon rings (the sound which tells the rider they are free to start their round) the flag is raised. This is important because some riders will use the raised flag as their cue to start as sometimes the klaxon may be difficult to hear. When the horse’s shoulder crosses the line, the flag is dropped in a sharp snapping motion. 

Finish Flagger

This person is positioned in line with the electronic timing cells at the finish line. When the horse’s shoulder crosses the finish line, the flag is dropped in a sharp snapping motion. On the dropping of the flag, the officials stop their watches. This position requires a dedicated person with a strong acceptance of the import of the Flagger position.

The flagger may be asked to occupy both starting and finishing line positions for a given competition.