Hello everyone. I'm a volunteer at an upcoming dressage show and have been assigned the role of warmup ring steward. I understand generally that I'm supposed to keep track of time and let the riders know when they're approaching their designated ride time, but not having done this before (and also having never competed in a recognized dressage show), I want to make sure that I'm doing it right so I don't add to the participants' stress and keep things going smoothly! Oh, and I might end up getting thrown onto show ring steward duty as well (bit check, whip measurements, etc.). Anyone have thoughts on best practices, things you've experienced that you thought worked great/were horrible or confusing?

Thanks in advance!

First and foremost, RELAX and HAVE FUN!

Warmup Stewards job is to watch warm up and make sure it is a safe place. Make sure riders are riding with the correct tack and clothing for warmup, read DR120 and 121. This is nothing more than watching. If you think a whip maybe too long, call your TD over to have them check it out. Watch for any riders who are 'running' over others. This can be a dangerous situation. Again, have the TD come over and watch.BTW....Things in warm up seem to get really organized when the TD is around...LOL!!!

At my shows, the warmup steward is available to tell riders the time if they ask and to know what riders are in the warmup so when the actual ring steward(s) say number "such 'n such" is on deck, you will need to find that rider and tell them. Also, you can be heads up if you cannot find a rider, either radio the announcer for a page or ask the office if there is scratch.

 The office will call out scratches (hopefully) and sometimes adds. You need to be ready to take then down.

 Now if you become a ring steward, it is actually very easy. You need to keep the riders coming. So once the previous rider is half way through their test, radio the warmup steward to get the next rider. As far as equipment check, take the lead from the TD. 25% of a of class needs to be checked. Small classes with one or two riders, the TD could ask for you to check all or none! When I do this job, I highlight the ones that I will check and as they go into the ring, I say "when your test is done, I will be checking your equipment!" That gives them the heads up not to leave without seeing me!!!! BTW. ALWAYS check the equipment after the test unless the rider asks you to do it before.

Equipment check is simple. Have the TD show you AND dont be afraid to ask them. That is their job to help!

What else do you want to know?

Thank you, CL Rider! That is very helpful.

 Make sure you have a working watch!! Or, if the show management supplies you with one, have a backup.  Get the official "show time" from the judge or management.  That will be the time that governs the day, even if it's fast or slow, compared to everyone else.

I like to have the riders lined out three deep - next in the ring, second to go, then third.  Get the rider's numbers and be able to pick them out in the ring, so you can let them know the standings if they ask.  When riding, I always liked to know the horse and rider that was in the ring before me so I could stop my warmup at the appropriate time and get ready.  You may want to inform the riders of this - try it and see what the reception is like.  If they don't want to be bothered, don't do it.  Keep an eye on the show ring to let the riders know things are progressing.  Don't stop and watch the tests, though!  It's hard not to, but your job is in the warmup.  

If someone is running late, just inform them of the time.  Don't rush them - they're probably stressed already!  Even if they just make it to the warmup arena as the rider before them is starting their test, they still have around five minutes to get ready.  Or, if the rides are running ahead of schedule (and the riders will want to know what's going on when they hit the warmup), the rider does not have to go early.  If the judge has asked and the rider is ready, they can go, but they don't have to ride early.   

I always like to wish riders good luck and most seem to appreciate it.  Don't get pressured into holding horses, coats, whips, etc., just because you happen to be standing there.  This day, it's not your job.

Have fun - you can learn a lot in the warmup arena! 

Thanks, Cindy!  This was very helpful. :)

 And BTW, your sig is awesome.