United States Eventing Association

Jody Bender has been volunteering in the sport for a decade. She's traveled around the country and the world to volunteer, and she headed West to the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds (AEC) from Aug. 27-31 in Temecula, California. Here she takes us along on her week at the AEC.

My volunteering journey began in 2015 at the grand opening of the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina. The following year, I returned to Tryon as a volunteer for the AEC, where I experienced the thrill of eventing competition for the first time. It was there that I quickly learned the literal ins and outs of warm-up arenas, in-gates, and bit check procedures—skills that would shape my future in the sport.

In 2017, I deepened my involvement by volunteering at The Fork, gaining more hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation for the sport of eventing. Then came a pivotal moment in 2018: I stepped into a leadership role as a volunteer coordinator and horse arrivals volunteer for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG).

2019 brought one of my most unforgettable experiences: jump judging while my all-time favorite horse, Tsetserleg TSF (“Thomas”) and Boyd Martin claimed victory on the four-star course. I even applied to volunteer at the Tokyo Olympics, but like many plans in 2020, mine were derailed by the pandemic.

After relocating back to the West Coast, I reconnected with the eventing community by jump judging at Galway Downs and Ram Tap. In 2024, I was honored to serve on the Field of Play team for all equestrian disciplines at the Paris Olympics in Versailles—an experience that was humbling, inspiring, and truly une expérience inoubliable.

Earlier this year, I took on a new role as a dressage scribe at Ram Tap in Fresno, California. Despite frozen fingers, I learned so much from the judge and am eager to continue developing my skills so I can continue to learn as much as I can.

Beyond eventing, I’ve volunteered at grand prix show jumping competitions and, when wildfires impacted the Southern California equestrian community this January, I spent time at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center assisting in the barns. I even recruited my husband into the sport—he’s now an experienced score runner and jump judge! For both of us, eventing is more than a competition; it’s a way to be outdoors, connect with horses, and support the riders and their teams. Besides, we get snacks!

Most recently, I’ve applied my passion for sport horses to studying equine massage and therapy and have recently launched my own equine therapy business. As I look ahead, I’m filled with excitement for the 2028 Olympics—coming to my hometown of Los Angeles. I can’t wait to be part of it.

My AEC Experience

Friday – A New Role in Awards

Friday brought a new adventure where, as a floater, I was assigned to the Awards team! At first, I wondered why four of us were needed for the role. It didn’t take long to find out: it’s fast-paced, high-energy, and full of moving parts. Ten minutes can fly by when you’re matching ribbons to horses and making sure everything runs smoothly. It’s a lot of responsibility!

The awards crew welcomed me warmly, checking in often to make sure we were surviving the heat. After our second round, we were running like a well-oiled machine. As first-timers we learned together and supported each other. I found my comfort zone at the out gate, managing the rope while two other volunteers handed out AEC medals of completion to riders. At the end of each class, I’d run up the hill to hold the ribbons while the others distributed them.

A highlight? I got to personally hand a ribbon to Tamie Smith—such a thrill! She’s a total rock star. Being part of the awards team is incredibly fun because you’re right there with the athletes during one of the most exciting moments of their weekend. Cheering riders on during their victory laps (with front-row seats to show jumping!) was unforgettable.

Saturday – Jump Judging in the Heat

Saturday was a long but rewarding day of jump judging for Beginner Novice and Starter divisions. With pages of entries, we started at sunrise. Driving into Galway and seeing hot air balloons floating above wine country is always a magical start to the day.

These classes are always inspiring riders, horses and ponies of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, each one determined and proud to be competing. Despite the intense heat, the atmosphere stayed upbeat and positive. I judged two jumps per class, and the shade of the magnolia trees (plus the company of the safety teams) kept me going. One of the score runners had an adorable Doberman puppy; it's my opinion that dogs always make the day better!

By the end of the day, I was dusty and hot. Its so funny coming in from off cross-country because you are worn out, and it's always weird to be back around the crowds after being out in no man's land. Sometimes it's like you were on a different planet for the day!

Sunday – In-Gate for Show Jumping

Sunday, I managed the in-gate for show jumping, and the energy was electric. The heat was intense, it was 99-102°F for most of the day! The volunteer crew kept me going with water and electrolytes. I’m so grateful for them. Rob Burk, USEA CEO, even brought us popsicles!

The competition was fierce, and one of the best parts was bonding with Pelos, my favorite mustang. His story is so inspiring, and I watched his round with his owner—we cried and hugged when he went clear. It was a beautiful moment.

Managing the in-gate is all about communication—between the judge, warm-up, and in-gate teams. It’s a delicate dance to keep everything running on time, especially with variables like rider falls, schedule delays, and coordinating awards breaks. It’s not easy, but it’s rewarding. The arena crew were so friendly and fun to hang out with, and the trainers were a pleasure to spend time with, I love finding out where everyone travels from and hear their stories.

Volunteering at Galway Downs AEC was an incredible experience. From handing out ribbons to managing the in-gate, every role brought me closer to the heart of the event. I left the weekend dusty, sun-kissed, and full of gratitude for the athletes, horses, and fellow volunteers who made it so special.