PODCAST: The Volunteer Incentive Program: A Game Changer for Volunteers and Organizers

Jun 29, 2018

PODCAST: The Volunteer Incentive Program: A Game Changer for Volunteers and Organizers

The Volunteer Incentive Program was established in 2017 and in just one year has experienced incredible growth, both in the number of volunteers using the Eventing Volunteers app and in the number of organizers putting the app to good use. In 2016, when the app was being piloted in Area II, it had just 800 registered volunteers. This year, the app has over 6,000 registered users and is used by 86 USEA recognized events across the country.

Bonnie Kibbie, chair of the USEA Volunteer Committee talks about the responsibilities of the committee and the how the Eventing Volunteers app has grown and developed with feedback from both volunteers and organizers, as well as some of the benefits it provides for volunteers and organizers alike. The app has been designed to be as user-friendly as possible, making it easy to sign up for volunteer jobs, log hours, check out leaderboards, and more!

Kibbie also discusses some of the other projects the Volunteer Committee has undertaken. In addition to the number of resources the Committee has crafted for organizers on volunteer best practices, the Committee is creating jump judge training videos, a project spearheaded by committee member Irene Doo with the support of a grant from the USEA. Doo has been coordinating, editing, and producing these videos, which will be available for all USEA events and volunteers as a free online resource. The Volunteer Committee also recently released a short two-minute survey to gauge interest on a number of possible volunteer educational opportunities. Kibbie describes some of the potential ideas the Committee has been discussing. Click here to take the survey!

Jackie Smith of Stone Gate Farm has been a supporter of the Volunteer Incentive Program since its inception and comes on the show to talk about how organizers can benefit from using the Eventing Volunteers app. As an active competitor, licensed official, ICP certified instructor, and show organizer, Smith has her hands full. The Eventing Volunteers app helps her organizer all her volunteers for her many recognized and unrecognized events in one place and makes it easy to communicate with her volunteers. She’s also attracted new volunteers to her events, just because her events use the app!

Feb 20, 2025 Sponsor

Save the Date for the 2025 Young Event Horse Series!

Start your young horse’s career out on the right path by joining the USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) program! Since it became a USEA program in 2005, YEH strives to identify talented young horses with the potential to excel at the highest levels of eventing in the years to come. The primary goal is to highlight future 4- and 5-star contenders, setting them up on a pathway to success.

Feb 19, 2025 Classic Series

Embrace the Challenge of the USEA Classic Three-Day Event in 2025!

Step back in time and experience the thrill of traditional three-day eventing by competing in a USEA Classic Series event this year! The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is excited to announce that the 2025 Classic Series calendar is now available, with a new venue joining the lineup.

Feb 18, 2025 Sponsor

Nutrena Feeds Renews Sponsorship of USEA American Eventing Championships

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is delighted to announce the continuation of its longstanding partnership with Nutrena Feeds. As a dedicated supporter, Nutrena Feeds has signed on for the next two years as a Corporate Sponsor and remains the “Official Feed of the USEA.”

Feb 18, 2025 Resources

Eventing 101: Understanding Your Entry Form

You have put in the practice at home, you and your horse feel confident, and your trainer has said, “It’s time!” All that is left to do at that point is to submit your entry for the horse trial in which you want to compete. Submitting an entry is easy. Most competitions offer a way to submit your entry form digitally, but paper copies are available under the Forms + Resources page on www.useventing.com as well.