Volunteer Incentive Program
Providing resources to support volunteers, offer incentives and raise awareness of the importance of volunteering.
Program details
The OEA is committed to encouraging volunteerism by facilitating the flow of qualified volunteers to support Ontario’s horse trials and by providing resource materials to support volunteers.
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Volunteers are a critical support for the OEA organizers in delivering safe, sanctioned horse trials and are essential to the continued viability of Ontario’s venues.
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Volunteers can become passionate advocates of the sport of eventing, sharing positive experiences and encouraging others to get involved.
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The addition of the EV 60 division province-wide in 2023 has increased the number of riders and their families who are new to eventing and volunteering is an excellent way for these riders, and their support networks, to gain an introduction to the sport, learn on-the-ground, and meet the broader eventing community.
In 2024, the OEA will raise awareness of the importance of volunteering and help organizers attract volunteers by providing communications support, educating the community about the importance of volunteerism, and offering incentives for volunteers.
Communications support
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Developing communications materials supporting and promoting volunteerism on the OEA website including:
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barn posters
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handouts for coaches to provide to their clients, and
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a ‘Volunteer Hours Form’ for high school students.
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Helping event organizers get the word out in advance about volunteer opportunities for each horse trial to attract volunteers.
Educating the community
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Working with other equestrian groups, such as the Ontario Pony Club, to encourage volunteerism.
Offering incentives
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Providing organizers with an OEA branded item for a volunteer draw at each Ontario horse trial. (For example, OEA branded YETI cups in 2023.)
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Developing a process to reward individuals for accrued volunteer hours through a Volunteer Recognition Loyalty Program.