Galway Downs’ volunteer program has long been the envy of competition organizers around the country and 2025 raised an already high bar.
“This year has been remarkable with an incredible group of volunteers dedicating their time and effort,” reports Thamar Draper, a member of Galway’s Volunteer Coordinator Committee. “We had the pleasure of welcoming quite a few new faces who volunteered at Galway Downs for the first time.”
Over 3,500 hours of volunteer time were logged, from nearly 200 volunteers. And this doesn’t include the coordinators who keep the program humming year-round. Galway Downs’ coordinators are Bernie Low, Jerri Lance, Laura Jaeger, Thamar Draper, Dani Trynoski and incoming committee member Amanda Tapocik.
Having more shows – especially the US Eventing’s American Eventing Championships – partly accounts for the increase in volunteer numbers, Thamar and Jerri Lance concur. “I think the AECs had a huge impact,” Jerri says.
Happily, both predict that the AECs’ influx of new volunteers will have a lasting impact. “I think those who came from out of town will be back,” Jerri shares. “Maybe not those who came from across the country, but definitely those from the West. We always get a lot from Northern California and Washington, and I think that will continue.”
Attitude of Gratitude
Regular returnees are highly valued, and Galway’s e-voucher system is a key in inspiring loyalty. This online log of hours tracks their points toward various incentives. Hours volunteered become $30, $60 and/or $90 e-vouchers applicable toward show entry or schooling fees and VIP tables, plus branded Galway Downs gear – from warm puffy jackets to mugs and shirts in all colors.
Volunteers are also entered into annual prize drawings. This year’s prizes included Danza del Sol and Masia de la Vinya wine tastings, a Cross Creek golf round, a La Cocina Restaurant gift card and a StayKentina Pony Home overnight. Horse Trial entries were awarded in the Trainer drawing.
“All are very appreciative of the generosity of the e-voucher system and are enjoying their benefits,” Thamar notes.
Above all, coordinators say volunteers appreciate being appreciated. An attitude of gratitude is tangible from coordinators to competitors and everyone in between. “We hear comments from first-time Galway volunteers on how helpful and accommodating everybody is,” Thamar reports. Nice lunches and all-day snacks are among the perks volunteers say they don’t get at other events. “We hear a lot of little snippets about those kind of things,” she continues.
Looking Ahead
Even coming off such a strong and successful year, there’s no resting on laurels for Galway’s volunteer coordinators. “We always need more,” asserts Thamar. Relatively new to the coordinators committee, Thamar says, “I’m always about to have a complete meltdown about having enough people, and Jerri is always saying, ‘It will be fine.’”
Jerri, a coordinator veteran, says, “I learned a long time ago not to panic about who’s going to be there. If there’s not enough people, we make do with what we have.”
Partial day shifts are always available, the coordinators emphasize. The online sign-up sheet for individual shows presents only full-day shifts, but shifts of any duration are helpful and can be arranged by contacting a coordinator. “We can always work around ride times – for an exhibitor or a friend or family member who wants to be free to see someone ride at a certain time,” Thamar explains. Help spreading the word about the availability of partial day shifts is much appreciated.
Along with hours, coordinators welcome giveaways. Chapsticks, pens and wine totes help keep volunteers feeling happy, comfortable and appreciated. “Anything like that we can use as giveaways or supplies would be great,” Jerri says.
Last but not least, the Coordinator Committee always welcomes new members. Part of its success comes from having enough members to divvy up responsibility for shows throughout the year. The time commitment is flexible and Thamar and Jerri encourage anyone interested to get in touch.
For general information on volunteering, please visit this page. The volunteer sign-up for individual shows can be found on the volunteer link for each show on the Galway Downs Calendar of Events here. Eventing and dressage competitions organized by Kellerhouse Presents always have volunteer opportunities. Competitions organized by other entities may or may not have volunteer opportunities.
