03.01.17
Posted in 2018 Games, Tryon, Volunteer, Volunteerism at 9:16 pm by Thomas
The request has went out for volunteers for the 2018 World Equestrian Games at Tryon, North Carolina. The Games are scheduled to start September 10, 2018 and go through the 23rd, though as a volunteer you are not expected to do every day of the Games. For the 2010 Games I did 12 of the 16 days and I was being a bit of an over achiever. If you are like most people and you can spare a week though I recommend doing at least 4 or 5 days as a volunteer and this will leave you some time for travel and a day or two to be a spectator while you are there, this is probably what I will end up doing. The hope with an event like this is to have no more then 3 distinct sets of volunteers which means you need them to average 4 or 5 days and to have some overlap. I hope many of you will sign up, my experience at the 2010 World Equestrian Games is something I will always remember and cherish.
Volunteer Sign-Up Form
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
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01.21.13
Posted in Events of Interest, Kentucky Horse Council, Kentucky Horse Park, Volunteerism at 10:25 pm by EPR
We need some KY Round-Up Volunteers — for a few hours
The Kentucky Round-Up will be jam packed with families, kids, horsemen, horses, vendors, classes, demonstrations, clinics….
We need your help. We have estimated a need for 50 volunteers for the day. We currently have about 25.
Please consider volunteering for just a few hours. Volunteers get free admission, a $10 meal allowance, and a free Kentucky Round-Up T-Shirt. And our heartfelt thanks!
Here are the areas we still need help with:
The Ticket Booth Have 3 people, could use 2 more at 7:30AM
Barn 2 people
Horse Demonstrations Possible 4 (waiting to hear from college group)
Clinics 2 people
Paddock 5 people
Kids Corrall 2 people
Concourse 4 people
Stable 3 people
Set Up Friday Night (4 – 10) 4 people
Break Down Saturday Night 3 people
Thank You!
Kentucky Round-Up benefits the following organizations:
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03.05.12
Posted in Disaster Relief, Kentucky Horse Council at 11:16 pm by EPR
Lexington, KY, March 5, 2012 – The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) is providing coordination for the U.S. Equine Disaster Relief Fund to support horse owners affected by this past week’s tornadoes. KHC has experience responding to equine crises through this fund and the Save Our Horses (SoHo) Fund.
“In the past, we have supported many victims of flooding and disasters in other states, and now it is Kentucky which needs this support. Our hearts and prayers go out to all who have been affected by this tragedy. The U.S. Equine Disaster Relief Fund will help Kentucky horse owners with temporary feed and fencing as they work to recover from this disaster,” remarked Anna Zinkhon, President of the Kentucky Horse Council.
“We are also in touch with the Indiana Horse Council to determine the extent of the need there,” she continued.
The Kentucky Horse Council has been contacting officials in those areas most affected by the tornadoes, to assess the impact of the extensive tornado damage on horse owners.
“We are relieved that over the weekend, horse organizations such as the Northern Kentucky Horse Network have already relayed important information among horse owners regarding temporary shelter and how to assist those victims who have horses. Buffalo Mounted Patrol has traveled to West Liberty, where the devastation was incredible, to patrol damaged areas until rescue efforts could be fully mobilized,” commented Ginny Grulke, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Council.
When any state needs assistance due to a natural disaster, KHC notifies its members and the Kentucky horse community and begins the process of responding to the needs of the affected horses, typically by purchasing feed which the local response agencies then distributes to affected horses. For the tornadoes that hit this past weekend, it is Kentucky who needs the help.
Donations to the U.S. Disaster Relief Fund can be made at www.kentuckyhorse.org/disaster-relief/.
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02.12.11
Posted in Kentucky Horse Park, Volunteerism at 10:07 am by Thomas
Clean up day is March 19th 9am to 4pm
The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games were fantastic and we loved
every minute of it. But once all the visitors, competitors, horses,
tents, temporary seating departed, we were left with quite a bit of
detritus!
They were very good and cleared up as much as they could but there is
still a lot to be done to get ready for the 2011 season.
And that is were you come in!
The Cross Country Course still has a great deal of ‘stuff” to pickup.
Volunteers are needed to pick up garbage on the course.
A whole army of volunteers will be needed, so if you or a group of
friends wish to help. We would love to see you.
Free day passes to the Park will be given out to all who help!
Let us know by contacting
Georgina Beare
Director of Volunteers
Kentucky Horse Park
4089 Iron Works Parkway.
Lexington. KY 40511
Direct: (859) 259-4267
Main: 1(800) 678 8813
Email; gina.beare@ky.gov
Web: www.kyhorsepark.com
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10.05.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Disciplines, My Volunteering, Results, Show Jumping, Volunteerism, World Equestrian Games at 8:07 pm by Thomas
Today marked my 8th day volunteering and the 11th day overall of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. It amazing to arrive at the Kentucky Horse Park early in the morning, even before traffic control, though there is already a lot of people working in the Park. Right now the Park doesn’t sleep, there is always something that has to be done and with any major event now a days, security is present around the clock.
I have now worked primarily in 3 areas, the Main gate, the Athletes gate and the area around Main Stadium. Today I was back at Main Stadium and with a Morning and Afternoon Show Jumping sessions and Para-Dressage going on just down the way in the Covered Arena the morning was hectic but enjoyable. As I have seen throughout my time volunteering the volunteers and staff are both flexible and resourceful which is always a great asset because in any event this size you are going to have those things that come up on a daily basis that have to be dealt with on the fly.
Now before everyone thinks its all work and no play, I did get to see Mario Deslauriers on Urico during my break have an excellent ride today, yesterday he won the individual Gold Medal in Speed Jumping. He did have 2 rails down but compared to some of the crashes I saw, his ride was nearly flawless, and the U.S. team is currently sitting 3rd on the leader board after today. The team competition final is tomorrow with there now being an afternoon session added to get to the top 10 will compete tomorrow night. Information on the added session can be found here, but the good news is, if you hold a ticket for the evening event it will get you into the afternoon session as well.
I have also been drawn into the Pin craze, if that’s what you call it. Apparently most of the athletes come with a sizable bank of pins to start and generally I haven’t even had to ask, I help someone out and they give me a pin so I have managed to gather a small collection, I say small compared to some of my volunteer friends who are sporting quite the collections now. The pin that is in rare supply, is the South African pin, and I know of no one who has it though I did have South African team members say that they did have some just not on them one day that I did ask. Obviously for those who don’t know me, my wife is South African and we had our wedding in South Africa almost 9 years ago, so it is certainly the Country pin I would love to land.
This week through Closing Ceremonies I am working all 1st shifts,yesterday and today that meant being at the Horse Park at 6 AM, starting tomorrow I have to be out there at 5 AM. So this post is the last thing I am doing before I head off to bed so I am keeping it short.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas Demond
KyWEGO
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09.30.10
Posted in 2010 Games, My Volunteering, Volunteerism, World Equestrian Games at 10:41 am by Thomas
My experience volunteering has been great so far, getting ready to head out for Day 5. Yesterday I had an early morning shift and was out to the Kentucky Horse Park at 5 AM. It was certainly cool, temps were in the mid 40’s and after the 90’s we have had recently it was a bit of a shock when I first started walking from Spy Coast parking, but by the time I got to the volunteer center I had warmed up. The volunteers I have met so far have been good people, most but not all have some background in horses but its cool to know that there are others out there, that have come to volunteer because they also believe the World Equestrian Games are a good thing for Kentucky and they want to be a part of it.
Speaking of being a part of it, Monday night, walking back to my car at 10 PM, when all the crowds had already left, I got the most amazing sense of being a part of something special. It was that Magic that I have always spoken about in regards to Kentucky and these Games, and when you feel it, there is no missing it.
Well, I am off to my shift, hope to see you all there!
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas Demond
KyWEGO
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09.26.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Updates, Volunteerism, World Equestrian Games at 10:59 am by Thomas
My first day volunteering was about what I expected, actually it went better then I expected though I did spend 8 hours standing on asphalt at the first security check point prior to the Main Entry. From my station I was directing people to the Main Entry or the ticket office if they didn’t have tickets, and I can say the ticket office stayed busy all day which is a very good sign for the numbers. The video I saw of the Main Stadium showed that the stands were pretty full, so guessing their had to be more then 15,000 spectators which is a very good sign. At the start of the month there was only a little more then 10,000 tickets sold for Opening Ceremonies so the fact that there was over a 50% increase in 3 weeks time bodes well for the rest of the Games because its an indication of the economy and that people are wanting to buy their tickets on the day of as opposed to prior to an event. So I would not expect the numbers to be as dire as what was said at the beginning of the month and I think there is a good chance everyone will be presently surprised.
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09.08.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Rewards, World Equestrian Games at 8:46 pm by Press Release
32 Lucky Guests to Win Tickets and Hospitality Passes
Lexington, Ky.—16 days to go—Lexington’s own quick-serve Italian restaurant, Fazoli’s, will help support its home city during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games by providing meals to dedicated volunteers at the Games. Fazoli’s also is giving away 32 pairs of tickets, complete with hospitality passes.
Fazoli’s will serve 4,000 meals to volunteers during the Games. Volunteers will enjoy some of the restaurant’s signature items, including Spaghetti Marinara, Fettuccine Alfredo, Garden Salad and, of course, Fazoli’s famous Breadsticks. Food will be prepared on site at the Kentucky Horse Park. Fazoli’s also will provide 1,000 vouchers for volunteers to use at Fazoli’s restaurants.
“We are very pleased to partner with Fazoli’s,” said Terry Johnson, WEG vice president of sales and marketing. “This is a great example of a local company stepping up to support the 2010 Games by feeding thousands of volunteers, without whom, there would be no event.”
To help as many area residents as possible enjoy the Games, Fazoli’s is giving away 32 pairs of tickets, complete with hospitality passes.
“This is a unique chance to experience a true world-class sporting event and Fazoli’s is delighted to offer tickets to some of our guests,” said Carl Howard, CEO of Fazoli’s.
Each of Fazoli’s 16 Lexington-area restaurants will give away two pairs of tickets. Visit your closest Fazoli’s to enter the drawing.
About Fazoli’s:
An American family favorite for more than 20 years, Fazoli’s is a leading next generation QSR franchise opportunity. With an all-new premium menu featuring freshly prepared Italian entrees, Submarinos® sandwiches and salads, along with a contemporary new restaurant design and fresh leadership, Fazoli’s is well positioned for growth. Already America’s largest Italian quick service chain, Fazoli’s is expanding in select markets throughout the country. Founded in Lexington, Ky. in 1989, Sun Capital Partners acquired Fazoli’s in 2006.
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08.29.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Jamie Link, Volunteer Training, Volunteerism, World Equestrian Games, World Games 2010 Foundation at 9:36 am by Thomas
The Venue Specific training was held in 2 sessions yesterday for all those that could attend I believe we found it to be extremely useful. One of the key lessons was a video by Chris Young on Protocol, basically a top 10 list of do’s’ and don’t in dealing with an International public. A lot of his points could/should be commonsense but we can always use a refresher course on that from time to time. All and all it was a great experience, and for those of you who are still on the fence on volunteering, their is still time for you.
The pace is picking up and with only 26 days to go it only going to get quicker. Jamie Link pointed out that ticket sales are picking up, which isn’t really a surprise, at this point the expectations is somewhere in the 200 – 300,000 spectator range which would be about the perfect size for this event in my opinion.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas Demond
KyWEGO®
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08.25.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Volunteer Training, Volunteerism, World Equestrian Games at 9:36 pm by Thomas
Last night I was at the Horse Park for some of the volunteer job specific training and came away with a very good feeling about the Games. Everything is starting to come together and I honestly do believe these Games are going to be the best for everyone from the competitors to the spectators and volunteers. As a Kentucky Colonel and a volunteer I want to say to all the other volunteers, thanks and I look forward to meeting many of you. I am signed up for 12 days during the Games and 2 days before so suspect I will get to meet a good number of you all. For those of you who haven’t signed up to volunteer but want to, their are still opportunities available so I would highly recommend doing it. The link to volunteer is given below.
Volunteer
Get Your Games Face On!
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas Demond
KyWEGO®
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08.02.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Preperations, Volunteer Training, Volunteerism, World Equestrian Games at 9:58 pm by Thomas
Attended my Volunteer Training Initiation tonight and if you didn’t guess from the title it went very well. Tonights meeting was conducted by ESCO Security Consulting , which is managing the security operations for the Games, as a meet and greet for them to interview the volunteers. ESCO’s staff was very professional and left me with a very good feeling when it comes to the security operations for the Games. The magic I often speak of in relation to the Games was certainly present in the room both among the volunteers and the staff which for me is a great environment to be in. I have given an initial commitment of 10 days, possibly 11 maybe 12 if need be because I do believe I can make a difference during these Games as I believe I have made a difference in how these Games go off. There are still volunteer opportunities available for the Games and certainly for anyone who maybe still on the fence, and I know you are out there, I would ask that you consider stepping down off that fence especially if you are a Kentuckian. I know the negative publicity that is out there about the Games, but I can say with certainty that the true legacy that these Games leave behind after October 1oth will be long lasting and will not be defined by the revenue generated during that short 16 day period.
Proud to be a Kentuckian,
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas Paul Demond
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06.14.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Volunteerism, World Equestrian Games at 6:42 pm by Thomas
Volunteers from Kentucky and surrounding states flocked to Lexington on June 1 for the first volunteer training session in preparation for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. This marks the beginning of general volunteer training which will span the month of June.
“It went fabulously,” said Erin Faherty, director of volunteer services, about the first session. “The volunteers are very excited and they are beginning to realize that they not only represent themselves, the local area, and Kentucky, but also the United States.”
The training session, which is mandatory for all volunteers, consists of several educational presentations that are designed to prepare volunteers for what they will encounter at the Games. They include an overview of the Games, information about volunteer check-in, uniforms, behavior, safety and communication.
“I thought it was very informative,” said Donna Vanover, a volunteer from Lexington who attended the first training session. “(It gave) volunteers a general overview of what to expect and opened your eyes to what you hadn’t thought of.”
Vanover said the session answered many of her questions and helped her know how to plan her schedule for when the Games arrive.
“It is a fun two hours,” Vanover said. “Even if it’s after work, it will get you excited even more about the Games.”
During the month of June, training sessions will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Faherty said the training sessions are very interactive, including videos and demonstrations that have gotten both volunteers and staff members excited.
“It has been a long time coming,” said Melissa Gamble, volunteer services manager. “They (the volunteers) have stuck with us, and it was nice to see the passion in their eyes.”
General training is the first leg of training that volunteers will receive in the months prior to the Games. Job specific training and venue training will be assigned closer to the Games, depending on what position the volunteer will be working.
Training is mandatory for all volunteers, both competition and general. They can sign up on Shiftboard using their volunteer profile. Each session is limited to 200 volunteers. Another training option will be available for volunteers who live too far away to attend a session in Lexington. Those volunteers will be contacted through email.
Still interested in becoming a volunteer? Your time is running out. Click here for more information.
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05.07.10
Posted in Volunteerism at 4:34 pm by Thomas
Gina Beare, Volunteer Coordinator at the Kentucky Horse Park, is extending an invitation to CTAs to join an orientation session for “A Gift from the Desert” volunteers. Even if you don’t have plans to volunteer, this is great opportunity to learn the art, history and culture of the Arabian horse. RSVP’s are not necessary. Choose one of the two sessions listed below and the first 100 people at each session will receive a free pass to this spectacular international exhibit.
Session 1: Wednesday, May 19th 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Kentucky Horse Park, South Theater
Session 2: Saturday, May 22nd 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Kentucky Horse Park, South Theater
Each session will start with a presentation by one of the guest curators, Sandra Olsen or Cynthia Culbertson, with an introduction to the exhibition, the artifacts and the history of the Near East. Following will be a presentation by Jenny Sutton-Amr, Executive Director of the Kentucky Islamic Resource Group, exploring the culture, traditions and customs including clothing and language.
**Don’t forget! Attending educational programs and seminars counts 5 points towards your Annual Renewal of Certification**
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04.15.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Volunteerism, World Equestrian Games at 10:37 pm by Thomas
I wanted to get the word out that the situation for volunteering looks to have greatly improved. I had my phone interview last weekend and that was very informative and painless. The first question that you are asked is if you will be able to commit to doing 6 shifts and a shift can be up to 8 hours in length. I suspect that for some this is going to be a bit of a surprise and maybe more then you were looking to give.
I will make a personal request to those that maybe would say no because of that, to consider just how important of an event this is and how much your participation as a volunteer will matter. I promise you that being able to say you were a part of the first Games in Kentucky will stick with you forever. I am going to go a bit further and say, if you are able, be willing to do 2 extra shifts, you certainly do not have to say that during your phone interview, but keep it in the back of your mind when you are making your plans. I think a lot of you will probably think I am a little crazy for making that suggestion now, but I think once you are actually a volunteer at the Games, the experience will be such that you might do an extra day or two even without me having suggested it.
The success of these Games, no matter the number of people that come is going to be all about the experience those people have. The jobs that the volunteers do and their interactions with everyone in attendance will be one of the keys in that experience.
For those of you looking to volunteer, or for those that have signed up in the past but haven’t heard anything, please register at the World Equestrian Games Shiftboard Registration .
As a Kentucky Colonel and citizen of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, let me say that your support of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (Kentucky World Equestrian Games) is greatly appreciated and admired.
Ky. Colonel Thomas P. Demond
Founder KyWEGO
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04.05.10
Posted in Fort Harrod Back Country Horsemen, Volunteerism at 9:40 am by Thomas
Harrodsburg, KY, April 4, 2010 – Members and friends of the Fort Harrod Back Country Horsemen (Ft. Harrod BCH) are converging on Eagle’s Nest Equestrian Trails in Harrodsburg on April 10 – 11, 2010 to repair water crossings.
The group of central Kentucky equestrian trails enthusiasts has been instrumental in maintaining trails at both Eagles Nest and Shaker Village since their inception two years ago.
The upcoming work weekend will focus on rebuilding two creek crossings to properly maintain water flow and reduce erosion and mud. The project requires rock and other materials which are being purchased through a grant from the Tractor Supply Company and the American Quarter Horse Association.
Heavy equipment including a bobcat and tractor will be used to transport rock to the work areas and do the strenuous digging. Volunteers are needed to back dig the crossings, shovel rock, and perform other related tasks. Greenline Implement of Danville is donating the use of a used tractor for the weekend. Regular Eagles Nest camper, Brad Rogers of Nelson County, will supply and operate the bobcat.
Ft. Harrod BCH members, Dennis Blackburn the Eagles Nest Trail Boss and Cory Bloyd of Watermark Construction, planned the trail crossing improvements in accordance with practices employed by nationally renowned trail design expert, Mike Riter. Both Blackburn and Bloyd completed an intense course of study on building and maintaining sustainable trails with Riter.
“We are very fortunate to have members with trail master certification which qualifies them to develop plans for sustainable trail improvements,” said Ft. Harrod BCH President, Brian Rogers. “We’re asking anyone who rides at or enjoys Eagles Nest to bring their tampers, shovels, and wheelbarrows and support this important improvement.”
The work weekend is scheduled on Saturday April 10, 2010 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. with a potluck lunch and on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. In the event of rainfall the work weekend may be postponed. To volunteer or for more information contact trail boss, Dennis Blackburn, at 859-613-2665 or hardrockfarm@gmail.com.
The Fort Harrod Back Country Horsemen is a local affiliate of the Back Country Horsemen of America. The member based association of trail enthusiasts works in Central Kentucky to develop and maintain sustainable trails, build land use relationships, and provide educational opportunities. For more information or to join the Fort Harrod Back Country Horsemen visit www.kybch.com or contact Brian Rogers at rogers1822@roadrunner.com or 859-806-8267.
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03.13.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Volunteer Spotlight, World Equestrian Games at 4:15 pm by Thomas
For Carmen Rader-Bowles, volunteering to serve others is a common philosophy. And, the retired school teacher with a love for horses has become a familiar face at the World Games 2010 Foundation office.
“Service is something I have always done,” Rader-Bowles said. “I don’t take, I give back.”
Rader-Bowles has lived by this philosophy her whole life. She started giving back as a teacher. After graduating from Transylvania University in 1973, she spent 35 years in education, teaching at Fayette County Schools for the majority of her career.
“After I retired I needed something to fill the time,” Rader-Bowles said. “I combined my two passions; teaching and horses.”
Rader-Bowles has had a horse since she was eight years old and said she even rode her grandfather’s dairy cattle until he gave in and bought her a horse. She has experience with driving, Saddlebreds, Western and jumping, and currently owns a retired racehorse and half-leases a Warmblood.
Her experience with horses made her a perfect volunteer at the Kentucky Horse Park where she has worked with the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event, as well as Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, a therapeutic riding program for disabled children.
Stretching out her services even farther, Rader-Bowles began volunteering at WEG in January of 2009 and began to organize the awards for the 2010 Games. Comprised of more than 20 ceremonies complete with dozens of ribbons and trophies to be ordered, Rader-Bowles calls the awards planning a massive endeavor.
Thinking ahead to when the Games arrive, Bowles said she anticipates a week similar to finals week in college, with lots of coffee and little sleep.
“I have not been able to clone myself in the last 35 years,” Rader-Bowles said. “It will be interesting to see if I can this time around.”
But despite the hard work, Rader-Bowles is looking forward to the arrival of the Games and encourages others to volunteer, regardless of their experience with horses.
“For every minute you spend helping someone you get so much more back,” Rader-Bowles said. “You’ll never get the chance to be involved in something this big again, this is the Olympics baby!”
Although a volunteer is giving service without pay, to those who have tried it, like Rader-Bowles, it is something more; the opportunity to help others, meet new people and be a part of a special experience. Click here for more information about how to become a volunteer for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
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