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BRC Volunteers

Running BRC championships would not be possible without the loyal support of our dedicated volunteers. Each event can easily need up to 150 volunteers a day to cover all the necessary job roles so the show really wouldn't go on without all of you!

  • Last reviewed: 1st July 2026
Vol Vol

What does being a BRC volunteer involve?

You don't necessarily need a mountain of skills and knowledge to be a BRC volunteer - our chief stewards are on hand to offer guidance and support where necessary. Everyone is welcome to volunteer and there is something for all of you so please do get involved. 

Volunteering at BRC championships covers a range of disciplines, from dressage to show jumping as well as cross-country. 

Become a BRC volunteer:

For more information on becoming a BRC volunteer or for further information please email merlin.perlo@bhs.org.uk or call 02476 840597.

If you are looking to volunteer at one of our championships, check out the Volunteers' Club page and the Volunteer Handbook.

BRC Volunteer Awards

Do you know a Club, long standing BRC member or Volunteer that deserves to be recognised?
Nominations are open for:
  • The Club of the Year award, which is presented annually to an affiliated Riding Club who has had an exemplary 12 months.
  • The Leo Harris award, which is presented annually to a Riding Club member who has given outstanding voluntary service to the movement over a period of years. All nominees will have given many years of service to both their club and at area level.
  • Volunteer of the year award, which is presented annually to a Riding Club member who has given outstanding voluntary service to the movement throughout the year.
Winners are presented their awards at the BHS Charity Race Day at Newbury racecourse where they get to enjoy the races as well as a lovely lunch. Each nomination should include a resume consisting of at least 100 words detailing the candidate’s/club's contributions on why they should be awarded this title.
Club of the Year Award

Club of the Year Award

The Club of the Year award is presented each year to an affiliated Riding Club that has enjoyed a fantastic 12 months.

Any club member or committee member can submit a nomination. Each nomination should include at least 100 words highlighting the club’s contributions and explaining why it should receive this award.

Clubs should meet one or more of the following criteria to be nominated:

  • Community engagement - Actively engage in the local community, and go above and beyond to make a positive impact.
  • Range of activities– Provide a variety of activities, from competitions and qualifiers, through to training and social events, really bringing to life our BRC tag line – Ride Together, Train Together, Compete Together and Have Fun Together.
  • Growth and development – Demonstrate improvement across the club through increased membership, junior participation and increased volunteer contribution and recognition.
  • Diversity and inclusion - Foster an environment of equality and respect for individual differences, and offer opportunities to all, adapting to diverse needs to reflect true inclusivity.
  • Charity and fundraising – Committed to carrying out fundraising activities to support and promote the values and objectives of BHS.

A panel will review all nominations and create a shortlist. The final decision will then be made by a panel, made up of a BHS fellow, the Head of BRC and a member of the BRC Advisory Group. 

Leo Harris Award

Leo Harris Award

The Leo Harris award is presented each year to a Riding Club member who has given outstanding voluntary service over several years.

All nominees will have contributed several years of service at both the club and area level. While not essential, volunteering at some of the BRC Championships is a bonus! 

Each nomination should include at least 100 words detailing the nominee’s contributions and why they deserve to win. Please include…

  • The year they first started volunteering
  •  Roles carried out within the club/area
  •  Key achievements
  • How the individual has inspired others

All Area Representatives will have the opportunity to vote; the nomination with the most votes is awarded the Leo Harris Trophy which they’ll keep for the year. All other nominees will still be recognised for their dedication with the BRC Award of Merit Certificate, honouring their invaluable contributions.

Volunteer of the Year Award

Volunteer of the Year Award

Volunteer of the year award is presented each year to a Riding Club member who has given outstanding voluntary service throughout the year.

All nominees will have contributed at both the club and area level throughout the year. While not essential, volunteering at the BRC Championships is a bonus!

Each nomination should include at least 100 words detailing the candidate’s contributions on why they should be awarded this award.

All Area Representatives will then be given the opportunity to cast a vote; the nomination with the most votes is awarded volunteer of the year award.