MHF Mounted Horse Patrol Application

Application has now closed.  Thank you to everyone who has applied.

Thank you for your interest in Volunteering with the MHF Mounted Horse Patrol (formerly the MHF Ambassadors) at the Midwest Horse Fair.

MHF Mounted Horse Patrol volunteers must arrive with their horse on Thursday, April 10, 2025 between 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and remain on the grounds until Sunday, April 13 2025 at 5:00 p.m. By volunteering your time as a MHF Mounted Horse Patrol volunteer, you will earn FREE admission to all 3 days of the Midwest Horse Fair ($55 value) and a complimentary stall ($60 value). There is a minimum of one 3-hour shift each day. A Release of Liability Form must be signed in exchange for a wristband.

We are looking for outgoing individuals that enjoy interaction with the public and are NOT participating in any other areas of Midwest Horse Fair. Those with a flexible schedule will be given top consideration. Please read the MHF Mounted Horse Patrol Job Description before applying. Horses used should be owned or leased by the applicant.

All applicants will be notified of their status by March 1, 2025. All selected MHF Mounted Horse Patrol volunteers must attend a MANDATORY meeting on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. (time subject to change & location TBD).

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older as of April 10, 2025.

If you are considering camping, we suggest making your reservation when the application becomes available DECEMBER 9, 2024. Camping refunds are given until January 1, 2025 if your situation changes.

Responsibilities

The MHF Mounted Horse Patrol will assist in promoting the Midwest Horse Fair as a welcoming and friendly event.

They also prevent walk-ins from entering the grounds without paying admission.

Applicant Qualifications

• Must be over 18 years of age
• Be available to complete a 3-hour shift each of the three days
• MHF Mounted Horse Patrol applicants are required to submit a photo with their application
• Applications submitted without a photo will not be considered
• Digital photos are required
• Please send a full body shot of you with your horse that clearly depicts the health and condition of the animal
• Any horse arriving on the grounds may be subject to an evaluation by a Veterinarian
• MHF Mounted Horse Patrol participants must abide by the Midwest Horse Fair Code of Conduct

General Information

• Please be courteous and friendly. We depend on the kind demeanor of our representatives to make MHF a success.
• Please dress appropriately for the weather as you will be outside for your entire shift. Helmets are encouraged. No torn or dirty jeans may be worn.
• Please wear heeled shoes or appropriate footwear. No flip-flops or open-toe shoes are allowed.
• Sign in with the MHF Mounted Horse Patrol coordinators at the assigned stall area in Pavilion Two, 15 minutes before each of your scheduled volunteer shifts. A brightly colored safety jacket will be checked out to you for your use throughout the weekend, which will designate you as a MHF Mounted Horse Patrol volunteer.
• Horse patrol shifts are 3 hours in length. You must stay on patrol for the entire shift, even in inclement weather, unless conditions turn severe. In the case of severe weather, check in with the MHF Mounted Horse Patrol Coordinator before leaving your post.
• In exchange for working three 3-hour shifts, MHF Mounted Horse Patrol volunteers can earn a free 3-day wristband and a stall for the weekend.
• Stay alert at all times and pay attention to your surroundings in case a problem arises and action is required. We politely ask that you limit cell phone use during your shift.
• Greet attendees as they arrive & depart. Allowing attendees to pet your horse or talk with you is good for public relations; however, remember to stay alert, carry out the primary purpose of your job, and be attentive to the reactions of your horse.
• Politely take walk-ins to the gate entrances or ticket booths and remain with them until a wristband is received or purchased. If they do not comply, contact the Welcome Center immediately. If anyone forgets their ticket, they must go back and get it or pay again.
• The only Will-Call booth is at the Olin Avenue entrance. Escort attendees to Will-Call if they know they have a wristband waiting for them. Please do not send attendees off by themselves. Call the Welcome Center if additional help is needed.
• Some of the MHF Mounted Horse Patrol areas are on grass. Try to keep your horse from tearing up these areas, especially on the North and East sides of the grounds.
• Keep your horse under control at all times.
• One radio will be provided for every two-person team. If you need help with a problem, contact the MHF Mounted Horse Patrol Coordinators or the Welcome Center.
  • The radios should only be used for business purposes. If you have a SEVERE situation that warrants more security, contact on-site security and Mounted Police immediately and then notify the Welcome Center.
• MHF Mounted Horse Patrol volunteers do NOT handle parking assistance. You must leave parking issues to Alliant Energy Center and Midwest Horse Fair Welcome Center personnel.
• If time allows and your area is adequately covered, you may assist those that cannot locate their car in your assigned area.
• The Midwest Horse Fair Welcome Center staff, located at the front of Pavilion Two, will assist with any Pavilion related issues and all questions.
• Please do not leave your post until the next person arrives to take your place.
• Bridles and bits are required. Advance permission is required to ride without a bridle. No halters, bosals, or hackamores.
• Horses must be bathed and clean prior to arrival. Please have your horse presentable at all times.
• No young, inexperienced, or untrained horses. Stallions are not allowed.
• NO “For Sale” SIGNS may be hung on your horse, yourself, the stall, or brushed into the horse’s coat.
• If not accepted, please consider applying to be a Volunteer. Direct horse related positions, such as a Gate Attendant are typically available. Contact the office at 920-623-5515 to inquire.

Best Suited For Candidates Who:

• Are outgoing and enjoy interacting with the public
• Have a sense of responsibility
• Are able to be assertive when necessary, but in a respectful and courteous manner
• Want to bring their horse and can control their horse in crowded public settings
• Are able-bodied and capable of riding for the required length of time
• Are able to communicate, hear, and understand directions clearly, and react quickly
• Are eager to contribute to the success of the Midwest Horse Fair