The MHF Mounted Horse Patrol (formerly the MHF Ambassadors) 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
As determined by the Midwest Horse Fair Board of Directors
- 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 on your horse to be used, 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.
ARRIVAL
- Equine check-in is located at the Welcome Center on Thursday of fair from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Participants must sign a liability and photography release form in order to receive a wristband. One 3-day pass is included (value $55), along with one stall (value $50). You must provide your own shavings and feed.
- All equine animals entering the grounds for Midwest Horse Fair must have the following documentation:
- Original and a copy of the laboratory report of a negative equine infectious anemia (EIA) test conducted after April 21, 2023, which clearly identifies the equine animal by registration number, lip tattoo, or a complete description of the equine animal.
- Original and a copy of the certificate of veterinary inspection issued within 30 days (on or after March 21, 2024) of Midwest Horse Fair if you are coming from a state other than WI or MN.
- Stalls will be assigned and cannot be traded without speaking to the MHF Mounted Horse Patrol Coordinators. Only one horse will be allowed per volunteer. Riding in the pavilions is not permitted.
- Horses must stay on the grounds until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
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 close-toed, 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 (value $45) and a stall for the weekend (value $60)
- 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 to the primary purpose of your job and 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 fur.
For safety & liability reasons, this job is best suited for those who:
- 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