United States Eventing Association

Every second counts in eventing, and no one knows that better than the cross-country finish timer.

The USEA Volunteer Achievement Program (VAP) was created by the USEA Volunteer Committee to recognize volunteers for their education, experience, responsibility, and commitment in different roles offered at USEA Recognized Events. Next up in our VAP Series, which shares best practices for completing your badge in every role available through the program, we will be highlighting the role of cross-country finish timer.

While riders and horses may get the glory of galloping through the finish flags, it is the finish timer who ensures their efforts are accurately recorded and reflected in the final results. Positioned at the end of the course, cross-country finish timers serve as the official record keepers for every competitor's finishing time.

For many volunteers, however, the role offers much more than keeping time.

"The biggest reason I love being the finish timer is because it's the happiest place to be on cross-country day," said Kendra Z. (Area VII). "Families, friends, kids, trainers, and more are there waiting for their rider, and when they see them go through the finish, it's a huge celebration. Riders celebrate finishing! It's also the perfect place to cheer on my barn friends and riders I know."

What Does a Cross-Country Finish Timer Do?

The primary responsibility of a cross-country finish timer is simple but critical: accurately record the finishing time of every horse-and-rider combination as they cross the finish line.

Before competition begins and at least 15 minutes before the start of their shift, finish timers check in with the Volunteer Coordinator, gather their equipment—including a clipboard with the order of go, pens/pencils, timing sheets, a radio, and timing device—and head to the finish line to set up their station. Reviewing the order of go and familiarizing themselves with the timing equipment before the first rider leaves the start box helps ensure a smooth day.

Once cross-country is underway, the position requires concentration and organization. Finish timers listen to radio calls from jump judges at the final fences, track approaching competitors, verify rider numbers, and record exact finish times. They also communicate those times back to cross-country control and scoring officials. In some cases, finish timers may be responsible for noting instances of willful delay between the final obstacle and the finish line, which can impact scoring.

At the conclusion of each division, timing sheets are submitted to scoring personnel, helping ensure results can be processed accurately and efficiently.

"I've been a cross-country finish timer in Aiken for years," said Scarlett S. (Area III). "I enjoy watching great horses and talented riders go cross-country. I also do finish for the $100,000 Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce's Field. I've earned that position by providing accurate finish times."

Skills for Success

Successful finish timers are attentive, dependable, and comfortable multitasking. They must be able to focus on approaching competitors while simultaneously recording information and communicating with event officials.

Accuracy is especially important because even a small timing error can affect final placings.

Many cross-country finish timers also appreciate that the position offers a front-row seat to one of the most exciting moments of the day.

"My favorite part of the role is watching the competitors complete their cross-country course," said Eric D. (Area VI). "I love seeing the excitement and joy that they express as they cross the finish line."

At most events, finish timers may also assist with jump judging the final obstacle before the finish line.

"Since I no longer have a horse of my own, being the finish timer gives me the excitement of the competitors crossing the finish line," shared Beth D. (Area II). "They are so enthusiastic, some with their fists in the air, some patting their horses on their necks telling them they did a good job."

Why Volunteers Love the Position

For many volunteers, the finish line represents the culmination of months of preparation and training for competitors. It is where relief, excitement, and accomplishment all come together in a matter of seconds.

"Being the finish timer at horse trials has become one of the most meaningful ways I can give back to the eventing community," said Josh F. (Area VIII). "There is something special about standing at the finish, watching every rider come through after tackling the course with determination, grit, and heart."

Melissa A. (Area I) echoed those sentiments.

"I love seeing the rider's faces crossing through the flags," she said. "Cross-country is the true test of eventing, and the thrill each time my mare and I pass by the flags—well, there is nothing quite like it."

And if you are a competitor or someone who loves to learn more about the sport, Tom G. from Area VI thinks there is no better role to volunteer for.

"Every volunteer role at an event provides a mini-clinic worth of learning," he said. "When I began jump-judging, sitting at the same jump and seeing 100 different approaches from ponies to horses, and pros to new-to-level riders, led to real moments of insight about each question posed by an obstacle. At the finish line specifically, I really get to see the work riders have spent conditioning their horse. At the finish, some horses are looking for more jumps, while others struggle to power up the final hill. After years, I still learn something new every competition!"

Whether volunteers are longtime eventers, parents supporting their children, or simply passionate fans of the sport, the cross-country finish timer position offers a unique perspective on the action while playing an essential role in the success of the competition.

How Do I Earn My Badge?

Are you ready to earn your Cross-Country Finish Timer badge? Log onto EventingVolunteers.com, go to "My Dashboard," and use the "My Achievements" tab to follow these steps to start your journey towards earning a badge today:

1. View the volunteer video and read the guidelines for the role by clicking the icons next to the "XC Finish Timer" title in the first column.
2. Take the assessment for the role and score an 80% or higher to proceed.
3. Work as a Cross-Country Finish Timer at two (2) or more USEA recognized competition(s) for a total of 10 or more hours.
4. Once the hour requirements have been met, apply for the badge directly through EventingVolunteers.com by requesting a recommendation in the fifth column on the "My Achievements" page.
5. The Volunteer Coordinator(s) or Organizer(s) for each competition where you worked will be asked to approve your application for the badge.
6. Once approved, the badge will be added to the role in your Eventing Volunteers profile.

To learn more about the Volunteer Achievement Program, click here. To create an Eventing Volunteers profile, click here. For more information on the VAP or the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program, please contact Kaleigh Collett at [email protected].

Good luck earning your next VAP badge!