Equine Sports Council Judge’s Certification Program Announced

Equine Sports Council is excited to announce that we have developed a tiered certification program for horse show Judges, ensuring they demonstrate expertise through annual credential submissions, ESC Rule Book examinations, industry involvement, and continuing education.

ESC Judges will be certified annually based on their officiating experience, overall industry involvement and ability to demonstrate ongoing personal development. Applicants will attest to their officiating history and that information will be verified using publicly available data such as Saddle Horse Report’s “Judge’s Search” or horse show management software programs.  After registration and completing the rule book quiz, officials will be Leveled Up as follows:

Standard Judges – Those individuals who have officiated fewer than 10 shows. Standard applicants must attend an ESC In-Person Judge’s Clinic or show they have attended a similar clinic in the last 5 years. They will be certified to officiate ESC sanctioned events with fewer than 250 entries, or may serve on a three-judge panel, and must complete a short online webinar and a rule book quiz each year.

Premier Judges – Those who have officiated 10 to 30 verified multi-day shows. They may officiate all competition levels and must complete the annual online webinar and rule book quiz.

Elite Judges – Those who have officiated more than 30 verified multi-day shows. They may officiate all ESC sanctioned shows and will complete an annual online webinar and rule book quiz.

“The ESC Judges Certification Program is a well thought out and innovative approach to adding more Judges to the judging pool,” stated Susi Day, Chairperson of the ESC Certification Council.  “ESC has worked exceptionally hard to make this process efficient, educational and cost effective. I am thrilled to be a part of this effort to educate and employ future officials.  I look forward to seeing many new Judges standing in center ring!”

To apply for certification, visit https://equinesportscouncil.org/certifiedofficials/  The certification fee is $100 through February 2026, then increases to $150 on March 1. 

ESC Certified Judges will be covered under the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) insurance policy, which provides up to $6 million per occurrence, with a per policy aggregate of $14 million for claims against the insured for bodily injury, property damage and personal injury at horse shows that are organized by recognized sports organizations and where ESC rules are followed. Coverage also extends to seminars, conferences, camps and clinics.  This policy is included in the annual certification fee.

Standard Judge Applicants, or anyone interested in learning more about the judging process, are invited to attend an In-Person Judge’s Clinic at the Spring Premier Horse Show, April 1-3, 2026 at the KY Horse Park in Lexington.  Visit https://equinesportscouncil.org/judgesclinics/ for more information, the clinic schedule, and to register.  Clinic attendees may also participate as trainers/exhibitors at the show.