About Us
Vision of Equine Sport Integrity & Advancement
Equine Sport Council strives to advance and strengthen the trotting breed show horse industry by promoting integrity and sportsmanship through clearly defined concepts outlined in the ESC Rule Book, which provides rules and standards to maintain a fair playing field. Human and equine safety are paramount at every level, supported by the ESC Welfare program, which includes rigorous equine drug testing conducted by licensed equine veterinarians with samples processed by ISO and ARCI certified laboratories. All participants at ESC-sanctioned events are ensured integrity and fairness through ESC’s independent third-party dispute resolution process.
Mission of Education, Reinvestment & Sustainability
Through the educational initiatives of the ESC Foundation, we provide certification programs for horse show officials, ensuring ongoing professional development and active participation from the industry’s top show horse trainers. ESC partners with rescue organizations to purchase horses that have been rehabilitated, and are then gifted to horse instructors for use in their riding lesson programs. Our ESC Network of Sanctioned Shows benefit from a guaranteed reinvestment of 25% of ESC Corporation’s sanctioning revenues in the form of grants and class sponsorships. These reinvestments contribute to the sustainability of our sport from the grassroots level to top tier competitions.
Equine Sports Council (ESC), a private Alabama corporation, was co-founded in 2019 by show horse enthusiasts Shane Darnell and Jackie Hale. In 2024, ESC saw significant growth when the Mane Event Horse Show (home of the National Good Hands Finals) and the KY State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show joined our Network. As a result, ESC has seen an increase in our annual “giveback” to the show horse industry. As of 2025, grants and sponsorships generated by income from the ESC Network exceeds $75,000 since our inception.
Equine Sports Council Foundation (ESCF) is the non-profit 501(c)(3) organization of ESC. The Foundation’s mission is to educate, raise awareness, and advocate for the trotting breed show horse industry. ESCF is funded by donations from ESC Corporation and private individuals.
ESC Officers & Directors
Shane Darnell, Managing Director
Jackie Hale, Managing Director
Tamara Tucker, Legal Advisor & BOD Secretary
Todd Graham, Athlete Representative / Board Member at Large
ESC Professional Advisory Council (PAC)
Donna Pettry-Smith, Chair
Tom Lowry, Vice Chair
David Cater
Robert Gardiner
Todd Graham
Will Harris
Barbe Smith
Tom Thorpe
Richard Yoder
Certified Officials Council
Susi Day, Chair
Donna Pettry-Smith, Vice Chair
Kim Crumpler
Lisa Hillmer
Jay Wood
Rules & Standards Council
Lori Nelson, Chair
Kristen Pettry, Vice Chair
Janet Crampton
Vicky Holston
Scarlett Mattson
Nancy Noble
Tom Thorpe
Competitions Council
Robert Gardiner, Chair
Todd Graham
Milo Jones
Dan Shirley
Controlled Medications Advisory Council
Travis Mays, PhD, Chair
John Bennett, DVM
Alexandra Carlson, DVM
Industry Consultants
Angie Boyle, American Dutch Harness Industry Consultant
Rich Campbell, Hackney Industry Consultant
Bret Day, Saddlebred Industry Consultant
Patrick Gallagher Ph.D., Legal Consultant
Dwayne Knowles, Morgan Industry Consultant
James Nichols, Roadster Industry Consultant
Glenn T. Werry, Morgan Industry Consultant
Members of these Advisory Councils and Industry Consultants provide expert guidance and support for ESC’s mission. With representatives across the country, these industry professionals collaborate with stakeholders and show organizers to educate and advise on implementing best practices and policies that enhance the well-being of horses and ensure fair competition. Through our collective expertise and dedication, we strive to advance the sport of equine athletics while prioritizing the health, safety, and ethical treatment of our equine partners.