About Us
Vision & Mission
To grow the Non-Olympic horse industry by insuring quality and standards throughout our Network. To provide rules and standards, marketing, and support to our network of horse shows with an emphasis on integrity, sportsmanship and safety.
We Offer
A governing body partnership to horse shows, officials and exhibitors through Standardized Rules and Guidelines that are customized for the non-olympic horse industry. Drug testing adheres to international guidelines and penalty standards, offering ISO-certified drug labs, whereby ESC ensures the correct administration of therapeutic medications. An independent Neutral Dispute Resolution process is available to exhibitors with legal protections and $6 Million Dollar Liability Insurance for officials. Every year ESC rewards 25% of revenues to all the horse shows in its network in the form of class sponsorships and marketing grants.
Our History
ESC was co-founded in 2019 by show horse enthusiasts Shane Darnell and Jackie Hale, later joined by Tamara Tucker as an Officer and General Counsel. In 2020, a group of horse shows joined ESC including the Monarch National Championship, followed by continued growth. In 2024, ESC partnered with the Main Event Horse Show and National Good Hands Finals followed by the KY State Fair’s – World’s Championship Horse Show. Over the last several years ESC has governed approximately 13,000 exhibitors and provided $30,000 in grants and class sponsorships to its horse show network. In 2024, ESC is poised to give back over $20,000 to its network of horse shows.
ESC Officers & Directors
Shane Darnell, ESC Officer & Co-Founder
Jackie Hale, ESC Officer & Co-Founder
Tamara Tucker, ESC Officer & Legal Counsel
ESC Board Advisory Council
Donna Pettry-Smith, President ESC PAC & ASB Industry Consultant
Scott Matton, Saddle Seat Equitation & Lesson Program Consultant
Kristen Pettry, Show Administration & Management Consultant
Lori Nelson, Rules & Standards Consultant
Mark Staehnke, Morgan Industry Consultant
ESC Professional Advisory Committee (PAC)
Donna Pettry-Smith, President ESC PAC
David Cater
Janet Crampton
Robert Gardiner
Todd Graham
Will Harris
Tom Lowry
Barbe Smith
Tom Thorpe
Equine Sports Council utilizes a Board Advisory Council whose main focus is the future of our show horse industry and educating the public on historical policy. Our Advisors are instrumental in advising and shaping governing body best practices that are well suited to support, grow and give back to the horse show industry. The Board Advisory Council members have been involved with ESC since its inception.
Donna Pettry-Smith, is President of the Professional Advisory Committee (PAC). The PAC aims to provide expert guidance and support in promoting the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and welfare in equine sports. With representatives across the country, these industry professionals will collaborate with stakeholders and show organizers to educate and implement 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.
Each ESC Advisor has over 20 years of trotting breed experience. They have either served in various leadership roles in breed/professional associations, are involved with judging at the National and World Championship levels, and/or manage the office administration of horse shows in our Network.
The role of the Advisors for ESC is not to make overall policy decisions, but rather to provide current knowledge, critical thinking and analysis that serves to educate the public and ensure key facts are in the hands of the decision-makers. Advisors may at will, engage in social media discussions that provide historical information, are educational or constructive to further our goals.