Certification Levels & Officials Roster

ESC Judges and Stewards are certified annually based on their officiating experience, overall industry involvement and ability to demonstrate ongoing personal development. After registration, officials are Leveled Up as follows.

Standard Certification – For those individuals who have officiated fewer than 10 shows. Standard applicants must attend an ESC in-person Officials 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 and must complete a short online webinar and a rule book quiz each year.

Premier Officials – For 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 Officials – For those who have officiated more than 30 verified multi-day shows. They may officiate all ESC sanctioned shows and are the choice for World and National Championship level competitions. Elite officials complete an annual online webinar and rule book quiz.

ESC Certified Judges and Stewards are covered under the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) insurance policy, which provides up to $6 million per occurrence, with an per official policy aggregate of $14 million for claims against you for bodily injury (game participant) and property damage and personal injury (libel/slander) at sporting activities that are organized by recognized sports organizations and where the rules of a recognized sanctioning body (ESC) are followed. Coverage also extends to seminars, conferences, camps and clinics.

The NASO program is not just a great insurance package — it is an extensive risk management and legal protection service that starts working for you even before you need it.

Certified Officials Council

Our Mission is to establish and maintain the highest standards in show horse judging and stewarding. We have developed and oversee a tiered certification program for horse show officials, ensuring they demonstrate expertise through annual credential submissions, ESC Rule Book examinations, industry involvement, and continuing education. Our Certified Officials Council is committed to reviewing candidate applications, mentoring emerging talent, and recruiting skilled prospects. Our officials are expected to exemplify fairness, professionalism, and excellence in show horse competitions.

Susi Day

Chair Person
ESC Certified Official’s Council
ESC Elite Certified Judge 9857908

Susi Day has over 30 years of professional experience as a trainer and judge in the Saddlebred, Hackney, and Morgan breeds. She has judged all levels of competition, from World’s and National Championships to World Cup Equitation international events. Susi was appointed by her professional peers to lead ESC’s Certified Officials Council.

Donna Pettry Smith

Vice Chair Person
ESC Certified Official’s Council
ESC Elite Certified Judge 9857859

Donna Pettry Smith has served as the President of the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association and as a former board member of the United Professional Horsemen’s Association. Donna has been involved with the growth of ESC since its inception and currently serves as the Chair of the Professional Advisory Council and appoints an ESC board member at large. Donna is also the Vice Chair of the Certified Official’s Council. With over 30 years of professional judging and horse training experience, she was appointed by her professional peers to provide leadership and oversight to the ESC Certified Officials Council.

Official's Roster

These individuals have previously registered as an Official with ESC. Their credentials as judge or steward have been validated and leveled-up Standard, Premier or Elite.

First Name	Last Name	State	Level Up Experience	Certification Status	Base Experience	Authorization
Mark	Bodnar	WI	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26238387	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS, MGN	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Heather	Boodey	NC	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Kristen	Cater	NH	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Tammie	Conatser	KY	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Stephen	Crabtree	KY	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Kim	Crumpler	IL	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 9978541	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS, MGN	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Bret	Day	KY	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Susi	Day	KY	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26187119	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS, MGN	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Allison	Deardorff	OR	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Joshua	Greer	KY	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26141280	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS, MGN	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Richard	Harris	CT	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Lisa	Hilmer	MO	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26287211	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS, MGN	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Kelly	Hulse	MO	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26168718	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
John	Jones	KY	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Terry	Jones Brennon	CA	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Anne D	Judd	FL	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Toni	Knight	IL	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Dwayne	Knowles	PA	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Gayle	Lampe	MO	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Melinda	Moore	KY	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Shane	Mullens	AZ	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Christy	Parker	GA	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26162070	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS, MGN	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Donna	Pettry	IL	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26227819	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS, MGN	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Matthew	Roberts	KY	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Barbe	Smith	LA	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26132574	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Kristin	Stivers	KY	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Nancy	Troutman	VA	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26158853	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Mark	Utoft	IL	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Bill	Waller	TN	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Lisa	Waller	TN	Elite Judge	Pending Application
John	Whalen	MA	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Jay	Wood	IL	Elite Judge	Pending Application
Suzannah	Zarin	KY	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26148773	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Ellen	Beard	MO	Elite Judge	Pending Application
David	Cater	NH	Premier Judge	Pending Application
Chad	Cole	KY	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26191134	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Rick	Davis	FL	Premier Judge	Pending Application
Debbie	Foley	KY	Premier Judge	Pending Application
Robert	Gardner	KY	Premier Judge	Pending Application
Sarah	Gove	NH	Premier Judge	Pending Application
Scott	Matton	WI	Premier Judge	Pending Application
Richard	Petty	OR	Premier Judge	Pending Application
Lance	Hayes	WI	Standard Judge	Pending Application
Courtney	Huguley	AL	Standard Judge	Pending Application
Annalize	Van der Walt	KY	Premier Judge	Pending Application
McKenzie	Werry	KY	Standard Judge	Pending Application
Francis (Gary)	Garone	NH	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26195985	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Melissa	Moore	KY	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26148733	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS, MGN	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
James	Nichols	KY	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26182272	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS,	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Clark	Clouse	KY	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26206053	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Val (Scooter)	Scheurich	LA	Standard Judge	Standard Certified Judge 26132580	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events with up to 250 entries. May officiate at elite events as part of a panel.
Colton	Hayes	TX	Premier Judge	Registered 2129657	WSR
Gene	Van Der Walt	KY	Premier Judge	Pending Application
Thomas	Thorpe	IL	Standard Judge	Standard Certified Judge 26125381	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events with up to 250 entries. May officiate at elite events as part of a panel.
Isabella	Grant	VA	Elite Judge	Registered 2114028	H/J, DSG
Ethan	Carlisle	FL	Standard Judge	Registered 9112586	H/J, DSG
Andres	Domburg	FL	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26188750	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Jolene	Galvin-Yerckie	AZ	Premier Judge	Premier Certified Judge 26200018	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS, MGN	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels.
Nancy	Noble	KY	Elite Steward	Elite Certified Steward 9873214	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Stacey	Wright	NC	Premier Steward	Application Pending
Kent	Moeller		Premier Steward	Application Pending
Matt	Kwapich	NM	Standard Steward	Application Pending
Joan	Shelton Palelek		Standard Steward	Application Pending
Vicky	Holston	IL	Elite Steward	Application Pending
Kent	Swalla	MO	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26142405	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS, MGN	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Scarlett	Matteson	KY	Elite Steward	Elite Certified Steward 9963214	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Brendan	Heintz	IN	Premier Judge	Premier Certified Judge 26227058	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels.
Ronald	Bartholom	NY	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26297147	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
William	Greenwell	MO	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26315308	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events.
Casey	Surface	WV	Standard Judge	Standard Certified Judge 26336965	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS
Neva	La Fleur	WI	Premier	Premier Certified Judge 26276180	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels.
Dena	Taner-Lopez	KY	Premier	Premier Certified Judge 26291370	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC sanctioned events for all levels.
Mary Lou Mann	Carrick	SC	Elite	Elite Certified Judge 26407235	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Kim	Cowart	NC	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 28358624	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Richard	Boule	NH	Premier Judge	Premier Certified Judge 26078550	MGN, EQU	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels.
Richard	Wright	IL	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge 26374078	ADH, ARB, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS,	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Darrell	Case	KY	Premier Judge	Pending Application
Amanda	DuPont	PA	Elite Judge	Elite Certified Judge	MGN, EQU	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events for all levels, and the preferred choice for World or National events
Dallas	Bolen	OR	Standard Judge	Standard Certified Judge 26158691	MGN, EQU	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events with up to 250 entries. May officiate at elite events as part of a panel.
Chris	Carrick	SC	Standard Judge	Standard Certified Judge 26381317	ADH, ASB, EQU, HKN, RDS	To officiate at ESC Sanctioned events with up to 250 entries. May officiate at elite events as part of a panel.