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.

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.