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ESC Medication Reports
PALMETTO, FLA – Medication Reports are regulatory documents required when horses are treated with controlled medications to help ensure proper dosing and that withdrawal periods are observed. When there is an adverse result from a drug test and a Medication Report has been filed, it establishes the diagnosis, medication, time, and date administered, as well as the route and strength. A Medication Report filed by a licensed veterinarian provides further evidence of professional veterinary diagnosis and administration. You are never wrong to file a Med Report, and it is good practice to do so. MED REPORTS REQUIRED – When an ESC horse show elects for random drug testing to be…
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Equine Sports Council Judge’s Certification Program Announced
Equine Sports Council Announces Judge's Certification Program
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Two Additional Lesson Horse Grants Awarded
COLUMBIANA, ALA – ESC donor generously donates to rescue two more horses. Following ESC Foundation’s initial sponsorship of two lesson horses for DeVote Performance Horses in Winston Salem, NC and Trinity Farm in Clayton, IN, a gracious sponsor came forward to allow for two more lesson programs to be assisted. Suzanne Schnetzler has operated Rocking S Stables for over 20 years in Helena, Alabama. She and one assistant instructor teach an average of 75 students a week, with a growing Beginner rider segment. Her “babysitter” mount has been diagnosed with ringbone and will soon be retired at the farm. This grant will assist Suzanne in replacing him so that she…
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ESC’s Certified Officials Council
PALMETTO, FLA. — The Equine Sports Council (ESC), under advisement from its Professional Advisory Council (PAC), has appointed a Chair and Vice Chair to head the ESC Certified Officials Council. Susi Day will serve as Chair and Donna Pettry will serve as Vice Chair. These individuals are well-respected horse professionals who have served in many leadership roles and remain very active in the show horse community. Susi and Donna will personally oversee all activities involved in the education, training, and certification of ESC Certified Judges. Susi Day – ESC Elite Certified Judge 9857908 has over 30 years of professional experience as a trainer and judge in the Saddlebred, Hackney, and…
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ESC Judge’s Certification begins in January
PALMETTO, FLA – In January, ESC will begin Certifying Judges annually based on their judging experience, overall industry involvement, and ability to demonstrate ongoing personal development. We have researched the number of horse shows judged using Saddle Horse Report’s Judge’s Search data. The levels of certification are as follows: Standard Judge – Individuals with trotting breed experience who have judged less than 10 shows. Standard level applicants will be required to attend an ESC in-person Judges Clinic, or demonstrate that they have attended another recognized governing body’s clinic in the past 5 years. They are qualified to judge ESC events with less than 250 entries. All judges must complete a brief Virtual Webinar…
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ESC Foundation Supports Salina Charity Horse Show
Equine Sports Council Foundation is pleased to be able to provide sponsorship support for this historic horse show that is home to the American Saddle Horse Breeder’s Futurity of Kansas and Oklahoma. With the Futurity at risk if the show was cancelled, ESC Foundation partnered with area breeders to raise $2500 in sponsorship funds. The show is under new management with Kelly Smith at the helm, and she is working hard to ensure the longevity of the event. The ONLY American Saddlebred show in Kansas, it is held at Kenwood Park in the Agricultural Hall, an arena that was built in 1929. Twenty years ago the Kansas Saddle Horse Association…
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ESC Mobile Hub Updated for WCHS
The World’s Championship Horse Show will be upon us shortly and Equine Sports Council is preparing for another successful year at the Kentucky State Fair. The ESC Mobile App has been updated and is available as a download @ https://equinesportscouncil.org/mobilehub/. You’ll find quick access to the ESC Rulebook, Medication Report Form, a Quick Reference Guide for Common Medications and the searchable Medication Database. Pony Measurements will take place at the WCHS on Saturday afternoon 8/16 at 1pm and Sunday morning 8/17 at 9am at the equine entrance to the North Wing. Handlers will access the Pony Measurement Form via the Mobile Hub with a smartphone or tablet, and may pre-fill…
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A New Beginning for the Bill Wise American Saddlebred Sweepstakes Program
Administration of the Bill Wise American Saddlebred Sweepstakes has officially been transferred from the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeder’s Association to Equine Sports Council Foundation. To mark this new beginning, ESC Foundation is pleased to announce a new website designed to honor the history of the Sweepstakes and the vision of the late Bill Wise, as well as to promote the program. SaddlebredSweepstakes.com is up and running, with additional information being added daily. Sponsors have graciously stepped forward to reinvigorate the program, with special awards and rose garlands for the winners at all three shows showcasing the Sweepstakes classes. A reception celebrating the legacy of the Bill Wise Sweepstakes Program…
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Equine Sports Council Foundation Named Administrator of the Bill Wise Saddlebred Sweepstakes
The Bill Wise Saddlebred Sweepstakes program welcomes Equine Sports Council Foundation as administrator of the program for 2025. Equine Sports Council Foundation is a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to educate, raise awareness, and advocate for the show horse industry. For 2025, the Sweepstakes classes are to be held at the following horse shows: Each of the classes will be conducted under the governing rules set by each of the three respective horse shows. The Sweepstakes Committee is chaired by James Nichols and members include Joan Lurie, Anna Marie Knipp, Anne Neil and Raymond Shively. A website is under construction that will promote the Sweepstakes program and provide information for nominators. …
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ESC Establishes New Medication Protocols for Upcoming Events
In a continued effort to streamline sanctioning protocols that more effectively align with the needs of the trotting breed show horse industry, Equine Sports Council has refined their equine welfare policy. This common-sense approach allows for continued use of regular therapies while competing at ESC shows, and at the same time implementing new technologies that reduce the need for Medication Reports up to 50%. Based on data collected in 2024, the average age of horses competing in our sport is 12.5 years old. Our equine partners are often stabled on concrete, and unlike the Olympic and Racing industries, our show horses are judged not only on performance, but also on…






















