2026 · Version 7.3 · Effective March 2026
Find a rule. Read the section. Keep the link.
ESC Participant Code of Conduct
183 matching sections
DF112 Lessee An individual who leases a horse from an owner for the purpose of riding, driving or exhibiting said horse. A Lessee is considered the “owner” of the horse for the purpose of showing with proper documentation submitted with the…
DF113 Owner The person(s) listed on the horse’s registration or the lessee of the horse with proper documentation submitted with the entry forms.
DF114 Exhibitor The person entered in a show as a rider, driver, vaulter or handler.
DF115 Horse The term horse refers to any equine and may also include mule if the discipline allows such.
DF116 Horse Age / Status An Equine is considered to be one year old on the first day of January following the actual date of foaling for show purposes. 1. A Senior horse is six years of age or older. 2. A Junior horse is generally four year…
DF117 Horse Gender Mare - female horse Gelding - male horse that is castrated Stallion - a male horse that is not castrated
DF118 Horse Size Standard horse sizes vary by breed associations and their judging specifications. On average equines measuring greater than 14.2 hands are considered to be a “horse” versus a “pony,” which typically measure under 14.2 hands…
DF119 Soundness and Loss of Sight 1. All horses at ESC governed events must be serviceably sound. Horses that show signs of recent cruelty or abuse should be reported to show management immediately and examined by the show vet. Horses exhib…
GL201 Show Year Begins January 1 and ends December 31.
GL202 Roles & Responsibilities of Show Officials & Personnel In 2026, Judges, Stewards and Show Commissioners must be registered with ESC. In 2027 all Judges and Stewards must be Certified by ESC. The Judge is the only official authorized t…
GL202 Show Manager Overall responsibility for operations and is a recommended member of the ESC Show Commission.
GL203 Show Secretary Processes and keeps the records of the show.
GL204 Show Judge Officiates classes, awards placings, accesses penalties, excuses or disqualifies based on class specifications, welfare or safety issues.
GL205 Steward or Technical Delegate Provides guidance on the rules, issues warnings for conduct violations and may investigate equipment and shoeing violations following the completion of a class and recommend sanctioning to the Show Commis…
GL205.1 Show Commission Criteria and Responsibilities The three-person Show Commission must consist of adults who possess horse show experience, are proficient in the ESC Rules, and are capable of providing guidance and making independent, …
