Equine Sports Council
Countdown to Louisville,  Sanctioning Network

What You Need to Know – KY State Fair Board Appoints Show Commission for the World’s Championship Horse Show

In today’s Countdown to Louisville, the individuals appointed to serve on the 2024 World’s Championship Show Commission have been announced by the Kentucky State Fair Board. All Equine Sports Council (ESC) sanctioned shows are required to establish a three-person “Show Commission” comprised of experienced adults in the show horse industry who are well-versed in ESC Sports Concepts. The Show Commission holds overall responsibility for ensuring the successful implementation of all ESC Rules.

The following individuals will serve on the 2024 Show Commission representing the World’s Championship Horse Show:

  • Scarlett Mattson
  • R. H. Bennett
  • Stacey Wright

The Show Commission is granted full authority to require exhibitors to return winnings, adjust placings, or disqualify participants in situations that warrant such actions. All decisions made by the Show Commission must be unanimous to be considered effective.

The World’s Championship Horse Show will also employ multiple stewards for enforcing rules, following the standard year-over-year procedure. In the event of any necessary escalations this year, the Show Commission will review cases and issue unanimous decisions.

Following the conclusion of the show, exhibitors who oppose a decision made by the Show Commission have up to 15 days to file an ESC Incident Report detailing their grievance and request independent arbitration through ESC.