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Let’s Talk About Jumping Stewards

Jumping Stewards – What do they do?

Let’s talk Stewards, they’re the officials you would have seen at any ESNZ show you have attended, usually in the vicinity of the ring and the warm up area, and more than likely in the queue at the coffee cart! Why are they there you may ask? Stewards have three key roles:

To ensure fairness and safety.
Protect the welfare of the horse.
Support the riders.

Fairness & Safety.

First up, Stewards are not the police, they aren’t looking to throw you in the cells for a night – they are actually very nice people! What they are looking to do, is ensure fair competition. They commit to making sure all participants- whether a rider, trainer, or support staff- adhere strictly to the rules and regulations. The rules and regulations that have been put in place to protect you and your horse.

This includes monitoring equipment, dress codes, and training techniques, as well as overseeing warm-up arenas and competition areas to prevent any form of misconduct or rule violations. Their presence promotes a level playing field for all competitors, and acts as a deterrent to unfair practices.

Protecting horse welfare

As most people are aware of, the welfare of the horse is always paramount – especially in this day and age, where every move in our sport is being closely monitored.

Horses are elite athletes, and their physical and mental well-being is our top concern. Stewards conduct inspections to ensure horses are fit to compete, monitor for signs of distress or injury, and intervene in cases of excessive use of spurs or whips, or any form of abuse. They are trained to recognize subtle indicators of discomfort or mistreatment and are empowered to take immediate action, including reporting incidents to the Ground Jury or Veterinary Commission.

We all love our horses, and the stewards are there to make sure that our horses are respected in the way that they deserve.

Supporting the Riders

How do they support me? If you don’t understand a rule or are struggling to understand why certain things are being done, don’t hesitate to ask a steward. They are very approachable and will happily provide guidance on rule interpretations, assist with any logistical concerns, and help riders navigate the complexities of competition. Stewards contribute to the smooth running of events, and help riders focus on performance rather than procedural uncertainties.

The objectives of Jumping Stewarding are clearly defined: to uphold fairness, ensure safety, and promote respect for the horse. These goals are achieved through vigilant oversight, proactive education, and consistent enforcement of standards. So, listen to what the Stewards say, treat them respectfully – remember they are people too, and they are doing what they do to uphold the integrity of the sport that YOU love.

As equestrian sport continues to evolve, the steward’s role remains indispensable—not only as a regulator but as a steward in the truest sense: a protector of values, a champion of welfare, and a facilitator of excellence.