Page 16 - AEF-AlbertaBits_Fall-2025

A Day in the Life
At the larger shows, there can be up to 500
horses, which means multiple stewards are needed.
But for the smaller shows with 45 horses, like
those in Red Deer and Ponoka, usually only one is
required to provide oversight.
“The big shows in Oklahoma City require me to
work 24 hours, because people ride all night long.
At 2 a.m. there might be 35 horses in the arena. So
we work in shifts,” says Jackson.
A crucial part of the job is being able to think on
your feet and handle any situation that comes your
way. Sometimes, things can get out of control, fast.
Jackson recalls stewarding a competition where
one horse kicked another rider so hard he broke the
man’s femur. Jackson and the other stewards had
to rush in and clear the area — making a path for
emergency vehicles to pass through the maze of
horse trailers, vehicles and crowds of people.
For Tracy Dopko, a steward with Equestrian
Canada, the United States Equestrian Federation
and the Fédération Équestre Internationale,
attention to detail isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
At competitions, part of her role is to watch
competitors and their horses in the warm-up
ring. Not only does she ensure that general riding
etiquette is followed, Dopko checks every inch of
equipment on the horse and the rider — including
the type of bits in the horse’s mouth, the rider’s
bridle and that they aren’t setting up illegal jumps.
With over 20 years of experience as a
competition judge, she knows what to look for on
riders’ equipment, and what they need to know
before stepping into the ring.
To join their ranks, prospective competition
stewards must complete a written test, a two-
day training clinic, and shadow an experienced
steward. Both Jackson and Dopko have been
mentors, and they look for those who are able
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Alberta Bits Fall 2025