What does a Chief Steward do?

A Chief Steward must be appointed for all Australian Championships and State Championships, and is highly recommended for Regional and Official events where more than one steward is needed. If only one steward is on duty, they are automatically the Chief Steward. The Chief Steward is appointed from the current list of FEI accredited and Nationally accredited Stewards.

The Chief Steward is responsible for ensuring horse welfare is upheld, the rules and a fair playing field are adhered to, and the event is conducted safely. They are expected to supervise competition, training and warm-up areas, stables and other areas where horses are held, ridden or treated.

Duties they are authorised to undertake (the list is not exhaustive) include: arranging for the gate to be open at least 1.5 hours before competitions begin; briefing stewards; confirming with the Organising Committee how many stewards are needed and preparing rosters; ensuring results are updated and competitions run to time; ensuring arenas are correctly set up with safe surfaces; and managing stabling and warm-up areas. Where no Technical Delegate is appointed, the Chief Steward undertakes many of a Technical Delegate's responsibilities.

Source: EA National Dressage Rules 1 January 2026, rule 6.5.