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For many competitors, the word “steward” still carries an edge. It can feel synonymous with enforcement, penalties, or someone watching closely for mistakes. But in a recent Plaidcast episode, Cricket Stone makes it clear that this understanding misses the heart of the role entirely.
“I truly believe that stewarding is an educational role,” Stone said. “That, to me, is what a steward should be doing.”
Stone has spent more than 40 years in the horse industry as a rider, trainer, educator, and now as an ‘R’ C1 steward, and her perspective is shaped by that full arc. Stewarding, as she describes it, isn’t about catching people doing something wrong. It’s about helping people understand expectations and protect horses through communication, context, and early intervention.
From Enforcement to Conversation
Stone explains that the steward’s role has evolved over time. While rules and regulations remain essential, the emphasis has shifted toward addressing concerns before they escalate.
“We don’t like to censor people. We don’t like to report people,” she said. “Most of the time, things can be handled right there through education.”
That education often happens quietly and in real time. A steward might step in to ask a question, clarify a rule, or suggest an adjustment—well before a situation reaches a formal reporting stage. Stone describes this as part of a broader effort to maintain fairness and welfare while avoiding unnecessary escalation.
The goal, she emphasized, is understanding rather than punishment.
The Green, Yellow, Red Light Framework
One of the tools Stone references is the green light, yellow light, red light system—a framework designed to help stewards and competitors navigate gray areas.
“Maybe somebody’s moving into that yellow light,” she explained, “and we want to keep them from getting to red.”
This approach allows stewards to intervene proportionally. Not every issue requires the same response, and not every concern signals bad intent. Often, a conversation is enough to redirect a situation and protect both horse and rider.
Stone stressed that most people in the sport want to do the right thing. The steward’s job, in her view, is to help them recognize when an adjustment is needed before a problem escalates.
Stewarding Requires Presence and Listening
A recurring theme in Stone’s remarks is the importance of being approachable. She sees value in stewards who are visible, engaged, and willing to listen—not just issue directives.
“I go up to stewards all the time at horse shows and ask a lot of questions,” she said, reflecting on her own experiences. That openness, she believes, builds trust and encourages dialogue rather than defensiveness.
She also acknowledged that stewarding is an evolving role. “It’s changing,” she said. “We’re getting more questions. People want to understand better.”
That curiosity, Stone suggests, is a positive sign. It indicates that riders and trainers are thinking critically about the sport and are willing to engage with the rules rather than simply react to them.
Education as Welfare
Stone repeatedly connects education with welfare. Helping people understand rules, expectations, and best practices is one of the most effective ways to protect horses.
“If we can have those conversations early,” she said, “we can improve the sport.”
Rather than relying solely on enforcement after something has gone wrong, she advocates for guidance that helps people recognize issues before they escalate. That might mean clarifying tack rules, addressing schooling practices, or helping someone understand how a situation appears from the outside.
In Stone’s view, stewarding works best when responsibility is shared and communication is clear.
Stone’s confidence in this approach comes from decades spent across every level of the sport. She has taught at boarding schools and universities, trained riders to success up and down the East Coast, and served on numerous industry boards and committees. That breadth gives her insight into how rules intersect with real-world horsemanship.
“This role has really shaped the end of my career,” she said. “And it’s a good fit.”
For Stone, stewarding represents a continuation of her lifelong focus on education—a chance to apply experience in a way that supports both horses and riders.
Reframing the Relationship
Ultimately, Stone hopes people begin to see stewards as resources rather than adversaries.
“We enjoy conversations with people,” she said. “We enjoy discussion about how to improve the sport.”
When stewarding functions as intended, concerns are addressed early, misunderstandings are reduced, and competitors leave with greater clarity about expectations. In that sense, the steward’s influence isn’t measured by reports written, but by conversations had—and by problems prevented before they begin.
To hear more from Cricket Stone on stewarding, horsemanship, and long-term rider education, listen to her full episode of The Plaidcast and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
