Jan Golding wraps up her time as Jumping Steward General

There are many roles in Jumping that operate quietly behind the scenes, but few carry the responsibility and influence of stewarding. For Jan Golding, that responsibility has shaped a lifetime in the sport, culminating in her time as Steward General for Jumping. As she steps down from the role, she does so not with a sense of finality, but with the knowledge that she has helped build something lasting, both in the people and the systems that will carry stewarding forward in Australia.

Jan’s connection to horses began early, grounded in a simple love of animals that led her to Pony Club at just ten years of age. Those early years placed her among strong horse people, including George Sanna and John McMillan, and set the foundation for a lifelong involvement across multiple disciplines. From Pony Club Jan moved through Eventing, Jumping and Dressage, before becoming part of the Melbourne Showjumping Club in her late teens and twenties, where her officiating journey first began. Reflecting on that period now, she speaks with genuine appreciation for the environment she came through. “I was just privileged to be involved with all these horsey people early in my life. I’ve met some fabulous role-models, friends and colleagues.”

Horses were never just a pastime. Alongside her mother, Jan bred Australian Stock Horses as all-round performance horses for Adult Riding Club members, drawn to their temperament and versatility, while at the same time building a career in education that would see her become a primary school principal in Northern Victoria. Life during those years was full, balancing a farm, a family business, and a team of around 30 horses, all while continuing to train, coach and compete. “Horses were my life,” she said. Over time, however, her focus began to shift. Jan turned increasingly toward judging, driven by a desire to contribute back to the sport that had given her so much. “I felt I was giving back through Pony Club and jump clubs that I’d belonged to,” she explained, while also acknowledging the personal reward that came with it. “I also enjoyed seeing the horses and riders progress through the grades… I still enjoy seeing the progression and seeing the same horses being ridden by younger people again.”

Today, Jan is both an FEI Level 3 Jumping Judge and FEI Level 3 Steward, and for her the two roles have always been closely connected. Time spent stewarding in the warm-up arena, observing horses and riders up close, has deepened her understanding of what unfolds once combinations enter the ring. “Stewarding and judging complement each other,” she said. “You understand more when you’re out in the warm-up… and then you realise as a judge why the riders and horses react as they do when they come into the arena.” It is this ability to see the sport from multiple perspectives that has shaped her approach and, in many ways, defined her effectiveness as an official.

Her involvement in stewarding began more than a decade ago, initially assisting long-serving Steward General Katrina Dukats. “I think I was just helping out,” Jan said. “And then I got involved.” What started as support work gradually became a deeper commitment, and when Katrina stepped down in 2023 after more than two decades in the role, Jan stepped into the position. “That’s when I became Steward General,” she said. From that point, her focus extended beyond the day-to-day demands of events to the broader structure of stewarding across the country, particularly in the areas of education and development.

One of Jan’s most significant contributions has been her work in formalising the stewarding pathway in Australia. At a time when there was little structured training in place, she helped design and implement a national system that provided clear progression for officials, aligning it with FEI requirements and creating opportunities for Australian stewards to advance internationally. “I was able to organise a national Jumping Steward promotion course,” she explained, before outlining how the program evolved into a two-level national system that supported FEI equivalency. It is a part of her work she reflects on with quiet pride. “I’m proud of that part of it,” she said. The impact of that work is evident in the growth of the stewarding community itself. “I couldn’t have given all those hours and hours without the home support from my husband. 

When I started as Steward-General, there were about 30 stewards and now we have over 50,” she said. “And quite a few have gone on with their promotion onto the next level, which is fabulous.” 

At the heart of Jan’s approach to stewarding has always been a simple but effective philosophy. “We have a motto: help, prevent, intervene.” It is a framework that captures the true nature of the role, one that is far more supportive than many outside the system might realise. “The help part is most of what we do,” she explained. “We help the riders… make sure they’ve got the right gear on… assist them with whatever they need.” From there, prevention becomes key, identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate. “If we see something, like a whip that’s too long, we just say, ‘did you know…?’ and help them fix it.” Intervention, she notes, is reserved for the moments that truly require it. “We intervene when we see that there might be a dangerous situation, to make sure it’s safe for everybody.”

Underlying all of this is a clear and unwavering priority. “Stewarding is all about the welfare of the horse,” Jan said. “It’s also all about fair play.” In today’s environment, that responsibility carries even greater weight, extending beyond the competition arena to the broader perception of the sport. “In this modern world, our sport is dependent on the social licence to operate,” she said. “We need the public to support and understand that our sport horses are treated like elite athletes.”

The role itself is not without its challenges. Stewarding requires not only knowledge of the rules, but the ability to communicate clearly and manage situations with professionalism and respect. “Good communication skills and good conflict resolution skills are very important,” Jan said. “That’s been a hard tussle… to get the respect of riders and for us to respect riders. It has to be a mutual thing.” Encouragingly, she believes that progress is being made. “I think we are getting there, we have really good knowledgeable stewards, and they are passionate about the sport.”

For those considering stepping into the role, her advice remains simple. “Have a go,” she said. “The sport needs stewards with a happy personality, excellent communication skills and someone who enjoys watching the horses and helping the riders.”

As she reflects on her time as Steward General, it is not a single defining moment that stands out, but the people. “The interaction,” she said. “It’s just so nice to go to an event and riders say hello with a smile.” She also speaks warmly of the stewards she has worked alongside and supported. “I’ve seen them progress themselves up through the ranks,” she said. “And to me that is a tremendously proud moment.”

While she is stepping away from the position of Steward General, Jan’s involvement in the sport will continue. She will remain active as a judge and continue to contribute to education and development. Her successor, Jennifer Smith, takes on the newly structured role of National Steward Advisor, with Jan already offering her support. “I’ve already wished Jen the best for the next chapter,” she said.

Looking back, her final reflection is both simple and sincere. “I’ve been humbly rewarded by being the Steward General,” Jan said. “It’s been a fabulous role, and I’m very proud of all the stewards.”

Equestrian Australia sincerely thanks Jan for her outstanding contribution to the sport and for the care, dedication and leadership she has shown over many years. We wish her every success and happiness in the next chapter.