When it comes to competitions and events, some of the most vital roles on the showgrounds are filled by those working outside of the spotlight – our licensed officials. "Licensed official” is the overarching term for those serving in roles such as course designer, judges, para classifiers, stewards, or technical delegates, each playing an integral part in ensuring a fair field of play and a safe competition environment for both equine and human athletes. For Alex Ambelang, becoming an FEI Eventing Steward offered a meaningful way to give back to the sport where she first fell in love with horses and to support the community behind the scenes who make it all possible. 

Ambelang first began eventing at the age of eight after joining her local Pony Club in southwestern Montana. There, she was introduced to every aspect of the sport – from riding technique and sportsmanship to the foundational principles of horsemanship. 

“The Area VII eventing community and the Big Sky Region Pony Clubs offered a strong and welcoming support system,” she said. “It allowed me to learn the ropes in a low-pressure environment and experience the hard work of dressage, thrill of cross country, and nuances of show jumping.” 

After graduating from the University of Montana, Ambelang decided to take her passion for equestrian sport to the next level. She pursued a career as a professional groom, working for numerous CCI5* clients for nearly a decade. It was during her time traveling nationally and internationally; she first developed an interest in becoming a steward. 

“I dealt with stewards regularly at competitions,” Ambelang said. “They were always helpful and a great source of information. I quickly realized this was something I could do for riders and grooms as well.” 

With that realization, Ambelang began her journey toward becoming a licensed official. As both a groom and apprentice, she worked alongside many respected officials, including Dana Diemer, Margie Molloy, and Kathleen Barker, learning the ropes and how best to apply those standards with confidence and professionalism. 

Ambelang credits much of her progress to the guidance she received from the officials she considers mentors.  

“I am a big believer everyone has something to share from their personal and professional experiences,” she said. “I try to learn something from every official, organizer, rider, groom, and volunteer I interact with.” 

The eventing discipline is known for its strong sense of community, and the licensed officials embody the same spirit. Ambelang says they all come together for one main reason: the love of horses.  

“I enjoy catching up with my fellow officials,” she said. “Each competition offers new situations to learn from, but there is always a constant. It's the love of horses and enjoyment of the sport.” 

As a younger official, Ambelang acknowledges that building her presence in the officiating world comes with its challenges. Balancing her full-time job with her stewarding commitments can be demanding, but she insists the effort is worth it.  

“My day job is really what enables me to do my ‘fun job,’ aka officiating,” she said. Ambelang is also working on continuing to build trust and relationships in the eventing world and leans heavily on her mentors to continue gaining more experience in and out of the country. 

Ambelang is also among the many applicants for the USEF 2026 Licensed Officials Development U35 Grants. These grants help support individuals like Ambelang work to become licensed officials, or advance to the next level of their careers in officiating.

In 2025, the Federation awarded grants totaling $35,000 to 75 licensed official applicants. Ambelang applied, was awarded funding, and traveled to apprentice at an FEI competition in New Zealand to gain international experience. Now with the 2026 grant open, Ambelang will be applying again with plans to use potential 2026 funding for her next FEI Transfer Up Course.  

“Receiving this grant again would relieve much of the financial stress in attaining my Level 3 FEI eventing steward license,” she said. “This license will allow me to begin serving as Chief Steward at 4*-L competitions and work towards representing the U.S. as a steward at international championships.” 

Looking ahead, Ambelang has ambitious goals. She hopes to continue expanding her international stewarding portfolio and plans to pursue her FEI Jumping Steward license to broaden her skill set. 

She aims to inspire more young athletes to explore opportunities to grow their involvement within the eventing discipline. Ambelang believes this involvement strengthens the sport and is vital to ensuring its future. 

“Officiating is a rewarding way to give back and be a bigger part of the sport,” she said. “The sport will only continue as long as there are officials and organizers willing to take on the roles in the coming years.” 

Those interested in becoming a national USEF or U.S. FEI Official should review the Become Licensed webpage. The 2026 grant deadline is March 2 and interested individuals can review further grant information here.