Through the Eyes of a Driving Judge
What Is the Judge Looking For
With FEI 3* Driving Judge Francois Bergeron
Step into the judge’s seat and discover what truly makes a winning drive. 
Through the Eyes of a Driving Judge offers an inside look at how performances are evaluated, what details make the difference, and how to present your horse and turnout at their very best. Whether you're an aspiring judge, a competitor, or simply passionate about sport, this symposium will sharpen your eye and deepen your understanding of what judges are really looking for.

The clinic will run alongside the Driving Competition at the 2026 55+ Games.

Friday & Saturday: Post-competition Q&A sessions with Francois Bergeron
Sunday: A full day of hands-on judging, discussion, and demonstrations with guest drivers

Location: North Thompson Fall Fair Grounds
Dates: September 11–13

The clinic is offered at no cost to competitors registered to compete in the 2026 Driving Competition at the 55+ Games.
Registration fee for all others: $150.00
About the Clinician and Judge of the Driving at the 2026 55+ Games

Francois Bergeron

Francois Bergeron is an FEI 3* Combined Driving Judge and one of Canada’s leading officials in the sport of carriage driving. Based in Québec, he has been actively involved in the driving community for over 35 years as a competitor, coach, and judge. 

Francois has competed extensively across Canada and the United States in both pleasure and combined driving, earning multiple championships, including the American Driving Society North American Preliminary Championship title. 

He began judging in 2003 and has since officiated at competitions across North America. His credentials include Senior Combined Driving Judge status with Equestrian Canada and the American Driving Society, as well as USEF “R” Judge certification. In 2021, he achieved FEI 3* status, becoming one of the highest-ranked driving judges in Canada. 

Known for his depth of knowledge and passion for the sport, Francois is highly regarded for his ability to educate and mentor drivers and officials, bringing clarity and insight into what judges are truly looking for in the ring.
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