Written by Claire Binkowski
This story originally appeared in the January 2026 issue of Premier.
The opinions and viewpoints expressed in this story do not necessarily reflect the views of the author or Premier Sires.
In a constantly evolving industry, Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle remain two of the most recognizable—and closely scrutinized—classes in the show pen. Unlike other events that use a formal scoring system, rail classes require judges to evaluate each performance without a consistent standard, often leaving exhibitors unsure what is being rewarded. For years, exhibitors, trainers, and judges have quietly navigated this ambiguity, even as confusion and frustration grew. The newly formed Rail Horse Association (RHA) has emerged from calls for clarity—not as a rebellion against the industry, but as a thoughtful response to a gap that had become impossible to ignore.
The founders of the RHA—Ashley Lakins, Bill Cosentino, Blair Roberts, Charles Cannizzaro, J.R. Cook, Randy Jacobs, and Ray Alderman—point to four persistent challenges that first sparked the idea: inconsistency, fairness, education, and accountability.
“From show to show, rail classes are judged differently,” says Ashley Lakins. “A lot of times, it feels like the results come down to personal preference instead of clear standards.”
That inconsistency trickles down through the entire show experience. Exhibitors leave the pen uncertain about why classes were placed as they were, trainers struggle to prepare horses without a consistent benchmark, and judges lack a unified framework to guide fair decision-making. Over time, the perception that rail classes are “just subjective” has become widely accepted, gradually eroding trust in the system.
The RHA was created to change that narrative. At its core, it is a member-driven association dedicated exclusively to the rail horse, with a mission to bring clarity, credibility, and advocacy to a discipline that is both highly visible and deeply influential. By establishing horse-first standards that prioritize correct movement, balance, and longevity, the RHA seeks to protect the welfare of the rail horse while supporting exhibitors, trainers, and judges alike. Education is central to this effort, with the association positioning itself not simply as a rulebook, but as a resource for ongoing learning and constructive dialogue.
“The goal of the RHA is to find solutions and get people talking more openly and honestly about the rail classes,” says Charles Cannizzaro. “We want judges, trainers, and riders all on the same page, because the rail classes are the foundation for most other events. When we get it right on the rail, it makes the whole industry stronger.”
Photo © Premier Sires
What sets the RHA apart is its singular focus. While many organizations treat rail classes as just one component of a broader structure, the RHA exists to give the rail horse its own voice, standards, and leadership. This clear purpose allows the association to operate with both focus and practicality. Through guidance, discussion, and continuing education, the RHA seeks to challenge the notion that rail classes are inherently subjective while empowering participants at every level. Clear judging criteria, standardized class rules, and shared educational tools will help create a common language for what quality looks like on the rail. By addressing a long-standing gap, the RHA is working to elevate an essential part of the industry that has lacked dedicated advocacy.
“A lot of people think rail classes are too subjective to ever standardize,” says Blair Roberts. “We want to change that narrative by showing that fairness and clarity are possible when correct movement is clearly defined and consistently rewarded.”
Judging standards are a cornerstone of the association’s mission. RHA judges will be selected based on experience, education, and integrity, with a required background in training, showing, or judging rail horses. Candidates must complete RHA specific training and continuing education to maintain their credentials. A strict code of conduct, conflict-of-interest disclosures, and ongoing evaluation will reinforce accountability. Judges are viewed not simply as officials, but as stewards of the RHA’s mission, guided by consistent principles that promote fairness and integrity.
“We are proud to have Cleve Wells leading our judges committee,” says Ray Alderman. “He will be at every show where RHA classes are held to oversee the judging process and ensure our standards are applied consistently. The judging of our classes will be unique as well, with judges having the option to evaluate the class from either inside or outside the arena, whichever they prefer.”
Financially, the RHA says it is structured for sustainability without compromising its core values. Classes will be funded through a combination of class fees, memberships, future nomination fees, and sponsorship. Founding members, committee members, and judges are contributing their time and expertise at no cost, keeping overhead low and directing resources toward meaningful purses. Personal financial gain is intentionally excluded from the model, underscoring the founding members’ commitment to advancing the rail horse for the good of the industry.
“Everyone involved with the RHA is doing this because we care about the rail horses,” says Charles Cannizzaro. “For some of us, this industry is how we make our living, for others it’s a lifelong passion. At the end of the day, we all just want to give back and help make the industry better.”
Transparency and accountability have been priorities for the RHA from the very beginning, particularly in governance and judging. While founding members, committee members, and their families or clients are eligible to compete in RHA classes, the founding members say this is a decision “rooted in inclusion, not influence.” They emphasize that “participation does not confer control” and will have safeguards in place to prevent conflicts of interest. Governance is separated from judging decisions, and judges are expected to evaluate every entry according to RHA criteria.
“Letting those closest to the mission compete under the same rules and scrutiny as everyone else shows just how confident we are in the system we’re building,” says J.R. Cook. “The RHA is member-driven association that welcomes oversight, dialogue, and feedback from our members.”
