OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHIES - 2025

Michael King (British Driving Society Private Driving Judge - International Guest Judge)
Michael King’s passion for carriage driving began at the age of eight, quite by chance, during a family holiday to the Great Dorset Steam Fair. With time to explore on his own, young Michael wandered over to the heavy horse and carriage driving displays, where he was captivated by the stable lines and, in particular, a small Hackney pony stallion who seemed to look right into his soul. That encounter led to a conversation with the late Elspeth Gill—one of many that would shape the course of his life. Elspeth soon invited him to join her on a carriage during the driving displays, igniting what would become a lifelong devotion to the sport.
Over the years, Michael traveled the show circuit with Elspeth and, later, with another local driving enthusiast who allowed him to compete in Young Driver classes. Under the guidance of Elspeth and friend Liz Matthews, Michael eventually purchased his first turnout and began competing independently. He has since shown successfully in single, pair, and tandem classes, winning numerous championships across the UK, including multiple qualifications for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show.
Now based in Southmoor, Michael continues to make active contributions to the sport. Having retired his beloved show horses, he has turned his focus to breeding Welsh Section C ponies under the "Kingsham" prefix—a tribute to his surname and his great-great-grandfather, who, as it turns out, was an ostler. Michael’s first foals include a striking dun and palomino colt, both of whom promise to carry on the legacy.
A British Driving Society panel judge since 2019, Michael has officiated at county-level shows across the UK. His service to the Society includes past roles as Area Commissioner and Young Drivers Representative while living in Wales. Since relocating to England, he has continued his leadership through council membership, contributing to the Area Commissioner Committee, the Publicity and Communication Committee, and currently serving as Chairman of the Show Committee, overseeing the Society’s three major national shows annually.
Michael is honored by the invitation to judge at this year’s Villa Louis Carriage Classic and looks forward to celebrating the sport and community that have brought him such joy over the years.
Michael King’s passion for carriage driving began at the age of eight, quite by chance, during a family holiday to the Great Dorset Steam Fair. With time to explore on his own, young Michael wandered over to the heavy horse and carriage driving displays, where he was captivated by the stable lines and, in particular, a small Hackney pony stallion who seemed to look right into his soul. That encounter led to a conversation with the late Elspeth Gill—one of many that would shape the course of his life. Elspeth soon invited him to join her on a carriage during the driving displays, igniting what would become a lifelong devotion to the sport.
Over the years, Michael traveled the show circuit with Elspeth and, later, with another local driving enthusiast who allowed him to compete in Young Driver classes. Under the guidance of Elspeth and friend Liz Matthews, Michael eventually purchased his first turnout and began competing independently. He has since shown successfully in single, pair, and tandem classes, winning numerous championships across the UK, including multiple qualifications for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show.
Now based in Southmoor, Michael continues to make active contributions to the sport. Having retired his beloved show horses, he has turned his focus to breeding Welsh Section C ponies under the "Kingsham" prefix—a tribute to his surname and his great-great-grandfather, who, as it turns out, was an ostler. Michael’s first foals include a striking dun and palomino colt, both of whom promise to carry on the legacy.
A British Driving Society panel judge since 2019, Michael has officiated at county-level shows across the UK. His service to the Society includes past roles as Area Commissioner and Young Drivers Representative while living in Wales. Since relocating to England, he has continued his leadership through council membership, contributing to the Area Commissioner Committee, the Publicity and Communication Committee, and currently serving as Chairman of the Show Committee, overseeing the Society’s three major national shows annually.
Michael is honored by the invitation to judge at this year’s Villa Louis Carriage Classic and looks forward to celebrating the sport and community that have brought him such joy over the years.

Jody Cutler (American Driving Society Registered "R" Pleasure Driving Judge)
From Moorpark, California, Jody Cutler began driving in 1975. She and her husband, fellow official Dr. Gregg Cutler, entered their first competition in 1980 at the Ventura County Fair. Over the years, the Cutlers have shown equines of all sizes — from miniature horses to draft breeds — in a variety of configurations including singles, pairs, tandems, unicorns, and four-in-hands, primarily on the West Coast.
Today, the Cutlers maintain a herd of Welsh ponies at their Oak Run Farm, along with a Warmblood owned by the U.S. Driving for the Disabled. Jody is a past president of the American Driving Society (ADS) and currently holds ADS judging cards in pleasure driving, combined driving, coaching, and dressage. She has also served on the ADS Pleasure Driving Committee and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Carriage Pleasure Driving Committee. Additionally, she is a licensed Concours d'Attelage de Tradition judge with the Carriage Association of America (CAA). Each year, Dr. and Mrs. Cutler organize an ADS-recognized pleasure driving show at their farm.
In addition to her judging and organizational work, Jody serves on the advisory boards for the California Equine Medication Monitoring Program, U.S. Driving for the Disabled, and the Santa Ynez Carriage Museum. Since retiring, she devotes her time to the local Rotary Club, training ponies, teaching driving lessons, and managing a small flock of sheep.
From Moorpark, California, Jody Cutler began driving in 1975. She and her husband, fellow official Dr. Gregg Cutler, entered their first competition in 1980 at the Ventura County Fair. Over the years, the Cutlers have shown equines of all sizes — from miniature horses to draft breeds — in a variety of configurations including singles, pairs, tandems, unicorns, and four-in-hands, primarily on the West Coast.
Today, the Cutlers maintain a herd of Welsh ponies at their Oak Run Farm, along with a Warmblood owned by the U.S. Driving for the Disabled. Jody is a past president of the American Driving Society (ADS) and currently holds ADS judging cards in pleasure driving, combined driving, coaching, and dressage. She has also served on the ADS Pleasure Driving Committee and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Carriage Pleasure Driving Committee. Additionally, she is a licensed Concours d'Attelage de Tradition judge with the Carriage Association of America (CAA). Each year, Dr. and Mrs. Cutler organize an ADS-recognized pleasure driving show at their farm.
In addition to her judging and organizational work, Jody serves on the advisory boards for the California Equine Medication Monitoring Program, U.S. Driving for the Disabled, and the Santa Ynez Carriage Museum. Since retiring, she devotes her time to the local Rotary Club, training ponies, teaching driving lessons, and managing a small flock of sheep.

Francois Bergeron (American Driving Society Registered "r" Pleasure Driving Judge)
François Bergeron is one of Canada’s most respected figures in the world of carriage driving, known for his expertise as both a competitor and an official. Based in Ormstown, Québec, François brings decades of experience to the sport, with a judging résumé that spans multiple national and international federations. He is a Senior Combined Driving Judge and Recorded ("r") Pleasure Driving Judge with the American Driving Society (ADS), a Registered (“R”) Combined Driving Judge with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), and both a Senior Combined Driving Judge and Pleasure Driving Judge with Equestrian Canada. He also holds international credentials as an FEI Level 2 Combined Driving Judge, which have taken him across North America to officiate at prestigious events. Throughout his judging career, François has been invited to officiate at a wide range of combined and pleasure driving competitions, including major shows in the United States and Canada. His assignments have included national championship events, FEI-sanctioned competitions, and a variety of pleasure shows where his thoughtful and fair evaluations are well regarded by competitors. Known for his calm demeanor, eye for detail, and deep understanding of the rules and traditions of the sport, François is respected by competitors at all levels—from newcomers to seasoned professionals.
As a competitor, François has driven both single horses and tandems in pleasure and combined driving, earning championship titles in Canada and the U.S. alike. One of his proudest achievements came in 2019, when he was named the North American Preliminary Champion by the ADS—a testament to his skill, dedication, and sportsmanship.
François’s commitment to the sport extends beyond the arena. In 1998, he became a certified Driving Coach with Equestrian Canada, and he remains deeply involved in mentoring and educating new drivers. Whether judging, coaching, or competing, François is passionate about sharing his knowledge and encouraging others to discover the joy of carriage driving. His warm and approachable manner has made him a valued presence in barns, on the sidelines, and at judge’s tables across the continent.
When not officiating or coaching, François enjoys staying connected with the driving community and supporting efforts to promote horsemanship and classical driving techniques. His lifelong dedication to the sport reflects a genuine love for horses and for the people who share his passion.
François Bergeron is one of Canada’s most respected figures in the world of carriage driving, known for his expertise as both a competitor and an official. Based in Ormstown, Québec, François brings decades of experience to the sport, with a judging résumé that spans multiple national and international federations. He is a Senior Combined Driving Judge and Recorded ("r") Pleasure Driving Judge with the American Driving Society (ADS), a Registered (“R”) Combined Driving Judge with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), and both a Senior Combined Driving Judge and Pleasure Driving Judge with Equestrian Canada. He also holds international credentials as an FEI Level 2 Combined Driving Judge, which have taken him across North America to officiate at prestigious events. Throughout his judging career, François has been invited to officiate at a wide range of combined and pleasure driving competitions, including major shows in the United States and Canada. His assignments have included national championship events, FEI-sanctioned competitions, and a variety of pleasure shows where his thoughtful and fair evaluations are well regarded by competitors. Known for his calm demeanor, eye for detail, and deep understanding of the rules and traditions of the sport, François is respected by competitors at all levels—from newcomers to seasoned professionals.
As a competitor, François has driven both single horses and tandems in pleasure and combined driving, earning championship titles in Canada and the U.S. alike. One of his proudest achievements came in 2019, when he was named the North American Preliminary Champion by the ADS—a testament to his skill, dedication, and sportsmanship.
François’s commitment to the sport extends beyond the arena. In 1998, he became a certified Driving Coach with Equestrian Canada, and he remains deeply involved in mentoring and educating new drivers. Whether judging, coaching, or competing, François is passionate about sharing his knowledge and encouraging others to discover the joy of carriage driving. His warm and approachable manner has made him a valued presence in barns, on the sidelines, and at judge’s tables across the continent.
When not officiating or coaching, François enjoys staying connected with the driving community and supporting efforts to promote horsemanship and classical driving techniques. His lifelong dedication to the sport reflects a genuine love for horses and for the people who share his passion.

Dr. Gregg Cutler (American Driving Society Registered "R" Pleasure Driving Technical Delegate)
Dr. Gregg Cutler grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles, California. While dating his future wife, Jody, she took him to the Grand National Horse Show and Rodeo in San Francisco. It was there that he first saw Hackney Ponies being driven — and from that moment, he was hooked on the idea of carriage driving.
After graduating from veterinary school in 1974, Dr. Cutler and Jody moved back to Southern California. Though he had originally aspired to restore antique automobiles, he quickly discovered that mechanical work wasn't his strong suit. Fortunately, their neighbor operated a carriage restoration business, which turned out to be an ideal fit. At the time, the Cutlers owned just one horse, and driving their first restored carriage became a shared passion. Since then, they have restored several vehicles and have owned horses, mules, a donkey, and a herd of Welsh ponies.
Together, Dr. and Mrs. Cutler have shown a wide variety of turnouts, including singles, pairs, tandems, unicorns, and four-in-hands. Dr. Cutler especially enjoys officiating as a way to support and guide new or less experienced drivers. Much of what he learned in his early years came through trial and error — or from reading books — and he strives to make the process easier and more enjoyable for today’s drivers. As a Technical Delegate, his goal is to help ensure that everyone — horses, drivers, and passengers — has a safe and positive experience at every event.
Dr. Gregg Cutler grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles, California. While dating his future wife, Jody, she took him to the Grand National Horse Show and Rodeo in San Francisco. It was there that he first saw Hackney Ponies being driven — and from that moment, he was hooked on the idea of carriage driving.
After graduating from veterinary school in 1974, Dr. Cutler and Jody moved back to Southern California. Though he had originally aspired to restore antique automobiles, he quickly discovered that mechanical work wasn't his strong suit. Fortunately, their neighbor operated a carriage restoration business, which turned out to be an ideal fit. At the time, the Cutlers owned just one horse, and driving their first restored carriage became a shared passion. Since then, they have restored several vehicles and have owned horses, mules, a donkey, and a herd of Welsh ponies.
Together, Dr. and Mrs. Cutler have shown a wide variety of turnouts, including singles, pairs, tandems, unicorns, and four-in-hands. Dr. Cutler especially enjoys officiating as a way to support and guide new or less experienced drivers. Much of what he learned in his early years came through trial and error — or from reading books — and he strives to make the process easier and more enjoyable for today’s drivers. As a Technical Delegate, his goal is to help ensure that everyone — horses, drivers, and passengers — has a safe and positive experience at every event.