Make your mark on the industry as an AQHA-approved judge. American Quarter Horse judges are held to the highest quality of standards. Apply to be an AQHA-approved judge and help improve the quality and welfare of registered horses in AQHA-approved competition.
The following criteria must be met before becoming an AQHA approved judge:
1. Have individual, current-year AQHA membership and be a member in
good standing.
2. Be at least 25 years of age
3. Each applicant’s name must appear in at least one issue of The American Quarter
Horse Journal prior to review by the Judges Committee.
4. Reviewed by AQHA Judges State Selection Committee.
5. Receive approval from AQHA Judges Committee.
6. Receive approval from AQHA Executive Committee.
7. If favorable approval is received, notification from AQHA that applicant
may attend the next Judges Qualifying Exam.
8. Final review and approval by Judges Committee and Executive
Committee.
9. Required to attend Seminars the first year placed on
approved judges list.
A complete list of mandatory criteria is included in the judges application form. Anyone interested in becoming an AQHA judge is encouraged to attend an upcoming Judges Educational Seminar.
Types of AQHA Judges
AQHA has two unique types of judging positions. Click to download the application:
• AQHA All-Around Judge — These judges are approved to judge any AQHA-approved event.
• AQHA Specialized Judge — These judges specialize in specific areas, including: cutting, reining, roping, over fence, team penning, speed events, dressage, halter, cowboy mounted shooting and novice.
All-Around Judge Applicants
Clint Ainsworth – Lithonia, GA
Donna Atkins-Borba – Escalon, CA
Mark Baus – Stillwater, MN
Kathryn Blake – Greensboro, NC
Danielle Burns – Omaha, NE
Sandra Curl – Vero Beach, FL
Jessica Daniels – Delaware, OH
Jimmy Daurio – Pueblo, CO
Robert Dehn – Loveland, CO
Michael Edwards – Monroe, WA
Francisco Garcia Jr. – Brazil
Casi Gilliam – Roaming Shores, OH
Jerri Harmon – Decatur, MS
Ty Hornick – Jamestown, OH
David Johnson – Sophia, NC
Carly Veldman Parks – Colbert, GA
Stacey Roberson – Byars, OK
Susan Robinson – Kincardine, ON
Kristy Starnes – Summertown, SC
Teresa Sullivan – Bonney Lake, WA
Reid Thomas – Boerne, TX
Shane Young – Yakinville, NC
Specialized Judge Applicants
Cutting
Don Hagglund – Weatherford, TX
Halter
Timothy Jackson – Sardinia, OH
Over Fence
Archie Cox – Los Angeles, CA
Keith Hastings – Clemmons, NC
Anthony Sgarlata – Marcellus, NY
Kathleen Stamps – Oxford, GA
Reining
Maik Bartmann – Germany
Frederick Gillespie – Bublin, TX
Bryant Pace – Sanger, TX
Andi Paul – Scottsdale, AZ
John Rossi – Greenwood, FL
Roping
Bradley Shaw – Minot, ND
Jake Teleford – Caldwell, ID
Earnest Wilson – Tolar, TX
Timed Events
Bradley Shaw – Minot, ND
Jake Teleford – Caldwell, ID
Earnest Wilson – Tolar, TX
Versatility Ranch Horse
Frederick Gillespie – Dublin, TX
Ramona Koch – Paicines, CA
Chance O’Neal – Guthrie, TX
Bradley Shaw – Minot, ND
Earnest Wilson – Tolar, TX
Working Cow Horse
Maik Bartmann – Germany
Ramona Koch – Paicines, CA
Jake Teleford – Caldwell, ID
