New AQHA judges were recently approved by the American Quarter Horse Association. Seventeen judge applicants were approved by the AQHA Judges Committee to take the judges exam April 28-29 in Gainesville, Texas. Based on test scores and other criteria, the Judges Committee then approved a list of prospective new judges that were then reviewed and approved by the AQHA Executive Committee. The following are the newly AQHA-approved judges:
AQHA all-around judges:
• Lora Knelly-Thomas, Berwick, Pennsylvania
• John Kunkle, Cross, South Carolina
• Lisa Ligon, Aubrey, Texas
• Libby Michaud, Wahoo, Nebraska
• Eric Peterson, Cannon Falls, Minnesota
• Sara Simons, Aubrey, Texas
AQHA Progressive judges:
• Art O’Brien, Arlington, Ohio
• Kathleen Zelnio, Moline, Illinois
AQHA Specialized Level-1 judge:
• Joe Stanco, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse judges:
• Chris Benedict, Weatherford, Texas
• Debbie Cooper, Cave Creek, Arizona
• Morgan Lybbert, Valley View, Texas
American Quarter Horse judges are held to the highest quality of standards. To learn how to apply to be an AQHA judge and help improve the quality and welfare of registered horses in AQHA-approved competition, visit www.aqha.com/judge.
