Become a Judge

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, mandatory retirement 75.
  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. Undergo review by AQHA Judges State Selection Committee.
  5. Receive approval from AQHA Judges Committee.
  6. Receive approval from AQHA Executive Committee.
  7. Receive notification from AQHA that applicant may attend the next Judges Qualifying Exam.
  8. Pass final review and approval by Judges Committee and Executive Committee.
  9. Attend seminars during the first year placed on approved judges list.

A complete list of mandatory criteria is included in the judges application form.

Types of AQHA Judges

AQHA has three unique types of judging positions. Click to download applications:

  • AQHA All-Around Judge -- These judges are approved to judge any AQHA-approved event.
  • AQHA International All-Around Judge --  These judges are from outside the U.S. and are approved to judge the classes approved for their country or region.
  • 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 Level 1.  

All-Around Judge Applicants
Shelby Biddlecombe - Coronach, SK
Tammy Braham - Grove City, PA
Charles Cannizzaro - Purcell, OK
Jodi Finkenbinder - Gainesville, TX
Laura Gilmer - Franklin, TN
Dana Hokana - Temecula, CA
Timothy Jedra - Lexington, KY
David Johnson - Sophia, NC
Casey Orr - Calico Rock, AR
Teresa Sullivan - Lake Tapps, WA
Shannon Vroegh - Grimes, IA

Specialized Judge Applicants
Cutting
Samuel Tanner - Weatherford, TX

Ranch Riding
Dana Grafft - Frederick, ND
Amy Marx - Beloit, WI
Jimmy Stickler - San Luis Obispo, CA
Mack Weaver - Morgan, UT

Reining
Dana Grafft - Frederick, ND
Stacy Hanson - Simi Valley, CA
Mack Weaver - Morgan, UT
Nick Valentine - Whitesboro, TX

Roping
Amy Marx - Beliot, WI
Jimmy Stickler - San Luis Obispo, CA
Clint Townsent - Senatobia, MS

Versatility Ranch Horse
Amy Marx - Beloit, WI
Jimmy Stickler - San Luis Obispo, CA

Working Cow Horse
Jimmy Stickler - San Luis Obispo, CA