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.

AQHA has three unique types of judging positions. 

  • 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, ranch riding, over fence, team penning, speed events, dressage, halter, Level 1, versatility ranch horse, working cow horse, western dressage and cowboy mounted shooting.  
  • 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 Judge Applications are located at the bottom of this page. All AQHA Judge Applications must be submitted through the online forms. Please email judges@aqha.org with any questions. 

 

AQHA All-Around Judge 

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

  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 be listed on the AQHA website or appear in at least one issue of the Quarter Horse Journal prior to review by the Judges Committee.
  4. Receive approval from AQHA State Selection Committee for judges.
  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 Qualification Exam. The Judge's Qualification Exam will be held annually if an adequate number of applicants have submitted by the December 1 deadline.
  8. Pass final review and approval by Judges Committee and Executive Committee.
  9. Required to complete re-certification and/or a rulebook test each year via online testing.

All-Around Judge Application Information

 

Next Judges Qualification Exam to be held in Spring 2027.

 

AQHA Specialized Judge

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

  1. Have individual, current-year AQHA membership and be a member in good standing.
  2. Be at least 25 years of age (except Level 1 applicants who must be at least 21 years of age).
  3. Each applicant's name must be listed on the AQHA website prior to review by the Judges Committee.
  4. Receive approval from AQHA State Selection Committee for judges.
  5. Receive approval from AQHA Judges Committee.
  6. Receive approval from AQHA Executive Committee.
  7. Receive notification from AQHA that applicant must attend the next new judge orientation, complete mandatory testing and agree to the Judges Code of Ethics and Social Media Guidelines.
  8. Required to complete re-certification as determined by the Judges Committee and Executive Committee.

Specialized Judge Application Information

 

Online testing for Specialized Judge Applicants to be held in May 2026 and September 2026.

 

AQHA International All-Around

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

  1. Have individual, current-year AQHA membership and be a member in good standing.
  2. Be at least 25 years of age.
  3. Submit application by designated deadline.
  4. Complete interview with the Judges Committee.
  5. Complete the required testing online and scores to be reviewed by Judges Committee.
  6. Receive approval from AQHA Judges Committee.
  7. Receive approval from AQHA Executive Committee.
  8. Required to complete re-certification as determined by the Judges Committee and Executive Committee.

International All-Around Judge Application Information

 

Online testing for International All-Around Judge Applicants to be held in May 2026.

 

Providing a reference for a judge applicant? Click here for Judge Reference Information

 

The following individuals have applied for acceptance as an AQHA judge. Any AQHA member who wishes to comment on the following should write Judges Department, American Quarter Horse Association, P.O. Box 200, Amarillo, TX 79168 or email judges@aqha.org. Only comments in writing and signed will be reviewed.

 

All-Around Applicants:

Jennifer Burton of Grayslake, Illinois

Shon M Gage of Union, Mississippi

Abbie Gibson of Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Clayton Jerrell of Newburgh, Indiana

Dale Sullens of Aubrey, Texas

Nell Tekampe of McHenry, Illinois

 

International All-Around Applicants:

Jodie Moore of Langley, British Columbia, Canada

Karolina Niechaj of Wadowice, Poland

 

Specialized Applicants:

Lavert Avent (Roping, Versatility Ranch Horse, Ranch Riding) of Mineral Wells, Texas

Rachel Cogle (Level 1) of Canyon, Texas

Jake Walker (Versatility Ranch Horse) of Porum, Oklahoma