Become a Judge
Become a 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 All-Around Judge
The following criteria must be met before becoming an AQHA All-Around approved judge.
- Have individual, current-year AQHA membership and be a member in good standing.
- Be at least 25 years of age.
- Each applicant's name must be listed on the AQHA website prior to review by the Judges Committee.
- Receive approval from AQHA State Selection Committee for judges.
- Receive approval from AQHA Judges Committee.
- Receive approval from AQHA Executive Committee.
- Receive notification from AQHA that applicant may attend the next Judges Qualifying Exam.
- Pass final review and approval by Judges Committee and Executive Committee.
- Attend workshop during the first year placed on approved judges list.
- Required to complete re-certification and/or a rulebook test each year via online testing.
AQHA All-Around Judge Application - Application deadlines: December 1 for review in March. June 1 for review in September.
AQHA Specialized Judge
A complete list of mandatory criteria is included in the judges application form.
- Have individual, current-year AQHA membership and be a member in good standing.
- Be at least 25 years of age.
- Each applicant's name must be listed on the AQHA website prior to review by the Judges Committee.
- Receive approval from AQHA State Selection Committee for judges.
- Receive approval from AQHA Judges Committee.
- Receive approval from AQHA Executive Committee.
- 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.
- Required to complete re-certification as determined by the Judges Committee and Executive Committee.
AQHA Specialized Judge Application - Application deadlines: December 1 for review in March. March 1 for review in June. June 1 for review in September.
AQHA International All-Around
A complete list of mandatory criteria is included in the judges application form.
- Have individual, current-year AQHA membership and be a member in good standing.
- Be at least 25 years of age.
- Submit application by designated deadline.
- Complete interview by Judges Committee members.
- Complete the required testing online and scores to be reviewed by Judges Committee.
- Receive approval from AQHA Judges Committee
- Receive approval from AQHA Executive Committee.
- Required to complete re-certification as determined by the Judges Committee and Executive Committee.
AQHA International All-Around Judge Application - Application deadlines: December 1 for review in March. March 1 for review in June. June 1 for review in September.