How to Become a AQHA Show Judge

Horse shows are among the most competitive livestock shows in the world. Horses and riders undergo years of extensive training for various skills in English, Western and Dressage styles. The horses themselves must meet exacting breed standards. The American Quarter Horse, a favorite in Western circles, is a hugely popular breed in the United States. In order to become a show judge for this breed of horse, you need to meet a number of requirements. Here are the steps toward becoming a judge for the American Quarter Horse Association.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ability to meet the listed requirements
• American Quarter Horse Association Judge's Application
• 3x5 photo of yourself

Requirements

1. Apply for a current American Quarter Horse Association membership, in good standing. Your membership will come under review, and your history as a member must be unblemished. Getting the membership is simple, you just apply online or via the mail. Most members own Quarter Horses, but that is not a requirement to join.

2. Provide proof that you are at least 25 years old. This can come in the form of a valid driver's license, original birth certificate or passport. Be aware that there is a mandatory retirement age of 75, should you become a judge.

3. Get yourself published at least once in "The Quarter Horse Journal" before your application goes up for review.

4. Begin studying or brushing up on the Quarter Horse breed standards, and judging methods. Your application is undergoing a series of reviews and approvals by the Judge's and Executive Committees. Be patient during this time. The judges have to sift through your references, qualifications and information to make sure you will be a good fit for the American Quarter Horse Association. Don't waste this time idly.

5. Take the judging exam. You will need a minimum passing score of 80%.

The Application

6. Get an application form from the American Quarter Horse Association website. Answer all questions as completely and knowledgably as you can. General horsemanship knowledge is good, but not necessarily required.

7. Take a 3x5 photo to attach to the application. It will need to be of your head and shoulders only.

8. Exercise patience, and begin prepping for the Judge's Workshop. After you have submitted your application, and passed the exam, you will undergo one more evaluation by the Judge's and Executive Committees. Again, don't waste this time. Be as prepared as possible.

9. Attend the American Quarter Horse Association Judge's Workshop. Should you meet all the requirements and pass all the reviews, you will be named a judge, and will face one last requirement; completion of the American Quarter Horse Association Judge's Workshop within the first year of your approval.

10. Become an active judge. You will frequently be notified of judging opportunities and shows. Judge for these frequently and establish your reputation.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient. Numerous requirements, an exam only offered once a year and multiple reviews can make this a very slow going process.
• Under no circumstances should you lie or embellish on your application. You will be immediately disqualified and could face black balling.

Resources

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