New AQHA Judges Approved

Previously retired American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) all-around judges, plus new specialized judges and international judges for Oceana, were recently approved by the AQHA Judges and Executive committees.

In May, the AQHA Judges and Executive committees voted to remove Rule SHW910.12: “A judge shall accept mandatory retirement at age 75.” For recertification, these individuals were required to make scores above 75 percent on video judging and above 80 percent on the rulebook exam.

The following individuals are the previously retired all-around judges who passed the recertification exam: Gene Carr, of Hayti, South Dakota; Kenneth Copenhaver, of Myakka City, Florida; Bill Englund, of Cashion, Arizona; Mike Perkins, of Bentonville, Arkansas; Billy Steele, of Stephenville, Texas; and Maryann Willoughby, of Hugoton, Kansas.

The following are the newly approved international judges for Oceana: Leanne Bartlett, of Australia; Fiona Mapp, of New Zealand; Sarah-Jane McCrindle, of South Africa; Janette Robinson, of New Zealand; Pauline Stuart-Fox, of Australia; and Glenn William Wyse, of Australia.

The following are new specialized judges:

Cutting:
Hiram Resende da Silva Filho, of Brazil
Leslie Timmons of Saskatoon, of Saskatchewan, Canada

Reining:
Leanne Bartlett, of Australia
Robert Dygert, of Elma, New York
Hiram Resende da Silva Filho

Roping:
Hiram Resende da Silva Filho
Pam Rose, of Pilot Point, Texas

Speed Events:
Pam Rose

Versatility Ranch Horse:
Brad Kelsall, of Ocala, Florida
Pam Rose

Working Cow Horse:
Billy Prather, of Camden, South Carolina
Pam Rose
Leslie Timmons

“American Quarter Horse judges are held to the highest quality of standards,” said AQHA Senior Director of Judges and Stewards Alex Ross. “To pass the AQHA judge’s exam requires individuals to be highly educated on AQHA rules, as well as possess an ‘eye’ for judging horses and riders. It’s a challenging process, and that’s why it’s an honor to have this card.”

To learn how to apply to be an AQHA judge and help improve the quality and welfare of registered horses in AQHA-approved competitions, visit www.aqha.com/judge.