AQHA Specialized Novice Show Judge Test to be Held

The American Quarter Horse Journal, February 5, 2008 – AQHA will hold a Specialized Novice Show Judge testing session in conjunction with the AQHA Educational Judging Seminar. The seminar will take place in Irving, Texas, March 24-26. 

Individuals applying for an AQHA Specialized Novice Show Judge card will be required to take video tests on seven classes: reining, trail, western riding, working cow horse, horsemanship and hunt seat equitation. While at the seminar, applicants will be required to attend an orientation session on the responsibilities of being an AQHA-approved judge, complete a 50 question open-book test on the show rules of the 2008 AQHA Handbook of Rules and Regulations and be scored in an interview by members of the AQHA Judges Committee. After completion of the seminar, applicants also will be required to complete a Specialized Judge application form, and provide a picture and two references from AQHA members. A complete tabulation of these scores then will be presented to the AQHA Judges Committee for their consideration.

The first AQHA Specialized Novice Show Judge applicant school was held January 4-6 in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Forty applicants from 15 states and Canada attended the training. A third seminar is being planned for the western states later in 2008.

Those interested in attending the AQHA Educational Judges Seminar and/or the AQHA Specialized Novice Show Judges testing session should contact Shelly Spears at (806) 378-4712 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . Enrollment in the AQHA Educational Judges Seminar is $350 and ends March 2.

Participants will learn about the latest judging techniques, review new and updated rules, and have the opportunity to ask top industry professionals representing all show segments questions about showing. Exhibitors from novice to professional, including AQHA judge applicants, are welcome to attend this informative, educational seminar.

The seminars will be held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel DFW in Irving, Texas.  A complimentary shuttle service is available from the DFW airport to the hotel.  Reservations at the Sheraton Grand Hotel must be made by March 2 to receive the AQHA rate. Hotel reservations can be made by calling (972) 929-8400.