Twenty prospective judges traveled to AQHA's headquarters on April 28-30, 2009 to take the judging qualifying exam.  AQHA has released the names of the newly approved AQHA judges.  Those names are:

All-Around Judges
Laura Gilmer
Derrick Hanscome
Elizabeth Haynes
Lyle Jackson
Janette Steffl
Tom Robertson
Michelle Tidwell
Bruce Walquist
Daren Wright

Progressive Judges*
Rod Safty
Larry Sanchez
Clark Scoggin
* Progressive Judges may only judge shows that have 350 entries or less the previous year. May be single judge shows or split-combined.  May also judge Novice shows.

“This year’s class were very prepared,” Alex Ross, AQHA Executive Director of Judges, told GoHorseShow.com. “I attribute much of that to the candidates attending the Educational Seminars. Whether you are applying to be a judge or just want to know how you will be judged, you should attend. They are very helpful and educational. The applicants who attend the Educational Seminars multiple times tend to do the best. The people who attend in March, apply for their card, attend again the following year in March and take the test in April typically have the highest scores. The first time they attend they find out how much they do not know, especially the importance of knowing penalties. When they return the following year they have sharpened their skills and it showed in the results this year.”

According to Ross, AQHA made an effort this year to close the gap between the qualifying exam in April and when they notify the applicants of their results.  In 2010, they hope the amount of time is shorter than this year.

"The reason behind this," says Alex Ross, "is we feel they are as prepared as they will ever be and we would like to get them out in the field."

The recently appointed judges may start judging immediately.   

Click here for more information from AQHA.com.

Click here to read "So You Think You Want To Be An AQHA?" written by GoHorseShow.com.  We interviewed two applicants, Laura Gilmer and Bruce Walquist about the testing process. Congratulations to both of them for receiving their card!