Judging within the Australian Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) is a position of trust, responsibility and professional distinction. AQHA Judges play a vital role in upholding the standards, fairness and reputation of AQHA-Approved events and programs.
All AQHA Judges are approved through the AQHA Judging Committee and ratified by the AQHA Board of Directors in accordance with established procedures. Judges are required to actively officiate at AQHA-approved events, maintain financial membership, participate in refresher education programs, and comply with all AQHA rules and codes of conduct.
AQHA recognises several categories of judges, seen across accredited, associate, trail and versatility ranch judging pathways, as well as international approvals. Each category reflects defined criteria, experience levels and scope of officiating, allowing judges to progress as their skills and expertise develop.
Are you interested to the pathway to becoming an AQHA Judge?
For more information email: pa@aqha.com.au or call our office (02) 6762 6444
General Performance Judge Accreditation
|
Category |
Scope of Authority |
Progression |
|
Accredited Judge |
Officiate AQHA "A", "AA", State Championship & National Championship Shows |
Highest Australian Accreditation |
|
Associate Judge |
Officiate at AQHA "A" Class Shows |
Progression to Accredited Judge subject to AQHA requirements. |
|
Limited Permit Judge |
Officiate at AQHA "B" Class Shows |
Progression to Associate Judge subject to AQHA requirements |
Recognised External Accreditation
|
Category |
Recognition |
|
American Quarter Horse Association (AmQHA) Approved Judge |
Current AmQHA approved judges residing in the USA are recognised to officiate at all AQHA show levels in accordance with AQHA policy. |
Specialty Judge Accreditations
|
Category |
Scope of Authority |
|
Trail Judge |
Judge Trail events only at AQHA "A" and "AA" Class Shows |
|
VRH Level 2 Judge |
Judge all VRH Level 1 classes, VRH Cattle Classes and AQHA State Versatility Ranch Horse Championship Shows |
|
VRH Level 1 Judge |
Judge all non-cattle Versatility Ranch Horse classes. This is the first step toward VRH Level 2 accreditation |
Judges Portfolio Governance, Operations & Procedures Manual
AQHA Judges - Lee Ann Hall (Portfolio Director)
