FORT WORTH, Texas—Whether you are a horse show exhibitor, equine enthusiast or an aspiring judge, the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) has an innovative academy to teach you the ropes of the judging world. Plan to attend the next Educational Judges Academy, which is set for Dec. 8–11 at APHA’s Headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas.

“This is the perfect opportunity for anyone taking that first step of pursuing their desire to judge horse shows or wanting to learn more about the judging process,” said Candy Cain, APHA’s director of judges. “Our academy will provide the perfect opportunity to get them started.”

One of the newest features at APHA’s Educational Judges Academies, which are held twice a year at different locations, is a day devoted to tips on judging cattle classes, including working cow horse and roping events.

An ongoing educational outreach program, the APHA Educational Judges Academy has become critical to ensuring the availability of top-quality judges for the show ring. With more than 1,200 APHA-approved shows around the world, drawing nearly 450,000 entries, the need for quality judges continues to increase.

Current APHA-approved judges and qualified industry specialists will present the curriculum in a classroom setting. Sessions will include discussions on judging procedures for a wide range of disciplines.

The following presenters for the Fort Worth Academy were selected for their expertise. They include:

• Butch Carse, APHA’s Judge Improvement Program liaison from Davenport, Fla. APHA judge since 1981.
• Patti Carter of St. George, Ontario, Canada. APHA judge since 2000.
• Joe Carter, trainer and horseshoer from St. George, Ontario, Canada. APHA judge since 1981.
• Kelly Chapman of Bellevue, Mich. APHA judge since 1998.
• Charlie Cole, trainer from Pilot Point, Texas. APHA judge since 1997.
• Bill Enk, National Reined Cow Horse Association director of judges from Paso Robles, Calif. APHA judge since 1992.
• Tim Finkenbinder, trainer from Collinsville, Texas. APHA judge since 2000.
• Bonnie Miller of Sodus, New York. APHA judge since 1987.
• Allen Mitchels of Michigan City, Ind. Instructed at two past APHA academies.
• Robbie Schroeder, roping horse trainer from Gainesville, Texas.

For more detailed biographies on the presenters, visit apha.com/judges/seminars.

How to participate
Judges, potential judges, exhibitors, owners or anyone else interested in learning more about the judging process is welcome to attend. To register or learn more about the process of becoming a judge, call Candy Cain at (817) 222-6416 or e-mail ccain@apha.com.

Downloadable registration forms are also available at apha.com/judges/seminars. APHA will accept registrations until space is filled. Space is limited to 75 attendees. The cost is $250 per person for the core curriculum and $100 for the cattle class seminars.

APHA’s mission
While APHA has grown tremendously over its 43-year history, it continues to follow the original mission established by its early founders. That mission is to:

• Collect, record and preserve the pedigrees of American Paint Horses
• Oversee matters related to the breeding and exhibition of those horses
• Create and maintain innovative programs that
• Increase the value of Paints
• Enrich members’ experiences with their horses
• Promote Paints and preserve their history