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Judges Seminars: Elevating Expertise and Evaluation - APHA: American Paint Horse Association

Judges Seminars

Continuing education is an essential component for APHA-approved judges. We strive to develop high-quality judges who are able to precisely evaluate and rank entries in a variety of classes, in keeping with the association’s rules. Seminars are offered annually; dates and locations vary. Find the most up-to-date list of seminars below.

Sandy Jirkovsky teaching at a judges' seminar.

AQHA/APHA Judging Seminar

  • December 17, 2025 4:30-7pm (APHA session)
  • South Point Hotel Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Note: NRCHA Judge Seminar for applicants and NRCHA judges will be held December 18-19 at the same location. Visit the NRCHA website for more information and to register.
APHA Registration
AQHA Registration
Color Breed Congress logo.

Color Breed Council International Equine Judges Seminar

  • January 30-February 1, 2026
  • Tulsa, Oklahoma
Schedule & Registration
TheRightLead2025

‘The Right Lead’ Leadership Development

The Right Lead is a leadership training program designed for current and future APHA leaders of all ages. It explores fundamentals of leadership using examples based on horsemanship principles and is based on a training program originally developed by Tina Shanahan, who will lead this seminar. The four-hour mini course takes place in conjunction with the 2026 APHA & AjPHA Leadership Gathering and is free to registered attendees.

Register Today
HorseIQLive_Halter

horseIQ Live

  • April 7, 2026, at 7 p.m. CST
  • Online at horseIQ.com

Step into the spotlight of excellence with Kelley Wainscott of Covenant Show Horses for an exclusive virtual event focused on judging and showing halter. Discover the secrets of a world champion breeder and trainer. Explore fundamentals of judging halter, evaluating conformation for performance horses, insider tips and strategies for judging halter, and answers from this renowned expert about judging, breeding or presenting your horse in the ring. A former Markel/APHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year, Kelley has trained over 250 world champions across four breeds and a judge with APHA, AQHA and WCHA.

Register Today
Barcelona 2027 European Show Seminar

European Judging Seminar

Presented by the American Paint Horse Association in partnership with the American Quarter Horse Association, the National Reining Horse Association, the National Reined Cow Horse Association and the National Snaffle Bit Association, this annual event brings together Europe’s Western horse community for education, collaboration and connection at the start of the show season. The seminar will feature specialized tracks for judges, exhibitors, trainers, show managers, club leaders, youth, and reining/cow horse enthusiasts, along with valuable networking opportunities. Additional event details will be announced later this year.
An APHA judge smiling in the arena.

Become a Judge

Are you interested in becoming an APHA judge? Learn more about the process to become an APHA judge as well as the Judging Apprentice Program.

Judges watching a class from the stands.

Renew Your Card

Are you a current APHA judge looking for recertification steps and resources? Learn more about maintaining your APHA judges card.

Judges evaluating a class in the arena.

Find a Judge

In the APHA Judges Directory, you’ll find a searchable list of all APHA-approved judges as well as their contact information, the cards they hold, schedule availability and more.

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