Page 48 - The Mini Horse Magazine 2023 No 1

As a Judge, I Judge want is in front of me on the day
how the horse has performed from walk, trot and
AN INTERVIEW WITH A JUDGE
presentation whether that is under USA ruling or
English ruling or show rules regardless who you
are or who you have put on the end of the lead rein.
Secondly, having an understanding of breeding
programs and what is the required standards of
perfection. What is my type and what I like? I am
professional enough to transfer my skill set from
judging a AMHA/ AMHR/ ASPC to English type,
Shetland and part-Falabella and respect those
horses and breeders’. When you a have large class of
all blood lines entering, I take that into consideration
at shows up and down the country and I always
Judge fairly.

Which systems are you approved under? (AMHA,
AMR etc.)
I am approved by the AMHA and attended clinics in What characteristics make a good
England from the UKAMHS (UK American Miniature judge in your opinion?
Horse Society). I also shaddow Judged alongside
a Senior American Judge during a the first AMHA To be a judge you need to have
Championship Show held in the UK, through had the foundation, work, blood,
UKAMHS and also became one of there international tears, highs and lows and reflection
panel Judges and I have successful Judge In Czech and keep learning. It is a personal
Republic, Denmark and France. development of transferring skills
you no longer are able to do
yourself or having to slow down a
Was it difficult to qualify to become a judge and
how long did it take? bit as we never all stay young. My
journey as a judge is still in its early
It is difficult in becoming a Judge and the process stages! with on-going training,
from outside America is long and lengthy process. clinics and assessments is a great
I was lucky as I applied during Covid times and commitment but I am so proud to
the AMHA needed international Judges because be on the following VHS & TCGA
the AMHA offers residents outside of North America (A-Panel), International AMHA
two ways to become a judge; International Judge or carded Judge, Foreign Breeds, NCP,
Approved Judge. International Judges can complete BaPS, UKHP, BMHS (Open & RHI
the process without coming to the United Stated panel), UKAMHS and IMHPS. In
to apprentice. If you wish to become an AMHA the past three years I have had the
Approved Judge, you will be required to attend a US Privilege of Judging within Europe,
based Judge's Seminar and apprentice at three AMHA Czech Republic, Denmark, France
Approved shows in the United States. Because of their along with many Championships
more extensive training, Approved Judges can judge shows in England for VHS
a Regional Championship show and be promoted (Championships 2021), Foreign
to Senior Judge, International Judges cannot. The breeds (Breed Championships
other factor is cost to fly to the states and complete 2021) & (USA & UK Championships
apprentice at Three AMHA Approved Shows the time 2022), BMHS (Breed Championship
thats required and money is not cheep. Sadly, I will 2021), IMHPS (MHOYS 2022) and
unable to fly to the states but I am passionate and TCGA (TOYS 2022).
remain professional in the UK and Europe.

48 | Miniature Horse Magazine • Issue 1/2023