Hi Cherry,

I am a quarter horse trainer in california and am interested In becoming a judge for local 4-h and other open shows in the area. What is the best way to get certified and what organization or affiliation is best?

Thank You,

Stacie

Hi Stacie,

The best thing to do is contact your local 4-H office and ask them how they maintain their list. They will have a specific procedure for you to follow. Often they have a training seminar for new judges, followed by a test and certification. Each district and state is different so you'll need to ask your district office what you need to do to apply.

Once you get on the 4-H list, you will likely start getting offers to judge open shows in your area too as many of the open show committees use the 4-H list to hire judges.

Once you've had the experience of judging a number of open and 4-H shows, you will then want to decide what breed shows you'd like to judge.

Applying to be a breed show judge is more complicated. It often requires an application. Then if you are accepted, you are invited to go to judge's school. Usually you are required to pass a written and live judging exam, as well as appear before an ethics committee before you receive a breed card.

I hope this helps, and please feel free to write with more questions or to let me know how you are doing with getting on a judge's list.