When I first became a recognized judge, the norm was single-judged events. Most horse shows were completed in a day with one judge on Saturday and another judge on Sunday – a total of two complete shows in a weekend.

You certainly know Bobby Smith, even if you know him simply as “Bobby.” Ever the Western gentleman, you’ll never see Bobby without a crisp Western oxford, starched jeans, and a tan Brink’s hat atop his head.
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By the time this article reaches our readers, the Congress will be over and the AQHA World Championship show in Oklahoma City will be in full swing. However, just because the Congress is over doesn’t mean it’s forgotten. In fact, the memories made at the largest single breed horse show on earth will be etched into our minds for a long time to come, maybe forever.
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Determination. That characteristic and its importance has been written about, sung about, and celebrated in every walk of life, with the horse industry as no exception. An exemplar of the trait of determination, Super Select Amateur Debby Brehm, has demonstrated tenacity since she was just a child.
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Click here to read the complete article 585 – September/October, 2026
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Click here to read the complete article 458 – September/October, 2026 Identify It, Address It Early, and Restore Passion for the Horse By Laura Jobson As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty bucket. Burnout has become an increasingly common reality for the people who keep this industry moving, while horses themselves can […]
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Success at a horse show is often measured by ribbons, buckles, and championship titles. But for members of the Youth Equestrian Development Association (YEDA), success extends far beyond the show pen. Through a scholarship program that recognizes not only competitive achievements but also academic excellence, leadership, community service, and personal growth, YEDA is investing in the futures of young riders. By encouraging students to excel both in and out of the saddle, the organization continues to fulfill its mission of introducing, encouraging and rewarding the next generation of horsemen and horsewomen in the past 10 years.
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