2023 AQHA-APHA European Judges and Show Management Seminar

The American Quarter Horse Association International Department is proud to announce its partnership with the American Paint Horse Association for the 2023 AQHA-APHA Judges and Show Management Seminar February 10-12 in Brussels, Belgium.

All exhibitors, trainers, current and new show managers, secretaries and affiliate leadership are welcome to attend. This information-filled event is the best way to prepare for a successful show season.

Attendance is required for AQHA-APHA-carded judges and judge applicants and highly recommended for AQHA-only carded judges and judge applicants. Registration is free for AQHA and APHA members.

This event will take place at the Van der Valk Brussels Airport hotel. As spots are limited, we encourage anyone interested to reserve their spot as soon as possible. Registration will close on February 1. You can register for the seminar here.

AQHA and APHA are happy to offer a discounted rate (€99/night for one person or €119/night for two, with breakfast included) with the Van der Valk Brussels Airport. Make your reservation via email today using the group code BRU-GF38398. Offer expires January 13. Reservations are on a first come, first served basis, and may sell out before the expiration date.  

Tentative Summit Schedule:

• February 10-11: Judge Seminar

  • Over the course of two days, you will receive in-depth instruction on what today’s judges are looking for in a variety of events.

  • This course is perfect for exhibitors who want to understand the judging process and improve their placings, as well as for trainers and judge applicants.

• February 12: APHA Judge Testing

  • Rulebook testing, video testing and interviews for APHA, ApHC and NSBA judge applicants.

  • AQHA applicants will need to register via the AQHA Judges Website  

• February 12: Show Management Seminar

• Learn the requirements and responsibilities for organizing an AQHA- or APHA-approved show. Gain the skills and know-how to run a well-managed event. Get ideas to attract new exhibitors and keep returning customers coming back for more. A special Q&A session will be held on Horse Show for Windows. 

• Upon completing this seminar, participants will be APHA-certified and ready to take AQHA's online certification test. For those who wish to become AQHA Certified Show Management, the certification test can be taken online.

• Click here for more details regarding the AQHA Show Management Workshop and click here to access AQHUniversity.

Common Questions and Answers

Do I have to attend the entire weekend of events?

If you are interested in both judging and show management, we encourage you to attend both sessions. If you are taking the APHA Judges testing, you are required to stay the length of the seminar.

Should I attend if I am interested in learning more about judging and/or show management, but am not ready to take the test?

Yes, everyone who has an interest in AQHA showing is encouraged to attend the seminar. Testing to become a show official is not required.

How can I prepare for the seminar?

Feel free to review the AQHA and/or APHA rulebooks. We encourage everyone to come with questions and be prepared for group discussions.

Do I leave with my judges card?

This is an educational opportunity for anyone interested in learning about judging or current judges who want to learn more about the details related to what judges should be looking for or has questions about the judging process.

Individuals who are interested in becoming a judge will still need to follow the regular process of applying online, and current judges will still need to test online through AQHUniversity.

If you have any questions, please contact international@aqha.org.

AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHA on Twitter and visit www.aqha.com/news.