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Excitement Builds: Meet the Judges for the 2025 All American Quarter Horse Congress
As the anticipation for the 2025 All American Quarter Horse Congress continues to grow, the announcement of this year’s judging panel adds yet another reason to get excited. Known as the world’s largest single-breed horse show, the Congress is not only a celebration of excellence in competition—it’s a gathering of the best of the best in horsemanship, breeding, and industry innovation. With over 26,000 entries annually and a staggering $3.5 million in cash and prizes, this event is the pinnacle of the American Quarter Horse show season.
Held every October in Columbus, Ohio, the Congress is hosted by the Ohio Quarter Horse Association and draws hundreds of thousands of spectators, exhibitors, and industry professionals from around the globe. First held in 1967, it has grown into an institution that honours both tradition and forward-thinking in the equine world.
Meet the 2025 All American Quarter Horse Congress Judges
Each year, the Congress selects an elite group of experienced and respected professionals to evaluate thousands of entries across a wide range of disciplines. This year’s lineup features judges from across the United States and Canada, each bringing deep expertise and years of service in the show pen. Here’s who you’ll see in the judge’s box this fall in Columbus:
Andrea Simons
Pilot Point, TX
AQHA, NSBA, NRHA, NRCHA, WCHA, AQHA Judge since 2001
Bradley S. Luebben
Orient, OH
AQHA, NSBA, AQHA Judge since 2010
Bub Poplin
Fruita, CO
AQHA, NRHA, AQHA Judge since 2010
Daren Wright
Chillicothe, OH
AQHA, NSBA, AQHA Judge since 2009
David Connors
Ocala, FL
AQHA, NSBA, AQHA Judge since 2004
David Denniston
Fort Collins, CO
AQHA, NSBA, AQHA Judge since 2008
Dean Latimer
Marietta, OK
AQHA, NRHA
Debra Cooper
Cave Creek, AZ
AQHA, NRCHA, AQHA Judge since 1989
Derek Hanscome
New Glasgow, NS
AQHA, NSBA, NRCHA, AQHA Judge since 2009
Doug Rath
Reddick, FL
AQHA, NSBA, AQHA Judge since 2000
Jennifer Goss
Martinsville, IN
AQHA, NSBA, AQHA Judge since 2012
Jennifer Kunkle
Cross, SC
AQHA, NSBA, AQHA Judge since 2010
John Kunkle
Cross, SC
AQHA, NSBA, AQHA Judge since 2015
Jon Barry
Advance, MO
AQHA, NSBA, WCHA, AQHA Judge since 1984
JT Mitchell
Owasso, OK
AQHA, WCHA, AQHA Judge since 2019
Kathy Smallwood
Pilot Point, TX
AQHA, WCHA, AQHA Judge since 2011
Laurel Walker-Denton
Skull Valley, AZ
AQHA, NRCHA, AQHA Judge since 1996
Richard Griffith
Sarasota, FL
AQHA, NRHA, AQHA Judge since 1998
Rhonda Replogle
Keystone Heights, FL
AQHA, NSBA, NRCHA, AQHA Judge since 2004
Sandy Jirkovsky
Whitesboro, TX
AQHA, NRHA, NRCHA, AQHA Judge since 2007
Sara Simons
Aubrey, TX
AQHA, NSBA, NRHA, AQHA Judge since 2015
Stacey Roberson
Byars, OK
AQHA, NSBA, AQHA Judge since 2017
TW Grose
Sumterville, FL
AQHA, NSBA, AQHA Judge since 2017
Valerie Kearns
Richmond, IL
AQHA, NSBA, AQHA Judge since 2014
Van Luse
Blythewood, SC
NRHA
These distinguished judges play a pivotal role in maintaining the Congress’ reputation as the gold standard for American Quarter Horse competition. Their selections will help shape the next generation of champions.
Whether you're a competitor, breeder, or fan, the announcement of this year's judges brings us one step closer to another unforgettable October in Columbus. We’ll be following along with more updates, special coverage, and behind-the-scenes looks as the Congress draws near. Stay tuned!