When I decided to become an APHC USA judge I had to applicant three shows. I did one  in Belguim and two in the USA (Virginia and West Virginia) and in 2005 I become the only accredited APHC USA judge in the UK.   I had the privilege of judging APHC USA  championship shows in South Africa, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Holland, France and at times they were multi society shows with AQHA and APHA and DAWRA.   However with shows dwindling and having to get accredited every three years in the USA I have decided not to renew my membership and judge's card. It has been a wonderful 16 years - going to some lovely places, meeting some lovely people and judging some wonderful Appaloosas.

As a thank you the APHC USA have sent me a lovely plaque to thank me for my "dedication to the Appaloosa breed and industry".  APHC USA "sincerely appreciate the many years of service, promotion and dedication that you have devoted to the breed".  How lovely it that.  

As you do when you can at last get away  I travelled to Las Vegas in February 2022 to attend a two day seminar for the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society.  I have always wanted to see Las Vegas so went a day early and all I can say is one day was more than enough!!  

However the two day judge's seminar hosted by the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society and conducted by Wayne Hipsley was very good.  It was also held at Caesars Palace which was HUGE.  The trouble was you had to walk through the vast gambling area and gaming machines on the ground floor before you could get to the next floor.  This gaming.gambling was 24/7 and quite an eye opener.

So I now hold FIVE USA judging cards.

(There is a UK based society very similar to the GVHS called the TGCA - Traditional Gypsy Cob Association)