2026 Judge Seminar Recap

The WHC’s Certified Judge Seminar for 2026 is in the books! Judges, Judge Candidates, Auditors, and Youth gathered in Stevens Point on April 11, 2026, for a day of learning. The topics this year were Ranch Trail and Ranch Riding. The clinician was Gene Stewart from Kentucky. He kept everyone’s attention during the morning sessions with no problem. No one even turned their heads as I walked around the back of the room taking photos!

The afternoon live judging sessions were held at Heartland Equestrian Center in Custer, WI. We had gorgeous horses to watch, and the riders did a great job of riding the patterns. Our gratitude to the riders who gave up a Saturday to help us out: Richelle Beene, Brian Ferron, Hailey Ferron, and Evelyn Lorge.

Many thanks to everyone who worked hard to put this event together! The WHC Certified Judge Committee members (Chairperson Dan Grunewald, Pat Stevenson, Megan Sacia, Tia Koehler, Liz Rice, Shelley Tooley and Nancy Edwards), this year’s clinician, Gene Stewart, Mark Long and the staff at Heartland Equestrian Center, Darla Schack (WHC’s Administrative Assistant who keeps everyone organized), and Shelley Tooley (who has been the logistics expert for this) event for many years.