The Celebration of the Cowgirl at Road to the Horse 2017 has assembled the best of the best. Pulling the most elite equine professionals from various disciplines, together they will carefully evaluate each competitor to determine the next World Champion of Colt Starting.
The judging of Road to the Horse is based on specific colt starting criteria, while protecting the well-being of the horse. Judging considers that every horse is an individual and that there are many methods of horsemanship that are “natural” or respectful of the horse, its nature and how they learn. Judges watch and score every moment of interaction at Road to the Horse, it is not just the performance in the obstacle course that decides the next World Champion but every step and breath taken from beginning to end.
The Road to the Horse judges include Yvonne Barteau, Jack Brainard, Suzy Jeane, Dr. Jim Heird, Cody Lambert and Jeff Williams. Assisting the judges at Road to the Horse 2017 will be Judges Steward, Stormy Mullins.
Yvonne Barteau
Yvonne Barteau is one of this nation’s most celebrated riders and a lifelong horse trainer. She has earned her USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze medals as well as her Gold, Silver and Bronze freestyle bars. Her Business KYB Dressage has trained over a dozen horses to the Grand Prix Level and over 50 to Prix St George. In 2015, her Holsteiner stallion GP Raymeister, was named Most Winning Horse in USDF history. Yvonne Barteau has published two award winning books. Her recent release The Dressage Horse Manifesto is the second of two books she has authored on horses. Ride the Right Horse, examines the impact of human and horse personalities and how they work together. Yvonne and her husband Kim are based out of Maple Park, Illinois.
Jack Brainard
Trainer, Breeder, Judge, Leader, Teacher, Author, Mentor and Friend are all accurate labels of Jack Brainard of Tioga, Texas, long known for his contributions to the equine industry and his lifelong commitment to horses and the people who enjoy them. Jack Brainard has bred and trained horses for over 54 years and judged for a variety of national horse associations for over 40 years. A true veteran judge of colt staring, Jack Brainard has never missed a year at Road to the Horse. He has judged every competitor, at every event.
Dr. Jim Heird
Dr. Jim Heird is Executive Professor and Coordinator of the Equine Initiative and holder of the Glenn Blodgett Equine Chair at Texas A&M University. Dr. Heird has an international reputation in the field of equine sciences. He has lectured on numerous topics both nationally and internationally. He has been a successful judging team coach, teacher, researcher and extension specialist. In 2017, Dr. Jim Heird was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Suzy Jeane:
AQHA judge and Professional Horsewoman, Suzy Jeane, has broken many barriers for women striving to be successful in the horse industry. Suzy was the 2005 Professional Horsewoman of the Year, and in 2000, she was the first female president of the National Snaffle Bit Association. Suzy has also shown two Reserve Congress champions in Western Pleasure. Suzy and her husband operate Down the Rail Farm, where they stand several of the top stallions in the nation including Zips Chocolate Chip, Radical Rodder, Chips Hot Chocolate, Radical Revolution, A Sudden Vantage, and Dress Western.
Cody Lambert:
Cody Lambert is a Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame inductee and ten time National Finals Rodeo qualifier in bull riding and saddle bronc riding. Cody started his professional rodeo career in 1980 and has earned numerous titles throughout his career. Cody was a PBR Co-Founder and qualified for the first three PBR World Finals. After the 1996 PBR World Finals he retired from competition and was awarded the PBR Ring of Honor, making him one of the first recipients along with Ted Nuce, Jim Shoulders and Harry Tompkins. Cody currently serves as Vice President of The PBR Board of Directors, as well as the organization’s Livestock Director.
Jeff Williams
Jeff Williams has been starting colts for numerous long-time clients that include the Haythorn Ranch, King Ranch, Beggs Ranch, Matador Ranch, Espuela Ranch, and the Muleshoe Ranch for over 20 years. Not only does Jeff Williams have an in-depth and lifelong understanding of the elements that create a perfect foundation for a developing colt, this is a cowboy who lives every day in the saddle.
For a complete profile on each individual judge. Click here.
