AQHA Hires Director of Show Officials

The world’s largest breed registry welcomes Chris Benedict as the AQHA director of officials.

From AQHA:

The American Quarter Horse Association has hired Chris Benedict as the AQHA director of officials. Benedict began his new role on January 13.

As the director of officials, Benedict will be responsible for overseeing the direction of the AQHA judges, stewards and drug-testing programs. He will work alongside the show department and judges committee members to provide industry-leading service and educational opportunities to advance the mission statement of the Association. Additionally, he will work to advance AQHA’s position as an industry leader while ensuring the integrity of its officials.
“I have been a life member of AQHA for a long time and the AQHA has been very good to my family and me,” said Benedict. “I’ve had a blessed judging career with many great people and think it is now time to give back. I am looking forward to my new position and helping the AQHA stay at the top of the industry. They have set the standard for judging and our goal is to keep it that way.”

Benedict brings 45 years of judging experience holding cards with the National Cutting Horse and National Reined Cow Horse associations, with 39 years of those years served as an AQHA all-around judge where he has officiated more than 30 AQHA world championship events. He has also been a trainer for the past 40 years, working with American Quarter Horses in various disciplines including cutting and working cow horse, reining, all-around events, roping and halter.

Benedict served as the Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Association youth adviser, as well as NCHA president from 2010 to 2011. He was inducted into the NCHA Members Hall of Fame in 2018. He has trained several AQHA world champions and top-10 finishers in various disciplines. Benedict has overseen major AQHA and NRCHA events.

In addition to his judging and training career, Benedict actively serves on the AQHA Animal Welfare Commision. He and his wife, Vickie, co-own and operate DLR Ranch, a renowned stallion station in Peaster, Texas. Over the past 45 years in business, they have stood some of the industry’s top horses, including American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame stallion High Brow Cat and Moonin The Eagle.

“The AQHA show department is excited to have Chris join the team,” said Scott Neuman, AQHA director of competition. “Chris’ vast knowledge of AQHA events and his service to our industry is unparalleled. The insight and experience he brings will be an asset as we move forward.”

For more information on AQHA staff, visit AQHA’s staff directory.