Boggs, Longacre & Stafford Honored with 2025 Judge Emeritus Award
Judge Emeritus awards – photo credit: Paint Horse Journal.
By Jessica Hein, PHJ News:
Three longtime APHA judges—David Boggs, Nikki Longacre and Susan Stafford—will receive the 2025 Judge Emeritus Award on June 26 in honor of their service to the association. The ceremony takes place as part of the 2025 APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Celebration in Fort Worth, Texas.
2025 Judge Emeritus Recipients
- David Boggs
Hailing from Jones, Oklahoma, David was an APHA judge from 1987 to 2024. He judged 187 APHA shows.
- Nikki Longacre
An APHA judge from 1999 to 2024, Nikki judged 151 APHA shows during her career. She is from Glenpool, Oklahoma.
- Susan Stafford
A horsewoman from Mount Juliet, Tennessee, Susan judged 258 APHA shows. She was an APHA judge from 1982 until 2022.
“Their commitment as judges has not only upheld the highest standards of our competitions but has also inspired countless equestrians and Paint Horse enthusiasts,” Director of Judges Sandy Jirkovsky said. “The three of you will always remain an integral part of our APHA family. Thank you for your dedication to the APHA judging program.”
To be considered for the Emeritus Award, a judge must have at least 25 years of service or judged 150 APHA-approved events (25 years of service or 65 events for European-only judges), voluntarily retire with an excellent record and be in good standing with the Judges Committee, with no disciplinary actions, probations or suspensions on their records. Applicants must be approved by the Judges Committee on an individual basis according to their records. Deceased judges who meet these award requirements can also be considered.
Honoring Impact
Our 2025 Judge Emeritus Award recipients will be honored on June 26, 2025, at the APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Ceremony, taking place at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas, in conjunction with the 2025 APHA World Championship Show. Other year-end award winners honored at the event include APHA’s newest Hall of Fame class, High-Point Open Exhibitor, Markel/APHA Professional Horseman of the Year, Don Manuello Ring Steward Award winner and more.
2025 APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Celebration
June 26, 2025
Round Up Inn, Will Rogers Memorial Center
Fort Worth, Texas
Save the date—tickets will be available soon!
Event Details: Email Jennifer Crites at jcrites@apha.com
