Professionals of the Year Announced

The American Quarter Horse Association is proud to announce the 2022 Nutrena Don Burt AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year, Nutrena AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year and Most Valuable Professional award winners. John Pipkin

The 2022 Nutrena Don Burt AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year is John Pipkin of Canyon, Texas. Pipkin is an AQHA director and currently serves on the AQHA Judges Committee and

World Conformation Horse Association Judges Committee. He has been an AQHA approved judge since 1992. He previously served as the chairman of AQHA show council, as well as AQHA judges, show, professional horsemen, equine research and show violations hearing committees. Pipkin is a director and officer of the National Horse Judging Team Coaches Association and has been involved in the equine industry for over 40 years.

Pipkin has developed educational and testing materials for the AQHA judging program and has been instrumental in developing many of the scoring systems currently used to judge classes such as western riding, trail, showmanship, horsemanship and equitation classes. Prior to entering his current profession, he trained and showed professionally in halter, reining, working cow horse, western pleasure, western riding, trail and other classes.

He is devoted to his work of educating young people who are pursuing their dreams in the horse industry. Pipkin’s heart and dedication to his vocation have led to extraordinary success in his field and the success of his students as he encourages them to pursue excellence with integrity, commitment and class.

The 2022 Nutrena AQHA

Professional Horsewoman of the Year is Cindy Hale of Perryton, Texas.

Hale has supported and promoted American Quarter Horse Youth Association activities and events her entire career. She has donated her time in many capacities to assist and advance the youth of our industry. She has served as a Nutrena Ride the Pattern clinician at multiple AQHA championship shows and has dedicated many years as an AQHA-approved judge.

Hale has been an AQHA Professional Horsewoman since 1995 and AQHA judge since 2001. She served five years on the AQHA Youth Activities Committee. Her career with AQHA includes continued on page 108