Meet the Judges

Maggie Murphy

Maggie Murphy is originally from Peyton, Colorado, however, calls Texas home now as she has lived in Canyon for 7 years. Maggie attended West Texas A&M University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Industry and Business while being on the Horse Judging Team and Equestrian Team. Recently, Maggie just earned her Master’s in Animal Science and is pursuing her PhD. She is also the assistant coach to the WT Horse Judging Team under Dr. John Pipkin and coaches Reining and Ranch Riding for the Equestrian team

Josi Reed

Josi Reed is an approved AQHA Level 1 judge. Josi has been apart of multiple world and national champion horse judging and equestrian teams at West Texas A&M University and NEO A&M College. Josi earned her masters degree in Agriculture from WTAMU, and she then went on to teach equine courses at NEO, while coaching champion horse judging and equestrian teams.

Sheila Purdum

Dr. Sheila Purdum is a faculty member of the UNL Animal Science Department specializing in Poultry Nutrition Research and youth extension. She recently received her USEF ‘r” Western Dressage Judging license and is an active member of WDAA, USDF and ADS. Sheila and her spouse Lyle Purdum have a small farm near Bennet, Nebraska where they train driving ponies and western dressage horses. Dr. Purdum participated in 4-H in her youth in Douglas County showing Dairy Cattle and is proud to also be a 4-H mom of 2 sons whom participated in the equine 4-H project. Sheila was recently awarded her 15 year 4-H volunteer pen by Lancaster County.