2025 Judges
Kari Beers
I grew up outside of Columbus, Ohio and looked forward to showing at the AAYHS every spring! As a youth I competed in hunters and equitation in OHJA, IEA, 4-H, and at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. I attended Miami University where I rode on the ISHA hunt seat team. I was invited to compete in several NCEA scrimmage competitions and was a member of Miami's national team in 2006.
I have spent the past 14 years judging 4-H, OHJA, IEA, and IHSA shows. I love getting to help the next generation of equestrians, and I am so honored to be invited back to judge the AAYHS fences classes!
Jamieson Gross
After training all-around horses with a focus on Western Pleasure for 13 years, Jamieson Gross now is an Animal Sciences Instructor and Agriculture Department Chair for Cloud Community College in Concordia, Kansas. Jamieson holds judging credentials with AQHA, NSBA, and PtHA and has judged at the European Paint Horse Championship Show, European Nations Cup and the Youth World Games.
Jennifer Kunkle
A passionate horse trainer and accomplished coach, Jennifer Kunkle operates a training and lesson program with her husband John, in Cross, SC. She holds a BA from Western Kentucky University where she was an ISHA National Champion. Throughout her career, she has trained and shown multiple Congress and World Champions. Jennifer is an AQHA, APHA and NSBA recognized judge. Outside of training and judging, Jennifer enjoys giving clinics, fishing and traveling with John.
John Kunkle
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John resides in Cross, SC with his wife Jennifer, and his daughter, Olivia. He holds a BS from Clemson University and went on to be a horse trainer with expertise in all-around events. Himself and his clients have earned multiple world and congress titles. He is also a recognized judge with AQHA, APHA and NSBA. John serves as a Director at Large for AQHA and in the coming year will be the Chairman of the APHA Judges Committee. Outside of his professional accomplishments, John enjoys watching his daughter play sports, as well as fishing and restoring furniture with Jennifer.
Andrea Simmons
Andrea owns and operates Simons Show Horses in Pilot Point, Texas. The facility has bred, raised, owned, trained, and shown numerous World Champions.
Andrea holds cards with AQHA, APHA, NSBA, NRHA, NRCHA and ApHC. She has judged extensively throughout the country and internationally. Andrea has judged numerous AQHA and NSBA World Championship Shows. In addition to these, she has also officiated at the All American Quarter Horse Congress and the NRHA Reining Futurity several times.
In her spare time Andrea enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Kay Tracy
Kay's horse career started several years ago in 4-H under the guidance of her Dad, Lee Tracy, a trainer and longtime judge. An OU graduate, Kay has judged 40+ years, averaging 25 plus shows a year. She loves working with the youth and she has served on the State 4-H Judges Committee for Ohio, and she has had the honor and privilege to judge at the All American Youth Horse Show. She has judged at the Ohio State Fair; Westerner Days in Alberta, Canada; the North American Livestock Exposition; and at the Great Celebration in Shelbyville. Tennessee.
Kay is also an active member of the Tough Enough To Wear Pink Horse Show in Ohio where 100% of the proceeds go to the Ohio Health Cancer Center through the OhioHealth Foundation in Columbus, Ohio, for Patient Assistance. In those years, this show has donated a little over $890,000.00 dollars to Cancer Patient Assistance.
The show this year will be held at the Champions Center in Springfield, Ohio on September 25, 26, 27, & 28, 2025. We would love to have you come to the show and have a great time, while helping with THE CAUSE!! Come be a part of our working on the 2nd Half A Million Dollars in donations.
