Interview with the Judge - Terry Holmes

Interviewed by Sonja Smaldone

J

udging Arabian horses’ conformation takes practice, but anyone who has spent time around these beautiful creatures can learn to do it. Judges usually look for a combination of balance, structure, muscling, gait, and breed-specific features. For the 2020 Special Middle East edition, I had the pleasure to interview Mr. Terry Holmes he was pleased to walk me through the main aspects of his professional experience in judging Arabian horses.

Once my dad opened his own practice my mother purchased a couple of half Arabian horses. She had grown up with horses and missed not having them. Then one day we traveled to look at some horses at an Arabian farm in Iowa. My parents bought their first purebred Arabian mare that was in foal. The resulting foal was a Filly that we showed in halter and English pleasure. She won a lot and we bred her and her first two Fillies together sold for a half a million dollars. We

Hello, Mr. Terry Holmes. Just to set the scene with our readers, give us some background to you, to your family and education please.

I was born and raised in Iowa, USA. My father was going to veterinary school at Iowa State University when I was born. He graduated from veterinary school there and that’s where my bond with animals started.

sold her to a great home and they continued to breed her. While this was going on I went to go to work for the Boggs family and Midwest training center for 15 years. Then I went on to work for RA Aloha Arabians, where I helped make the purchase of Khadraj NA for RA Aloha. Then I went to work for myself Terry Holmes Arabians. Now I manage a farm in Scottsdale, AZ. Regency Cove Farms, where we stand Apalo, Basi-

lio and Antares RCF. My wife, Melissa has been around Arabian horses her whole life.

She has been with and manages Show Season for over 30 years. Show Season makes all

whole life with Arabian horses. She has won numerous National Championships in many divisions. She is currently in Medical School in Kansas City. She volunteers around the world in her free time and now rides as an adult in Arabian reining. Just got her first Reserve National Champioship in 2019 When did you become a judge? What specific preparation did you get?

I have been a judge for over 25 years.

The education system in the United States is very difficult and I went through the process to become a judge. The continual education for judges in the United States is very progressive. Just go to the AHA judging website to find out how to become a judge in the United States. Between AHA and USEF, they have numerous programs and testing for all licensed officials to stay current with breed standards. All licensed judges must stay current at all times.

the custom riding apparel for all disciplines.

She is very respected in helping you choose your custom outfit for your special Arabian horse. My daughter Chloe has grown up her

What do you feel has been your most rewarding experience as a judge?

My most rewarding experience has been to judge the great Arabian Horses all over the world. I’ve had the honor to judge just about everywhere in the world at all the best shows. And it truly is an honor to judge the beautiful Arabians around the world.

What horse or horses have you judged that have left the greatest impression on you?

I cannot single one horse out that I’ve wor-

ked around or judged as there has been so many great great horses that I’ve been able to see and be around. I did get to spend a lot of time when I was young with Padron!!! He was an amazing Arabian Stallion.

What are, in your opinion, the strengths of the breed and how do you tackle the concepts of ‘beauty’ and ‘functional correctness’?

The Arabian breed is the original horse.

Arabian Type covers all the strengths of our breed. Our Arabians are bred to look beautiful, move beautiful and have a long lasting endurance to perform in any event. Conformation, great legs and feet, and exceptional movement with charisma is a must!!!

Which particular skills are necessary to beco-

me an accountable judge?

Honesty, accountability, professionalism, experience and compassion for the Arabian horse.

At least in Europe there have been many complaints about trainers abusing horses. Some of them have also been punished for drugging a

horse or for cosmetic alterations on necks, in addition to eye tattooing. Do you feel these are isolated incidents or do you feel they may be more widespread?

I am not aware of abuse in Europe. Sometimes the handler’s get a bit aggressive, but not out of line. As far as the isolated incidents, I believe that even in Europe or the United

States these incidents have been punished to my knowledge. I believe ECAHO, AHA and USEF are doing an amazing job of policing the welfare of our horses, regardless of breed.

cost, you can only do what you can afford.

After that, you need to decide how to enjoy your horse whether an Arabian or any other breed.

Do you think that the Arabian World has been a bit in a downtrend lately? Many blame the decline on politics and the cost of showing.

What are your feelings?

I believe the Arabian horse is on an upswing around the world. Cost of showing has always been expensive “to be the best you can be”. My advice: trainers, breeders and owners stay the course. If there is some politics going on. FIX IT!!! Personally, I’m proud of the horses I’ve judged and how they placed. It’s a tough job, but I’ve cherished every moment looking at these beautiful animals.

If you were empowered to effect change in the Arabian World, how would you go about it?

Just promote! Share the love for the Arabian Horse. And all of us that love the Arabian Horses promote them as the amazing animals they are! Just share the love of the Arabian Horse!

Do you feel with the politics and the high cost of showing in rated shows, that many Arabian owners should consider Open Shows? Do you see this as a viable alternative to promoting the versatility of the breed?

I truly believe that even if it’s an Arabian horse or any other breed, you need to show it where it’s competitive and can win. If it’s

Do you feel like leaving a message to the readers of this interview or to those who are willing to get to know you better?

I just want to say “Thank you”!

The Arabian Horse and all the people, places and horses I’ve met along the way. It’s amazing and I appreciate the opportunities that I’ve had. And look forward to many more.

Mr. Terry, thank you very much for your contribution. It was an honor to interview you.

May the Arabian horse cast a spell on us and keep us together forever and ever!