The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association Logo
Shop ASHBA
Login

You are now entering the old ASHBA website which will allow you to access your data using your original username and password.

We are transitioning to the new website, so be aware that some functions may not work on the old site and will redirect you to the new site. It is important you setup your new username and password on our new site HERE.

Otherwise click here to continue to the old ASHBA website

American Saddlebred World Loses Trainer Don Judd

World’s grand champion trainer Don Judd passed away Tuesday, July 17 following a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was 80.

A native of Cookeville, Tennessee, Judd spent a lifetime in the sport, gaiting his first horse at the age of 15. For the past 32 years, with the friendship of and business relationship with the Barbara Woods family, Judd created one of the premier American Saddlebred training and show facilities in the southeast. Many of those years have been spent with longtime partner Maria Gilman, with the two producing world’s and national champions from Judd Stables in several divisions.

A 2013 inductee into the UPHA/Tom Moore Hall of Fame, Judd drove Sultan’s Santana to the 1981 World’s Grand Champion Fine Harness honors while at Castle Hills Farm. A few of his many champions include CHLily Merrill, Flavor Taste, Eyre Lad, Nibley Dean, Among The Stars, CHSweet Virginia, CHPassion, CHWinter Day, CHGypsy Supreme, Undulata’s Secret Rendezvous and Rondo, among others.

In addition to Gilman, Judd is survived by his sons Rick and Ron and stepdaughter Christy O’Donnell. Information regarding arrangements will be published as it is made available.