The Board of the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show®
(MGN) has named the judging panel for the 2027 show. The selections were finalized at the Board's fall
meeting, held in Kansas City on November 11–12, 2026, where the Board also reviewed exhibitor
feedback from the 2026 show and approved a new pathway for additional shows to become MGN
qualifying shows beginning in 2027.
2027 Judging Panel
The following officials will judge the 2027 Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show
scheduled for October 9-16 at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City:
Classic / Park / Pleasure
• Melissa Moore, Versailles, KY
• Nancy Becker, Nicholasville, KY
• Lynn Peeples, Creekside, PA
• Tammie Conatser, Nicholasville, KY
Hunter / Western
• Tina Porter, Stewiacke, Nova Scotia
• Karen Homer Brown, Georgetown, KY
• Richard Wright, Fox Lake, IL
• Terry Jones Brennan, Hollister, CA
Equitation
• Christina Parker, Hortense, GA
• Fay Lowry, Columbia, MO
• Jolene Galvin-Yerckie, Scottsdale, AZ
• Deborah Johnson, Reno, NE
Ranch / Reining / Trail & Showmanship
• Kathy Callahan-Smith, Temecula, CA
Hunter (Over Fences)
• Keri Kampsen, Wellington, FL
Jumper
• Tim Cleary, Frankford, DE
Carriage
• Jessica Axelsson, Dorchester, NJ
Futurity In-Hand
• Terry Jones Brennan
• Melissa Moore
• Lynn Peeples
In-Hand
• Nancy Becker
• Terry Jones Brennan
• Lynn Peeples
Specialty In-Hand
• Karen Homer Brown
• Tina Porter
• Richard Wright
Listening to Exhibitors
The Board read through every response to the 2026 post-show survey. Exhibitors, trainers, owners, and
spectators shared what worked and what they want to see improved, and that feedback shaped the
Board's discussion throughout the meeting.
"We asked for honest feedback, and the Morgan community gave it to us," said C. A. Lee III, 2026 Show
Chair. "One message came through clearly throughout the year: people want more opportunities to
qualify for the Grand National. We heard that request, and we acted on it."
A New Pathway to Qualify, Beginning in 2027
In response to those requests, the MGN Board approved a pathway for additional shows to be
recognized as MGN qualifying shows starting with the 2027 season. Under the new graduated
placement standard, a horse qualifies by placing within the required range in the division it will show at
MGN, at one of the following show levels:
Show Level Qualifying Classes Needed Required Placement
AMHA Regional Show 1 1st – 8th
USEF or EC Sanctioned Morgan Show 1 1st – 6th
USEF Lite Show 1 1st – 4th
Approved Non-USEF Show 1 1st – 2nd
The qualifying class must be in the division the horse will show at MGN, and the required placement
must be earned in that class.
How shows take part. AMHA Regional Shows, USEF or EC Sanctioned Shows, and USEF Lite shows count
toward qualification automatically; they do not need to apply. Non-USEF shows must apply and submit
official results to be counted as a qualifying show. To be recognized, show management must file a
Qualifying Show Application with a copy of the showbill or website and a $150 registration fee, and
agree to submit its complete official secretary results to the MGN Show Office within 10 days of the
show's close. Results not received on time will not count toward qualification. Each qualifying show
remains responsible for its own operations, insurance, and liability waivers, just as it is today.
Who is eligible to apply. The application program is open only to shows that are not currently USEF-
rated. Shows that currently hold EC, USEF, or USEF Lite status may not drop their USEF status and take
part in this program.
Non-USEF shows should mail the application, showbill, and payment to: Grand National & World
Championship Morgan Horse Show®, Qualifying Show Application, 206 S Lark Ln, Wichita, KS 67209.
Contact Questions about qualifying show registration or division-specific qualifying details may be directed to
Peggy Hatfield, MGN Show Secretary, at 316-755-0395.
About the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show®
The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show® is the Morgan breed's premier annual
championship, bringing together exhibitors from across North America to compete for national and
world titles. Show dates for 2027 are October 9-16.