Rick Ford Memorial Scholarship Fund

My name is Kourtney Judge, and I live in Lone Grove, Oklahoma, with my husband Joel and our son Weston. My life began in Oregon, and like so many other horse-crazy people, I found that the Oklahoma-Texas territories were more conducive to my lifestyle, and my husband seems to think so, too! Together we own and operate The Judge Source LLC, a full-scale consulting/marketing/sale management firm, focused primarily within the purebred cattle industry. Although our home base is in southern Oklahoma, you won’t be surprised to find either of us in another state at any given time, as we manage a wide array of clientele from the West Coast to the East Coast. As what some would consider a hobby, I compete nationally and locally in the National Reined Cow Horse Association and am also currently diving into the National Cutting Horse Association world. Most of my days are spent between running elements of our business, managing my horses, and homeschooling our son.

Over the years, I have enjoyed life as a small breeder, focusing on tremendous quality over quantity, from making the mating decisions to making sure my horses make their mark in their designated disciplines. Like so many of you affiliated with the Breeders Challenge organization, I would never have been able to find the success I have without the talented people I have surrounded myself with: stallion owners and stallion stations, breeding gurus, broodmare midwives, veterinarians, trainers, and fellow competitors. Each one has played roles of significance in my chosen lifestyle.

While I do not compete in, nor breed horses for, the Breeders Challenge specifically, so much of my village calls this organization home. Rick and Jade were key members in my small breeding operation, making sure my mares were in foal and delivered future champions into this world without incident. I cannot consider my success without acknowledging those who helped build me, and it is my wish for all competitors, breeders, and associates of the Breeders Challenge to take a moment and appreciate the village around you. I am more than honored to be a part of a committee doing big things for people seeking to be the best they can be and find the highest degree of success in their endeavors, whether in the arena or in the academic setting, and doing so in such a way that honors one of my favorite people and a person I found so much inspiration in, Rick Ford.

Recognized as a notable leader in barrel racing, horse racing, and breeding quality horses with significant influence across various equine disciplines, I have developed a keen eye for selecting and raising top quality horses that excel in the arena and on the race track. My bond with my horses runs deep as I consider like family and take their welfare seriously.

I am the proud owner of Whistle Stop Café; leading quarter race mare in the nation winning 10 out of 10 starts and a total of $2.3 million in earnings, Flying Cowboy 123; the number one quarter racing sire in the nation with only three crops to race amassing over $14.0 million in prodigy earnings, Heartswideopen; earner of $1.8 million in lifetime earnings in quarter racing, JL Dash Ta Heaven; sire of $11.0 million, Bullseye Bullion; an earner of over $60,000 and producing elite barrel horses for all levels of rider, and Barue; the youngest upcoming sire in my roster whose foals will hit the arena in 2025. I strongly believe in breeding for sound and athletic horses, striving to breed the best to the best.

I stand as a unique figure in the equine world; a race horse owner with world champions in my barn including barrel horses and race horses including elite stallions and a visionary incentive program in the barrel horse industry. As a business leader, my decisions and investments continue to influence the horse industry bridging the gap between the race and barrel horse industry. Being a horsewoman first whether in the arena or at the track, I am recognized as putting the well being of my horses first.

Breeders Challenge is one of my greatest achievements. I co-founded the Breeders Challenge, a cutting-edge incentive program for breeders and competitors, with partners Jade and the late Rick Ford. In 2020, we collaborated to launch the Breeders Challenge. Our vision fostered a relationship that evolved from a breeding deal to friendship and ultimately, a business partnership centered around enhancing breeder and competitor rewards. The program has become one of the most dynamic in the industry, introducing innovations like live draw parties and expanding rewards for the breeders and riders. A finale event that brings energy, visibility, and community to the barrel racing industry.

My favorite verse is Luke 12:48 ~ For everyone to whom much is given, from him/her much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him/her they will ask more.

My name is Seth Roy — I’m 30 years old, from Walker, Louisiana, and a soon-to-be first-time dad. I’ve spent the last decade chasing two things I care deeply about: building a family and building a career as a Professional Announcer. Both are dreams I’m proud to say are coming true.

I grew up in south-central Louisiana and attended Louisiana State University-Alexandria, where I studied business and was a member of the LSUA baseball team. At one point, I thought I’d become a Division I college baseball coach — but God had other plans. After school, I returned home, rejoining my family and continuing a lifelong tradition of training and riding barrel horses — something I’ve been doing since I was four years old.

These days, life is chaotic. I travel the country announcing at events, making memories with my incredible wife (whom I met through the very industry that’s given me a career), and preparing to welcome our baby girl this fall. At home, we keep it together the best we can — and count our blessings daily.

The Lord blessed me with a talent I don’t take for granted. It’s opened doors I never dreamed possible. One of those doors led me to the microphone at the Breeders Challenge Finale in Fort Worth, Texas — a true career highlight. So, if you find yourself in Cowtown this September, you’ll hear me before you see me — but rest assured, I’ll be in my happy place.

My name is Tani Boyd, and I live in Huntsville, Texas. I’m 60 years old, recently retired, and finally enjoying the chance to be a full-time mom and “Honey” to my grandchildren. I spent 25 years working as an education counselor in the Texas prison system, and before that, I was an elementary school teacher. Fun fact: my first career was actually as a hairdresser.

I grew up in the Texas Panhandle and graduated high school in a class of just 32 students. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Lubbock Christian University and went on to complete my master’s at Sul Ross University.

These days, life mostly revolves around my five children and six grandchildren, who keep me busy in the best possible way. While I haven’t personally been involved in the equine world, I’ve learned a lot through my daughter, who has been active in it most of her life. I also grew up around livestock, so I’ve always felt at home in that environment.

I enjoy serving others and sharing my love of God, which led me to my role as Hospitality Coordinator with Breeders Challenge. I’m looking forward to the year ahead and the people I’ll get to meet and serve.