Person · 2011
NRHA Hall of Fame · Inducted 2011
Ronnie Sharpe
One of NRHA's First 3 Judges · 45 Years of Service · Inducted 2011
Ronald Allen Sharpe of Hamilton, Texas, was one of only three men who served as judges at the very first NRHA Futurity in 1966 — making him an original pillar of the sport's officiation system. He began judging at age 19 and retired at 77, becoming the longest-tenured judge in history. He judged in five of the world's seven continents for five associations, served over a decade on the NRHA Judges Committee, and was the longest-standing chairman of the AQHA Judges Committee. He passed away September 3, 2022, at age 84.
"A loving wife, family, and some good horses is all a man can ask for."— Ronnie Sharpe
Career Highlights
- One of NRHA's original three judges (1966) — the longest-tenured judge in performance horse history; judged from age 19 to 77; 45+ years of continuous NRHA service
- Judged on 5 continents for 5 associations — NRHA, AQHA, NCHA, NRCHA, NSBA; countries include Germany, Italy, Brazil, Australia, Japan, France, Israel, Venezuela, and more
- Longest-standing AQHA Judges Committee chairman — futurity finalist in both NRHA and NCHA; leading AQHA champion breeder; former Marine
- Hamilton, Texas · Passed away September 3, 2022, age 84
Class of 2011