Quentin Judge - Double H Farm

STYLE RIDER
Quentin
Judge
Quentin Judge is hard to miss, and we’re not just talking about his
good looks. The hardworking trainer and rider for Double H Farm
is a regular competitor on the top show jumping circuits in North
America with a string of talented horses.
Twenty-seven-year-old Judge grew up in Chicago, IL, and was the
only member of his family with a passion for horses. He took the
smart route into the professional ranks, finding jobs with top riders,
and spending two years working for Jan Tops in Europe.
In 2008 he went to work for the influential Double H Farm, in
Ridgefield, CT and Wellington, FL, and his life changed. He met and
married Cayce Harrison, whose family owns Double H, and by 2010
had entered the grand prix ranks aboard Double H horses. With the
support of a top-class program and a star-studded list of mentors,
Judge has slowly but surely worked his way up to become more
competitive in the ring, and over the summer he recorded his first
international win, at Spruce Meadows in June.
Horse & Style: Describe your riding style.
Quentin Judge: I would describe my
riding style as classic American, but
keeping functionality in mind. I prefer
to stick with traditional riding attire
and find pieces that have contemporary
fabrics and details.
H&S: What is your head-to-toe riding outfit?
QJ: I wear a Samshield Premium in blue alcantara, to match my
Allesandro Albanese hunt coat. I have my riding shirts custom
made from a great store called Giorgenti, so I can customize the
fit and details. I wear Pikeur “Rodrigo” style britches. For boots,
I wear Tucci custom tall boots.
H&S: Do you wear anything for good luck?
QJ: I wear a woven belt whenever I show that I bought when I
was in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last year for the Nation’s Cup.
I wore it for the first time the day we won the Nation’s Cup, so I
figure it must be lucky!
H&S: What are your favorite equestrian brands?
QJ: I really love my boots from Franco Tucci. They are amazingly
comfortable, durable and beautiful boots. I also favor my Pikeur
britches because they are classically tailored, but made with
contemporary fabric that stretches and breathes well. I am fortunate
enough to be able to work with Malvern Saddlery in Pennsylvania,
who always keep me looking my best in these top brands.
H&S: How would you describe your non-horse show style?
QJ: I would describe my non-horse show style as clean and
understated. I seem to always be dressing for the barn, the horse
show or for traveling, so I appreciate designers like Rag & Bone
and Bruno Cucinelli for easy, casual style.
H&S: What have been your biggest accomplishments as a rider?
QJ: I am most proud of being part of the winning Nation’s
Cup team last year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Being part of a
Nation’s Cup team was a big goal of mine and winning made it
even more special. I also won the Husky Energy Cup this summer
at Spruce Meadows with HH Dark
de la Hart, which was my biggest
victory to date. It was thrilling to
win at such a historic venue.
H&S: What are your riding goals
for the future?
QJ: My short-term goals are to
keep moving up the ranks and
gain consistency at the top levels.
If I keep going that way, then I
hope to reach my long-term goals
of being a consistent member
of Nation’s Cup teams and to
compete and win at the best
competitions in the world.
H&S: If you weren’t a rider, what
would your dream profession be?
QJ: I am very interested in
wildlife and habitat conservation,
and would love to be involved in
that field.
H&S: Who has been the most
influential in your riding career?
QJ: I have been lucky enough to
get instruction from some of the
biggest names in our sport, but to
name a few: Joe Fargis, Norman
Dello Joio and the Millar family of
Ian, Amy and Jonathon have been
the most influential for me.
H&S: What is one thing you never
go to the ring without?
QJ: My wife, Cayce Harrison. She
is my eyes and ears on the ground
and knows my horses’ strengths
and weaknesses as well as I do.
She is my most valued opinion
when it comes down to making
the right decisions for my horses.
Above left: Photo ©Vicci Valenti
Below left: Quentin Judge and HH
Dark de la Hart. Photo ©Cansport