Judge Emeritus Ed Mayfield Jr. passes  

Ed Mayfield Jr., a longtime APHA judge and Judge Emeritus Award recipient from Eagle Point, Oregon, died December 13, 2024. He was 93.

A horseman from the start, Ed attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and earned all-around cowboy honors as part of their rodeo team. After marrying Joan Knight in 1955, Ed and his family moved to southern Oregon, where he managed and later purchased the Double D Ranch in Eagle Point.

Ed was a respected rancher, breeder, trainer and judge. He began judging for APHA in 1970 and retired in 2018. Ed was honored with the APHA Judge Emeritus Award for his service in 2019. Furthermore, he judged the APHA World Championship Show on several occasions and served as its equipment steward for more than two decades.

According to his obituary, Ed was a mentor and storyteller. He served as a 4-H leader, a local fairground board member and in other positions.

A Cowboy at Heart

“My dad always wanted to be a cowboy, and so he was,” daughter Lori Mayfield said. “Known for his unwavering fairness and integrity, he served as a horse judge for over five decades, inspiring countless youth participants with his encouraging words and steadfast belief in the next generation. A proud and devoted member of the American Paint Horse Association, he considered judging the APHA World Show in Fort Worth, Texas, one of the crowning achievements of his career. Beyond the show ring, he cherished the lifelong friendships he built within the horse community, treasuring the camaraderie and shared passion that defined his journey. His legacy of wisdom, encouragement and authenticity will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest easy, pardner.”

Survivors include his wife; children Linda, Bill, Wynn, Laney and Lori; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and siblings Robert and Roberta.

APHA extends condolences to Ed’s family and friends.

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About APHA

The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association. Since it was founded in 1962, APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses. Learn more at apha.com.