About Jan Larsen
Jan Larsen is a veteran horse show judge and trainer with more than five decades of experience in the performance horse industry. Based in Kalispell, Montana, she is an APHA‑carded judge and longtime Markel/APHA Professional Horsewoman, bringing deep expertise across both Western and English events. Jan has served as the chair of APHA’s Professional Horsemen Advisory Committee for the past year.
Jan judges a wide range of classes at major breed and performance shows, drawing on her background as a trainer of multiple world, reserve world, national and state champions in events such as Western pleasure, trail, hunter under saddle, Western riding, working hunter and showmanship. Her APHA involvement spans decades, and her judging style is known for its clarity, fairness and strong understanding of Paint Horse versatility.
In addition to her APHA card, Jan also holds judging credentials with AQHA, PtHA, NSBA, USEF, ABRA and AMA, making her a highly versatile and sought‑after official across the industry.
It is an honor to be both and they are intricately connected. As a Professional Horsewoman, I can assist members and show management with situations that might arise at a show or event. I am able to help teach do-it-yourself riders at the clinics I give at shows and for groups in my area. I can encourage and mentor young trainers and prospective judges. As a judge, I don’t get to interact as closely with exhibitors at shows, but I can still have an impact to encourage sportsmanship and camaraderie.
What’s your advice for young trainers and new judges?
This industry isn’t always easy and can be quite difficult and complicated at times. As a trainer, you are often judged by your last win or accomplishment, which is unsustainable. Therefore, it can take a toll on your emotions. You have to do this job because you love the horse! It’s often physically testing and mentally challenging dealing with people and their dreams. My advice is to work hard, try not to engage in drama and, most importantly, take time for yourself each week. Your mental health is much more important than you think. But I will tell you that training horses, especially in our APHA family, will lead you to immense personal growth and make longtime true friends. Try to learn something new every day.
My advice to new judges would be to always keep learning. There are so many rules we need to know. Your rulebook is your best friend—refer to it often. Step out of your comfort zone and judge the classes you are less familiar with. You will grow as a judge and a person the more you challenge yourself. Learn from the other judges you are fortunate enough to judge with. If someone had told me 20 years ago when I started judging for the breed shows where this adventure would take me, I’d have thought them crazy. The fact that I get to travel the world, meet fabulous people who are also passionate about horses and get to see beautiful horses is amazing.
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would play you?
I have no idea, but would be flattered to have someone like Sandra Bullock play me because she always puts a lot of passion into her roles.
Favorite restaurant in Fort Worth?
It’s almost impossible to choose, but I have made many memories at the Silver Fox, including a surprise 50th birthday party during the World Show.
Wine or beer?
I don’t drink beer at all, so definitely red wine.
Cats or dogs?
Although I love my dogs, I am a cat person at heart.
Car or truck?
I love my dually, but would hate to drive it to do around town daily and have to find parking.
Favorite movie or television series?
Any type of murder mystery.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about training horses?
I have been fortunate to have had help from many great trainers in my career, and everyone of them have given me helpful advice. Probably the one that resonates most with me is to “listen to the horse, they will always tell you what they are capable of.”
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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.