35th Annual Horse Show (2005)
Bernard Parker – Western and Therapeutic Judge
This year’s Western Judge is Bernard Parker who lives in Amenia, N.Y. with his wife Wendy and sons Anthony and Nicoholas. Parker, who grew up around horses with his brother Leslie, said, “my father Joe Parker started the business in 1960 and we are carrying it out.”
Joe Parker Stables, which specializes in training Morgan show horses and American saddlebreds, is home to many national and regional champion horses including the recent New England Park Harness East Coast champion. Parker recalls visits to the stable by Joe Vanorio and talking with him about his judging days. Vanorio was the first Peekskill Rotary Horse Show judge 35 years ago.
Parker holds a “Large R” USA Equestrian Judge certification in Morgans, Park Pleasure, Western, Hunter Pleasure, Stock Seat, Stock Seat Metal, Saddle Seat Metal and all aspects of driving horses. He has judged several world championships including two Morgan championship shows in Oklahoma City. He also judged numerous regional shows and others in England.
“I look forward to judging at the Peekskill Rotary horse show,” said Parker. “I am a strong believer in giving back to (young people) what I have learned about the breeds.”
J.B. Passler – English Judge
“Talley ho and away we go” with our English Judge this year, J.B. Passler, who resides in Pawling, N.Y. with her husband Charles, daughter Tori and son Daven. Said J.B., “I have had a lifetime of horses and ponies ever since I can remember.”
She said that Joe Varonis, her grandfather, handed his passion for horses down to her. Varonis, a top world judge, is the only judge to have his ”Big R” in all divisions of judging, including western, English, carriage, saddle seat and dressage to mention a few. Such certification is quite an honor in the horse world. Varonis judged here at the Rotary Horse Show during the late 70’s and early 80’s.
J.B. is a graduate of Pace University’s equine study program and has judged in Iowa; Shannon Stables in North Salem; Stanford, Ct.; and Purchase, N.Y. She stays busy with riding lessons for her children and teaches pre-school at Christ Church in Pawling. And she spends ample time with the family ponies Bicki, Tegan, Jack and Topher, and her miniature horses.
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