thank you to our officials

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Pictured in header: LLL Tzar Alexander, trained by Merriehill Farm, owned by LLL Enterprises. 2013. Photo by Casey McBride.

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MEET THE 2021 JUDGE: STEPHEN DAVIS

Stephen Davis has a lifelong passion for the Morgan Horse. As a youth, he apprenticed with Master trainer/showman Bob Baker, in his native town of Middlebury, Vermont. During that time, he had the opportunity for the hand’s-on development of many young horses, including an association with numerous National Champions. Through this New England network, Steve met his future wife, Dr. Josie Davis, and Dr. Donald Balch, Director of the University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm in the neighboring town of Weybridge, VT.


 After obtaining a B.S. Degree in Animal Science from UVM in 1972, He was hired by his alma mater, and began a 45 year career of employment, initially as Horse Specialist, and subsequently Director of the University of Vermont’s Historic Morgan Program. The legacy of quality UVM Morgans, as breeding stock, useful pleasure horses and high level show horses in many divisions, is well documented.


Steve officially retired from UVM in September of 2017. In October of that fall, he proudly served on his tenth Morgan Grand National judging panel. He and wife Josie, continue to work a few horses, and promote the breed at several local and regional venues. As a forty year United States Equestrian Federation Registered Judge in the Morgan division, Steve hopes to continue being actively involved with his passion as a Licensed Official.
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Steve and Josie reside in at their home in New Haven, Vt., just a few miles from the town of his upbringing, the UVM Morgan Horse Farm, and Absolute Morgan Farm, the stable at which training horses are boarded. Most importantly, they are now able to spend more time with extended family, including seven grandchildren.