Shelbyville Times-Gazette: News : Horses and horse shows

Horses and horse shows

Stories in still life: Artist specializes in equine subjects (03/19/10)
You don't have to have thousands and thousands of dollars to take home a beautiful Tennessee walking horse from the Walking Horse Trainers' Association's annual show. Just stop by Billie Nipper's booth on the mezzanine at Calsonic Arena and see what she has to offer...

Meadows likes opening night turnout at Trainers Show (03/18/10)
Only a few classes into the 42nd annual Walking Horse Trainers' Association show, there were already several hundred spectators. "I'm very pleased with the turnout," said Dr. Doyle Meadows, CEO of the Celebration as well as the head of SHOW, the horse industry organization that sanctions the Trainers' Show...

Season's local kickoff begins Wednesday (03/16/10)
It's traditionally the first big show of the horse show season -- the first chance fans get to see if their favorites are coming back this year and what the new crop of colts and fillies look like. Last year, however, the Walking Horse Trainers Association's annual show wasn't the kickoff for the season...

Winter coats (02/17/10)

Copper's ordeal: second horse rescued from icy pond (01/15/10)
For the second time within a week, emergency crews were called Thursday to rescue a horse from a partially-frozen farm pond. Copper was discovered in the pond on property belonging to Tommy and Tewaan Tucker off Anthony Road northeast of Shelbyville about 3:45 p.m., Tommy Tucker said...

Holiday de-lights (12/17/09)
Among Shelbyville's holiday season traditions are the Christmas lights provided by the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. The festive displays -- many, as would be expected, with a 'horsey' theme -- brighten the nights along Celebration Drive. A trip through these lights plus the display at H.V. Griffin Park is a must each year...

An equine Christmas (12/10/09)

Down but not out: Injured rodeo star on long ride back to ring (11/26/09)
"Well, they always said I was hardheaded." Marcella Upchurch grinned as she said this. The puckish grin isn't the only thing she's hiding under the brim of her ball cap. There's also a faint scar, and beneath that -- a titanium metal plate. The 17-year-old from Rover almost died in September when a routine rodeo competition in Columbia went suddenly, terribly wrong...

Australian trainer offers advice at 2-day clinic in Shelbyville (11/20/09)
"With the right tools and instruction, you can turn your horse into the willing partner you've always wanted!" Those are the "words of wisdom" offered by Australian trainer Clint Anderson, whose program on RFDTV -- the highest-rated horse-related show -- has earned him fans and enthusiasts all over the world...

Spotted horses get sporty at Calsonic Arena (11/06/09)
Gaited horses are back at Calsonic Arena this weekend, only they've left their English saddles and fancy riding habits behind. This weekend features the Spotted Saddle Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association's Sport Horse championship, where the breed truly gets to prove its versatility. ...

Calsonic Arena crew members are quick change artists (10/16/09)
When Calsonic Arena opened in 1989, 20 years ago, officials from the Celebration and from the arena's benefactor and naming sponsor, Calsonic Manufacturing Corp. (now CalsonicKansei North America), said they hoped it would be not only a place for equestrian competition but also for a wide variety of events to benefit the community...

New cancer charity plans benefit horse show Saturday (10/14/09)
A new foundation has been formed to help local cancer patients, and its concept is different from the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. All money raised through the Bedford Cancer Foundation, formed last month, will directly benefit local cancer patients. Starting with Saturday night's Walking For Cancer Horse Show, the foundation will have two large benefits each year, said Jon' Jenné, board member of the foundation...

Trainer faces difficult times after brain aneurysm (10/14/09)
When Jerry Williams left the hospital, a baby in his mother's arms, it was 38 years before he'd ever have to go to a hospital again. In fact, you might even say the Tennessee walking horse trainer was as healthy as a horse. That changed Sept. 30. "I came home for lunch and I was getting ready to go back to the barn," said Jerry. "I got hot and broke out in a cold sweat, and got a bad headache -- a pain like I've never felt before. I was numb on one side and couldn't move. I yelled for Jamel."...

Trail ride postponed (10/08/09)
A quadruple bypass couldn't stop Raymond Pimental's annual Strolling Jim Trail Ride -- but Mother Nature could. And has. "We're going to have to postpone it for two weeks," said Pimental Wednesday morning. "The field where we park the cars is too wet, and it's supposed to rain tomorrow and a 70 percent chance on Friday."...

Happy trails as Stolling Jim ride continues (10/04/09)
Here's a special notice to the 468 riders who showed up in Wartrace with their horses last year for the 10th annual Strolling Jim Trail Ride: Y'all come back now, y'hear? The popular trail ride is on again, taking place next Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m...

SSHBEA show continues at Calsonic Arena (10/01/09)

The Buzz from the Celebration (09/13/09)
I took Buzz to the Celebration on the last Thursday night of the show. There's nothing like seeing something through the eyes of a child to make you see it brand new for yourself. This was his first horse show, and after the second or third class, he turned to me, puzzled...

Weather holds for Celebration (09/08/09)
It's all over but the clean-up and the countdown to next year, but all in all, it was a memorable Celebration, capped by a memorable World Grand Championship. For the first time in many years, there was little rain and the temperatures stayed pleasantly warm...

Watch It Now wins WGC (09/06/09)
The wind was whipping the flags of states and nations over the Celebration grounds Saturday night -- and the horses were whipping the crowd into a frenzy just below. After 11 days of classes, triumph and heartbreak often riding side by side, it was time to declare the World Grand Champion of the 71st annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration....

Celebration's championship classes commence (09/04/09)
Tennessee Walking Horse exhibitors show all year hoping to ride under the spotlight at The Celebration. On Thursday night, 10 world grand championship classes took to the ring. Owner-Amateur Youth Riders 6-17 on Walking Ponies World Grand Championship contenders went down to the big oval to work for the top prize in the division. ...

For these visitors, the Celebration is a time to get together (09/04/09)
While Tennessee walking horses may be what brings thousands and thousands of visitors to the Celebration, they aren't all the event has to offer. For many of the horse lovers, their and friends and their families, it's all about getting together. "We aren't showing any," said Jim Atchinson, a retired banker, Thursday night. ...

Trade fair continues through Saturday (09/03/09)
Okay, everybody's tired of hearing about how bad the economy is -- so keep reading. Although big-ticket items, such as designer outfits and life-sized horse statues, aren't exactly leaping off the floor at the Celebration's trade show, the smaller items, from jalapeńo jelly to jewelry to T-shirts, are moving right along...

Celebration preliminaries close (09/03/09)
Wednesday marked the final night of preliminary classes at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville and that means spectators will be treated to championship classes in the ring for the final three nights of competition. The Wednesday night schedule featured 13 classes highlighted by three sections of Owner/Amateur Riders on Three-Year-Old walking Mares or Geldings...

Good, down-home fun survives at the Celebration (09/03/09)
When I go to the Celebration's Trade Fair in the Calsonic Arena, I always go prepared. I take my camera, my notepad -- and just enough money to buy one Diet Coke. You see, I'm not real good at resisting temptation, at least not when it comes to jewelry, food and, well, stuff...

Did you find all 38 horse names? (09/03/09)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Wednesday, we published the following story and challenged readers to find 38 horse names from the 2009 Celebration program hidden in it. How many did you find? Today, we have the answers highlighted, with their entry numbers. Note that both "Star" and "Star In The Making" are in the program, so those two names overlap....

Bribery alleged; dissastisfied exhibitors complain (09/02/09)
SHOW, the Tennessee walking horse industry's regulating body, suspended exhibitor Clay Mills of Mount Airy, N.C., and said it would seek a five-year suspension and $25,000 fine as the organization investigated bribery allegations. Rumors of bribery and corruption at the Celebration filled walking horse internet message boards and picnic table conversations Tuesday, but were not confirmed until late afternoon....

Too much reality: find the horse names in this short story (09/02/09)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Once again, Times-Gazette City Editor John I. Carney has had a little fun with the variety of horse names reflected in the entries for the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. The following short story contains 38 different names from the 2009 Celebration program. Can you find them all? Some are easy, others more difficult. Two of the names overlap. Answers will appear tomorrow....

State appeals court rules for Horse Hub (09/02/09)
NASHVILLE -- The Tennessee Court of Appeals last week upheld a trial court's decision for the woman who runs The Horse Hub in Wheel just east of the Marshall County line. Horse Hub proprietor Bonnie Cady was fined $17,000 in March 2005 by the state Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners for practicing veterinary medicine, including artificial insemination and ultrasound exams...

Missing links: only 12 of 33 stallions show in Saturday class (09/01/09)
As exciting as Saturday night's Celebration was for many -- it was a disappointment as well. Out of the 33 stallions scheduled to show in the split Aged Stallions 15.2 and over classes, only 12 made it to the ring. Those conspicuously missing were crowd favorites Weekend Warrior, Ironworks Tin Man, It's Billy the Kid and many others...

Yum! Optimist donuts are still a-round (08/31/09)
There are only a few things in life that you can be sure of -- death, taxes, and someone claiming the Optimist Club doughnuts don't taste as good as they did last year. "It happens every single year," said Travis Spivey, laughing. Spivey was manning the Optimist booth Thursday night. "Someone always says they don't taste as good, or we've changed the recipe. Nope. Same recipe as always."...

Junior stallions, aged mares highlight Sunday night Celebration program (08/31/09)
The Four-Year-Old Walking Stallions and Aged Mares were tops in the show ring on a brisk Sunday night in Shelbyville at the 71st Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. The Four-Year-Old Walking Stallions (Canter) class is always a class with a lot of talent and this year was no different. Justin Harris captured the blue ribbon with Lined Walkin. Gameworld and Gary Edwards received the reserve honors...

Coach, Rowdy take Stalion Classes (08/30/09)
Out of the 33 stallions signed up to show in the Aged Stalliona 1.2 and over classes -- qualifying classes for the World Grand Championship next Saturday night -- only 12 horses made it to the ring. There were seven in the first class, won by The Coach and John Allan Callaway, and only five in the second, which went to Rowdy Rev and Bill Bobo for the second time in two years...

Classic ride: Old horses find new life in show ring (08/30/09)
Talk about some classic competition! The Tennessee walking horse industry is one of the few in which you will find complete show classes dedicated to the classic horse -- the horse that is 15 years or older. And not only do these senior citizens of the equine set compete against each other in their own Golden Ages class, but they often compete against younger horses -- and win...

Three-year-old stallions step out at Celebration (08/29/09)
Three-Year-Old Stallion classes dominated competition at the 71st Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration on Friday night. The always popular Three-Year-Old Walking Stallions class was split into two divisions. Division A's blue ribbon winner was Folsom Prison Blues with Rodney Dick. Link Webb atop George W. McClintock rode to the Blue Ribbon Circle in Division B...

Teens take the reins of horse show judging (08/28/09)
Don't judge them just because they're teenagers. That's their job -- to judge. On Saturday morning, about 250 middle and high school-aged children will invade the Celebration to practice and pit their walking horse judging skills against each other...

Celebration evening classes get underway (08/28/09)
A pleasant breeze crossed Center Ring opening night performance of the 71st Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration®. Agreeable weather and large classes greeted a boisterous opening night crowd for the 17-class session that featuring 224 entries. Five classes were split due to the high number of entries...

Street Legal's short ride comes to a sudden halt (08/27/09)
His portrait is on the front cover of a section in the Times-Gazette's Souvenir Celebration edition that comes out Friday -- but he won't be competing this year. Or ever again. I'm Street Legal, the winning pony owned by 18-year-old Laura Lester, died Tuesday night of pneumonia, a complication from an unidentified illness. The Souvenir section was printed before the horse's death...

Founding family thrives at Futurity (08/27/09)
If it weren't for a Wartrace man named James T. Brantley and a black stallion named Allan that no one wanted, there probably wouldn't be a Tennessee walking horse today. It was Brantley who recognized the seeds of greatness in the horse and its potential as a foundation sire that led to today's breed...

Futurity results (08/27/09)
Calsonic Arena, Shelbyville Park Pleasure Two & Three Year Old 1 The Red Falcon, owned by Berry Coffey Estate 2 Devious Don, owned by Lisa Anderson 3 I'm a Shady Character, owned by Jeff Heuer 4 Dixie's Revenge, owned by Moore/Foust Farm...

It's show time in Shelbyville as horses arrive for TWHNC (08/26/09)
It's that time again ... The trailers are sprouting up in the fields next to the Calsonic Arena like mushrooms and the lines at the fast food restaurants are getting longer. Strangers have moved into your neighbors' houses and your neighbors are taking their vacations -- elsewhere. At no other time of the year does Shelbyville fill up as it does during the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. Trainers, owners, riders, vendors and fans come to visit, bringing their money with them...

Multiple inspections planned for show horses (08/26/09)
While the Celebration brings visitors, horses and cash flow to Bedford County, it often brings controversy as well. In recent years, relations between government inspectors, trainers and Horse Industry Organizations have been tense and entire organizations have had their boards of directors shuffled or even dissolved...

FAST finalizes board of directors (08/26/09)
The Foundation for the Advancement and Support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse (FAST) has finalized its board with the appointments of Bruce Vaughn, Eugene Ray and David Landrum. Vaughn is a long-time owner and exhibitor of Tennessee walking horses and also serves on the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association Executive Committee. Vaughn is from Valley City, Ohio...

Rising stars shine at Futurity (08/23/09)
When visitors come to the Celebration and see the hundreds of horses parading around the ring -- flat shod and padded, ridden by professionals or amateurs, pulling carts or carrying rider -- they may not realize they've seen many of these horses when they were just colts and fillies. That is, they have if they've ever gone to the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association's National Futurity...

Splits announced for Celebration stallion class (08/12/09)
It reads like a Who's Who in the walking horse world -- the Celebration has just released the names of the aged stallions who will be contending for this year's World Grand Championship. The first Saturday night of the Celebration is typically known as "Stallion Night" with the two divisions of walking stallions, 5 years of age and over, and over 15.2 hands. said Jimmy Burton, spokesman for the event...

Ironwork's Tin Man takes Wartrace blue (08/04/09)
Ironwork's Tin Man had a good year in 2008. The big 17-hand horse -- a polished gray that looks like liquid silver -- won six blues on the show circuit last year in the amateur categories, including the Amateur Show Pleasure World Grand Championship at the Celebration. Is he, or are his owners Grant and Steve Jones, ready to rest on their laurels? Not likely. The 13-year-old stallion won the stake class at the 103rd Wartrace Horse Show Saturday night...

Wartrace prepares for horse show (07/30/09)
With less than a month before the opening of one of the biggest horse show in the world, the town of Wartrace is gearing up for one of the oldest horse shows in Tennessee. The 103rd Wartrace Horse Show is Saturday night at the horse show grounds, just across from the city park...

Signs show support for horse industry (07/24/09)
The Tennessee walking horse industry has take some hard hits in recent years, but many people and businesses have continued to support it. Now, those people and businesses who want to say "Thank you" to the industry that brings an estimated $50 million a year to Middle Tennessee can do so with special yard signs...

SSHBEA Mid-Season Show begins tonight (07/17/09)
The owners of spotted saddle horses like to brag about the versatility of their chosen breed. "They can be your weekday trail riding horse and your weekend show horse," they'll tell you. And they're right. A quick glance at any group of trail riders is going to reveal at least one, if not more, spotted saddle horses in the herd. ...

Celebration judges announced (07/17/09)
Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows announced that the judging panel for the 71st annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has been selected. The group includes Rollie Beard of Lewisburg, Jamie Bradshaw of Union Grove, Ala., Mike Carpenter of Franklin, Jennifer Bingham of Shelbyville, and Sam Sorrell of Flemingsburg, Ky...

Mule and donkey show draws strong participation (07/14/09)
Out West, they call them "mountain canaries" because they surely love to sing. Of course, a donkey's "song" may not fall melodically on a human's ears, but there were planty of concerts being given at the Celebration grounds last weekend during the Great Celebration Mule and Donkey Show. Competitors came from across the nation and across the county. They brought huge, Belgian-cross mules and tiny miniature donkeys, and just about anything long-eared that fell in between...

Mules, donkeys, miniature donkeys invade Calsonic Arena (07/09/09)
Those big, gentle mules so well known and well loved in Tennessee aren't the only long-eared critters that are roaming the Celebration grounds this weekend at The Great Celebration Mule and Donkey Show. Donkeys of all sizes will be claiming their moment in the spotlight, from the big mammoth donkeys, at about 14 hands, or 56 inches at the withers, and up, to the tiny -- and lovable -- miniature donkeys, measuring under 12 hands, or 36 inches...

SHOW tells public of violations (07/08/09)
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration's horse industry organization, SHOW (Sound horses, Honest judging, Objective inspections and Winning fairly) has issued several suspensions lately to owners and trainers as the result of violations at recent shows, said Doyle Meadows, CEO of the Celebration, who said the primary goal was to protect the horses...

Wartrace show steps on (07/08/09)
With more than a century of history behind it, the Wartrace Horse Show is known as one of the oldest in the state. But this year, it almost became known as the show that wasn't. "What began as a shaky start is now full steam ahead," said show manager Roy Ferguson. "The show will go on."...

'What A Horse' seeks city funding (07/08/09)
A supporter of the Celebration told Shelbyville City Council that the recent controversy surrounding soring and inspections of walking horses is having an enormous negative impact on the region's economy. And unless something is done, he said, this situation could get much worse for the county...

State 4-Hers swarm Calsonic for annual horse show (06/26/09)
Anyone who has been in 4-H can tell you the Hs stand for "head, heart, hands and health," but if you ask the hundreds of young people down at the Calsonic Arena right now, there ought to be a fifth H. Horse. The Tennessee 4-H Horse Show is being held on the Celebration grounds, both in the arena and the Champions Arena just behind it. ...

Barbecue lunch to precede annual Liberty horse show (06/18/09)
The Liberty Lions Club is celebrating its 10th anniversary walking horse show Friday -- and it's kicking off the party early. "We're having a luncheon from 11 to 1, serving barbecue to the public for $5 a plate," said Paul Gambill, the show manager. "We're looking forward to a good show."...

Kids on the spot at POA show (06/11/09)
If you're seeing spots in front of your eyes this weekend at Calsonic Arena, it's got nothing to do with the heat -- and everything to do with the ponies. The Tennessee Pony of the Americas show will be this Friday and Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m. each day...

Tensions continue at walking horse inspection area (06/07/09)
Some visitors to the Trainers' Show Friday night saw what is becoming an all-too familiar sight in the walking horse world -- classes with only one or two horses competing. It is a trend owner Ira Kilbern of Kentucky is afraid will destroy the industry...

Trainers up for blue ribbons (06/05/09)
Lisa Baum doesn't have to go far to have a good time. The Shelbyville resident (and wife of veterinarian Jim Baum) took another blue ribbon Thursday night at the Trainers' Show on her gelding Tony Montana, only a few weeks after the pair won big at the Celebration's Spring Fun Show...

Trainers confident of show's success (06/02/09)
More than two months after it was originally supposed to take place, the Walking Horse Trainers' Association show will be held this weekend at Calsonic Arena. The show, first slated for March 19-21, was postponed as the WHTA and the Walking Horse Owners Association considered what to do about their horse industry organization, the National Horse Show Committee. ...

It's hard not to love Tennessee, say the Mortons (05/31/09)
When Wendy Morton looks out the large kitchen window each morning she sees green pastures, rolling hills, a pond, horses, cats, dogs -- and all things nature. It is exactly the window she'd been looking for her whole life. Dream farm Through triumphs and challenges, Wendy and her husband Bryant, both veterinarians, have paved the way to their dream home, nestled in the serene countryside of Flat Creek...

The Coach claims Fun Show blue (05/26/09)
Only three answered the gate call for the last class of the 2009 Spring Fun Show, but they were very strong competitors, according to a news release from the Celebration. Winning the blue ribbon by a unanimous decision was The Coach with John Allan Callaway up for Holland, Kilgore & Barnes of Decatur, Ala., Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Pigeon Forge. Blue Blooded Bandit and Knox Blackburn took the reserve award. The yellow ribbon was awarded to Gold Sky MC and Randy Young for Mike Chandler of Sparta...

Fun Show picks up Friday night (05/24/09)
Another great night of blue skies welcomed visitors to the second session of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration's 39th Annual Spring Fun Show Friday. A good crowd was on hand to watch the sixteen classes make the gate call onto the Celebration Arena track, according to Jimmy Burton, spokesman for TWHNC...

Huff earns first place in Friday's Fun Show (05/24/09)
As the crowd was settling into its seats Friday night, seven young riders answered the gate call in the Owner-Amateur Youth Riders 12 to 17 Years on Walking Mares or Geldings. Receiving the first blue ribbon of the evening was Shes Push In Command JA and Lindsay Hess. The reserve honors in the class went to Summer Brooks on Sweepstakes Pzazz...

Let the Fun begin (05/22/09)
The 39th Annual Celebration Spring Fun Show opened Thursday night in the Outdoor Stadium on the Historic Celebration Grounds. The annual festival returned to the place of its birth after nearly 20 years inside Calsonic Arena. Counterfeit Dollar and Bud Seaton opened the show with the presentation of the national colors, and the first blue ribbon of the 2009 Shelbyville walking horse season was presented to Lisa Baum aboard Tony Montana in the Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Mares or Geldings, 15.2 and Under.. ...

Orphaned foal 'adopted' by new mother (05/22/09)
The third time should have been the charm. Striding at the Ritz, a Tennessee walking horse mare owned by Amanda Winters, lost her first two foals soon after birth before anyone realized there was a medical reason. Similar to human "blue babies," who have blood incompatibilities with their mothers, Ritzy had a condition that made her colostrum -- the all-important first fluids a foal drinks -- incompatible with her own offspring...

All eyes on Spring Fun Show (05/21/09)
During winter training, baseball fans peek over the fences at their favorite teams, trying to decide who's in shape and who isn't; which one of the young rookies called up from the minors will be the season's shining star; and which old pro will find himself sent back down to the minors...

SHOW opts out of Operating Plan, adopts own penalty structure (05/21/09)
Doyle Meadows, CEO of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration and its SHOW organization, announced Wednesday that SHOW has opted out of the 2007-09 Operating Plan. "After weeks of meetings, discussions and input from outside groups, SHOW has made the decision to opt out of the Operating Plan and institute a new penalty structure," he said...

Unique and beautiful feathered horses visit Shelbyville (04/17/09)
If you go to Calsonic Arena today and Saturday to see feathered horses, don't expect to see Pegasus flying around -- they aren't those kinds of feathers. You may, however, find a unicorn. "Everyone says he looks just like a unicorn," said Lisa Warmels, who shows the Gypsy cob, Dalcassian...

Harry named interim coordinator for SHOW (04/10/09)
Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows has named Dr. Mike Harry to the position of Interim Compliance Coordinator for the newly formed horse industry organization (HIO) SHOW. His appointment is effective immediately. SHOW Designated Qualified Persons Coordinator Andy Messick will answer directly to Harry. Meadows will head up SHOW until an overall director as well as an independent board can be appointed...

Celebration takes over NHSC's role (04/01/09)
Less than a month after the walking horse owners and trainers agreed to dissolve the National Horse Show Commission and hand its duties over to the Celebration, the transfer is a done deal. The speed of the turnover surprised many, including Doyle Meadows, CEO of the Celebration, who said the feedback on the entire affair has been positive...

Celebration CEO expects decline in sponsorships (04/01/09)
Across the country -- across the globe -- it's the same. From nonprofit groups to super sports franchises, everyone is feeling the crunch as corporate sponsorship declines. In The New York Times, it was reported that the LPGA Tour is dropping four tournaments because three title sponsors dropped out, and the PGA Tour will lose three title sponsors but no events. ...

UPDATED: Link Webb hospitalized (03/30/09)
FARMINGTON -- Link Webb, president of the Tennessee Walking Horse Trainers' Association and trainer of current World Grand Champion Santana's El Nińo, was injured in a one-vehicle crash Friday night and remained hospitalized in Nashville on Monday morning. Lincoln "Link" Eugene Webb, 35, of State Highway 64, proprietor of Webb Stables in Marshall County, was driving home alone after buying tickets to a rodeo for his family, according to his mother-in-law, Elaine Beaty, of Byrdstown....

Trainers' Show rescheduled for June (03/29/09)
The Walking Horse Trainers' Show is back on, and a new horse industry organization (HIO) is set to be activated Wednesday. The Trainers' Show will be June 3 through 6 at the Calsonic Arena, said show chairman Benny Johnson. The show was originally scheduled for March 19-21, but was postponed as trainers and owners debated the future of the National Horse Show Commission, the horse industry organization that sanctioned the event...

Celebration takes the helm; new date sought for Trainers' Show (03/20/09)
The Celebration is one step closer to assuming the HIO duties of the dissolving National Horse Show Committee. "We voted a half an hour ago to proceed forward with this," said Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows at the Noon Rotary Club meeting Thursday, just after the Celebration Board of directors voted to activate SHOW, the Celebration's Horse Industry Organization. Meadows and a committee of directors will meet with the staff of the NHSC on Monday and begin the transition...

'Fall' horse show springs forth (03/20/09)
Don't let the name fool you -- The TQHA Fall Novice Show really is going on this spring weekend -- not this fall. "It was originally in August, and the American Quarter Horse Association won't let you change the name of the show," said Barbara Fisher, coordinator of the event...

NHSC dissolves in favor of SHOW (03/18/09)
The National Horse Show Commission may soon be no more. Rachel Reed, secretary and treasurer for the organization, confirmed Tuesday that the 8-member NHSC board voted Monday to dissolve the organization and to turn its assets and responsibilities over to the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration's Horse Industry Organization, SHOW (Sound horses, Honest judging, Objective inspections, Winning fairly)...

Trainers recommend that NHSC dissolve HIO; Trainers' Show postponed (03/10/09)
The crowd outside Walking Horse Trainers' Association's building Monday was there for a good reason. In an industry that has seen more than its share of conflict and criticism, more controversy is blooming. The WHTA has recommended that the National Horse Show Commission dissolve its Horse Industry Organization and turn its duties over to SHOW (Sound horses, Honest judging, Objective inspections, Winning fairly), the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration's HIO...

Cuddly alpacas return to Shelbyville (03/05/09)
The alpacas are coming. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, these sleepy-eyed South American animals with their Mona Lisa smiles will be taking over Calsonic Arena for the eighth annual Southern Select Alpaca Show. "We have folks come from all over," said Kay Kemp of Stoney Ridge Farm, located on the edge of Bedford County near Petersburg. ...

NHSC reports fewer violations in 2008 (03/02/09)
Walking Horse Advocates recently announced the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC) is moving forward with its commitment to address and correct the problems that have plagued horse training and exhibitions in the past, according to a press release from the organization...

Trainers score high in WHTA fundraiser (02/23/09)
The Walking Horse Trainers' Association knows how to put the "fun" in "fundraiser." At Friday night's "February Madness" basketball games, they filled the gym at Shelbyville Recreation Center with the sounds of hoops and gym shoes, laughter, and lots and lots of people...

Kentucky may mandate horse inspections (02/23/09)
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- A Kentucky legislator wants to stiffen penalties for people who injure walking horses to exaggerate the breed's gait in competitions. Sen. Tom Buford, R-Nicholasville, also wants to put inspections under the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and require state inspectors at all events...

Forget the horses; WHTA has hoops (02/19/09)
Here are the four H's of the walking horse world: horses, halters, hay, and hoops. Hoops? Hoops -- as in basketball. At 6 p.m. Friday, four teams of walking horse trainers, members of the Walking Horse Trainers Association, will be battling for bragging rights that have nothing to do with blue ribbons, Celebrations or, well, horses...

World-class Friesian horse coming to Shelbyville (01/27/09)
Everybody loves to get souvenirs when they travel to those far off places. When you go to the Netherlands, you can guess what kind of mementos are available in the land of Hans Brinker and tulips. But when Keith Johnson went earlier this month, he bought something besides flower bulbs, silver skates, tiny windmills or wooden shoes...

Rowdy Rev's back for another try (01/14/09)
In 2008, they won the Trainers' Show. They won the Spring Fun Show. But for the third year in a row, the elusive Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Championship eluded Rowdy Rev and Bill Bobo. It was the big sorrel's last chance for the industry's highest honor -- or was it?...

Celebration to step up drug tests (12/19/08)
Besides having their hooves and hocks palpitated for signs of scarring, their fetlocks swabbed for chemical agents, and their gaits studied for signs of abuse, Tennessee walking horses will be facing another sort of test in coming years. The random drug tests taken at the last two Celebrations were just the groundwork for another way to fight the war on soring...

Mule, donkey show to bestow national titles (12/19/08)
One of America's leading mule and donkey shows has gained a little more prestige. Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows announced that the Great Celebration Mule and Donkey Show has been selected to host the National Miniature Donkey Association National Championship Show again in 2009 and to also play host to the inaugural North American Saddle Mule Association National Championship Show next summer...

Longtime DQP Messick ready to retire (12/15/08)
While Lonnie Messick was laid up with a bum knee earlier this year, he had a lot of time to think. "I got to thinking about it was time to go out and have some fun," said the executive vice president and director of animal welfare/DQP services for the National Horse Show Commission...

NHSC: Fewer violations found at shows (12/15/08)
NASHVILLE -- As a sign of ongoing progress, the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC) reports a decrease in the number of violations at sanctioned Tennessee walking horse shows through the third quarter of 2008. At the end of September, 44,335 horses at 231 shows had been inspected with 433 violations charged. Through the same period in 2007, 43,039 horses at 218 shows accumulated 458 violations...

Celebration judge, owner sanctioned (12/12/08)
Polygraph tests by the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration revealed that one of the judges from the 2008 show had "an inappropriate contact" with a walking horse owner from his hometown, according to a press release from the Celebration. Nathan Clark, of Arab, Ala., was a judge at this year's Celebration. ...

El Nińo named horse of year (12/10/08)
Only a few months after claiming the World Grand Championship at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, Santana's El Nińo has another honor to add to his list. The small black stallion was named Horse of the Year Saturday at the Walking Horse Trainers' Association annual banquet...

Derickson voted youth 'Member of the Year' (12/10/08)
The youth of the Trainers' Association received their share of honors Saturday at the Walking Horse Trainers' Association annual banquet. Nine-year-old Thomas Derickson was voted "Member of the Year" by his peers on the Youth Council. A fourth-grader at Cascade, he has been riding in competition since he was 4 and has been on the Youth Council since he was 5...

Fun Show returns to outdoor arena (12/08/08)
The Spring Fun Show will return to its original venue, the outdoor arena on the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration grounds, in 2009 after having been held in nearby Calsonic Arena for 18 years. The 39th annual Fun Show will begin its three-night run on May 21, 2009. The event will take place, rain or shine, in the outdoor arena...

Trainers' show will stay at Calsonic Arena (12/08/08)
The Walking Horse Trainers' Association has extended its agreement to hold the annual National Walking Horse Trainers' Show in Calsonic Arena, rejecting proposals to move the event elsewhere. WHTA and the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration announced the renewal, which has a term of 10 years, over the weekend...

Celebration brings Sands back to mike (12/07/08)
Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows confirmed over the weekend that former Celebration show ring announcer Bobby Sands will return to the center ring microphone for the Spring Fun Show and The Celebration in 2009. Sands announced The Celebration from 1984 through 1997, and was inducted into the Celebration Hall of Fame in 1999. He has announced numerous other walking horse shows...

Celebration's 'voice,' others let go (11/13/08)
For eight years now, Chip Walters has been the "Voice of the Celebration," but that voice has been silenced. Walters, who is also the director of public relations and media affairs, and four grounds and maintenance workers were laid off from their positions earlier this week as Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Executive Director Dr. Doyle Meadows prepares the organization for tough economic times...

Seriously burned horse fights for survival (10/02/08)
A spotted saddle horse that suffered third degree burns on 60 percent of her body is being treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. "This will help rebuild cells and the blood circulation to the burned areas," said the horse's owner, Dorothy Thorpe. "They are hoping she will be ready for skin grafts in a month or so."...

Webb, champion El Nino begin fall tour (09/30/08)
Current World Grand Champion Tennessee walking horse Santana's El Nino continued his fall tour Monday by making a stop at Thomas Intermediate School. "I don't think many of you realize just how much the horses impact our community," Dee McCullough, principal, told the fourth and fifth grade students as they looked in awe at the black stallion. "This is Santana's El Nino; and he recently won the Super Bowl of all horse shows."...

Spotting a saddle horse: It's in the colors (09/30/08)
Is a spot by any other name still a spot? Not in the spotted saddle horse world, it isn't. Although one of the appeals of the breed is the wide variety of markings, even those markings have recognizable patterns, each with its own name. To be recognized as a spotted horse, the animal must have white on it above the hocks, and not just facial markings. ...

McKeehans living the dream at Florida farm (09/29/08)
Johnny and Heather McKeehan have been showing at the Spotted Saddle Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association Fall Show for the past ten years, and in that time have garnered a lot of success. They hail from Spotted Haven Farm, in Hudson, Fla., about two hours west of Ocala and an hour north of Tampa. They make the trip to Shelbyville for this show every year...

Spots, color mark spotted saddle horse breed (09/29/08)
Right here in the middle of horse country, there is a type of horse that might leave even the most dedicated horse enthusiasts puzzled. No, it's not a Tennessee Walking horse -- entirely. It's a spotted saddle horse. Spotted saddle horses, gaited horses, are a breed-registered type of horse, but color -- and spots -- definitely matter...

USDA: Nearly all Celebration entries in compliance (09/25/08)
When the USDA issues press releases about the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, the news hasn't always been positive. Ever since the Horse Protection Act was passed more than 35 years ago, the agency has overseen aspects of the industry to stop the practice of soring horses...

Andalusians to prance into town (09/18/08)
There were lots of reasons for Lynnville's Ron Hall to get involved with Andalusian horses, including the five he's bringing to the Open Andalusian/Lusitano Regional Championship at Calsonic Arena this weekend. "They're smart and gentle and easy to work with," said the owner of Celtic Cross Andalusians, then laughed. "And I was tired of getting hurt."...

Celebration to host equine Ike refugees (09/14/08)
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration will make stables available to equines displaced by Hurricane Ike, according to a press release from the organization. "We have been in contact with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to let them know we are available as a point of refuge," said Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows. "It's important for horse owners to know there's somewhere to turn at a time like this."...

Civic clubs assess Celebration business (09/09/08)
The weather at this year's Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration did more than create mud puddles and contribute to a few colds. Because rain kept visitors away last month, many of the civic groups operating concession stands will have a slightly reduced budget to work with this year....

Meadows reflects on first Celebration (09/04/08)
As the 70th annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration came to a close last Saturday night, that meant one thing for Dr. Doyle Meadows, Celebration CEO, and his staff, come Sunday morning. Exhale ... and breathe. "Saturday night was so much fun for me," said Meadows. "I was able to sit back and relax. I knew we were going to have a World Grand Champion."...

Santana's El Nińo named World Grand Champion (08/31/08)
Being an overwhelming crowd favorite does not always indicate the judges feel the same way. Friday night, The Coach was given the Four-Year -Old championship with a unanimous decision, over crowd favorites Ozone Cut Above All and Victoria's Secret. On Saturday night, the score cards clashed with the noise level that followed the passage of favorites Rowdy Rev and Jose's Intimidator....

Jeff Green named Trainer of the Year (08/30/08)
Some things just run in families -- red hair, blue eyes, Trainer of the Year Awards ... OK, maybe winning one of the industry's top honors isn't exactly genetic, but for the second year in a row, a Shelbyville Green has won. This year, it was Jeff Green, brother of the 2007 Trainer of the Year Charlie Green....

Abee suspended (08/29/08)
Following a verbal confrontation with a Celebration staff member, the Conduct Committee of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has suspended all rights and privileges granted to Wayne Abee indefinitely for a conduct violation, according to a Celebration news release. The suspension takes effect immediately and Abee may apply for reinstatement after Dec. 31 for the purpose of reviewing his conduct...

Speculation on next WGC heating up (08/29/08)
The entries don't close until noon today, so the question is still hovering in the air -- who will show in the World Grand Championship class Saturday night? Is Rowdy ready to Rev his engines? Is José in Intimidator mode? Will Missed the Boat make this launch? Will General's Show Stopper stop the show?...

Naples Ritz, Gray claim Three-Year-Old crown (08/29/08)
WHBEA National Futurity Three-Year-Old Stallion champion, Naples Ritz and Tim Gray, riding for William B. Johnson of Atlanta, Ga., claimed the championship honors in the Three-Year-Old World Grand Championship division Thursday night at the Celebration...

Twins foals steal show (08/29/08)
If it had been a popularity contest, the entry from Harmony Walkers in Andalusia, Ala., would have won that class, hands down. It's hard to ignore a couple of thousand people saying, "Aaaawwww!" at the same time. The reason -- When the mare Perfect Cut Jewel was led into the Celebration ring for the mare and foal class Wednesday night, she was followed by not one, but two foals, little chestnut twins only a few months old...

Mounted shooter aims for the top (08/28/08)
A Colorado lawman, complete with a cowboy hat and a real gun, swaggers into the Champions Arena on a spotted horse. Faster'n you can say "John Wayne rules," she's galloped across the dirt and fired that gun, hitting every target with a loud bang. She?...

Friesians trot into big ring (08/28/08)
Seeing a rider on a big black horse on the Celebration grounds is hardly unusual -- but this horse was. Instead of the familiar running walk, this 3-year-old gelding was floating along in an extended trot called a passat -- and everybody knows walking horses don't trot!...

Final night of preliminaries in the books (08/28/08)
Wednesday marked the final night of preliminary classes at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, and that means championship classes will fill the ring for the final three nights of competition. The Wednesday night schedule featured 12 classes, highlighted by three sections of Owner/Amateur Riders on Three-Year-Old Walking Mares or Geldings; Aged Geldings; Fine Harness; and Mare and Foal. The rain of the previous two nights gave way to drier, though still cloudy, conditions...

Celebration begins march toward final night (08/27/08)
With championship classes just two days away, the final preliminary classes of the 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration are being decided. On Tuesday night, fans were greeted with a 13-class schedule and periods of misting rain. The track conditions were still good, even though there had been just over four inches of rainfall in the previous 24 hours...

Rain can be trouble or blessing for horses (08/27/08)
By the time the Celebration started Tuesday evening, the day-long rain had dwindled to the occasional sprinkle, but the storm's evidence was everywhere-- especially on the gray track. Even after being scraped with a road grader, ribbons of water collected around the center ring. Would it make a difference in the horses' performances?...

Firefighters protect Celebration grounds (08/27/08)
Uniforms are a common sight on the Celebration grounds, whether it's the Boy Scouts carrying in the giant American flag or the Bedford County deputies providing assistance to the Celebration security staff. State troopers, city police and emergency medical service providers are all on hand -- as is the Shelbyville Fire Department...

Stallions step out at Celebration (08/26/08)
The Two-Year-Old Stallions class at the Celebration has become so popular and full of entries that it has to be split each year. The young horses, in their first year under saddle, have always drawn attention. That's no different this year at the 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, as the class was split into three different divisions...

Tuesday night Celebration will go on, says Meadows (08/26/08)
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration plans to hold its Tuesday night performance as scheduled, at 7 p.m. While the Grounds have received a substantial amount of rainfall over the past 24 hours, the condition of the track has remained good for the continuation of the competition....

Inspections up, disqualifications few at show (08/25/08)
Despite stepped-up USDA inspections at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration this year, numbers of disqualifications have been low, according to Lonnie Messick, executive vice president of the National Horse Show Commission, which sanctions the event...

Aged Stallion classes thrill Celebration crowd (08/25/08)
The Aged Stallion classes, featuring many of the top contenders for the Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Championship, took to the Celebration oval on Saturday night in Shelbyville at the 70th annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. José's Intimidator and Jamie Bradshaw won over the crowd and the judges earning the A division title in Walking Stallions, Five Years and Over, Over 15.2 (Canter). Link Webb and Santana's El Nińo took a second place finish...

Flag horse carries colors with pride (08/24/08)
Dozens of horses carry red, white and blue colors out of the Celebration ring every night, ribbons fluttering from their bridles. But only one horse carries the red, white and blue into the ring every single night, and that is Counterfeit Dollar, ridden by World Grand Champion trainer and rider Bud Seaton...

TWHNC: Rowdy Rev wins "B" division of stallion class (08/24/08)
Rowdy Rev, Bill Bobo up for Bill Harlin of Franklin, won the "B" division of Walking Stallions, Five Years and Over, Over 15.2, to conclude Saturday night's Celebration performance. Reserve honors went to Private Charter, Knox Blackburn up for Eva Eddleman of Chattanooga, with Steve Hankins riding Moab to a third place finish for Della Gaye Compton of North Tazewell, Va...

TWHNC: José's Intimidator wins "A" division of stallion class (08/24/08)
José's Intimidator, Jamie Bradshaw up, won the "A" division of Walking Stallions, Five Years and Over, Over 15.2 (Canter) for Randall Ferguson of Union Grove, Ala. The two divisions of the class are a preliminary to the World Grand Championship. Reserve honors went to Santana's El Nińo, Link Webb up for Michael and Ann Jones of Lafayette, Ga., while the third place went to Gen On The Run, Justin Harris up for Michael Hart of Corbin, Ky., and Beech Grove...

TWHNC: Devious Don wins Yearling WGC (08/24/08)
Devious Don won the Walking Yearling World Grand Championship at Saturday night's Celebration. The horse was handled by Chris Richards and owned by Lisa Bowman Anderson of Greeneville.

Walkers make 'perfect' police horses (08/22/08)
As the horses come into the Celebration ring, there's almost a celebrity aura about them -- a look-but-don't-touch sort of awe. Standing calmly near the exhibitors' entrance on the north end are two more approachable fellows, Henry and Storm. Not only can you walk up and pet the big chestnut geldings, they'd be disappointed if you didn't -- and so would their riders...

Governor: 'Tremendous strides' made (08/21/08)
If anyone noticed the cluster of "suits" traveling around the mezzanine of the Calsonic Arena during the early part of the Futurity Wednesday night, they didn't have to wonder what it was all about for very long. Gov. Phil Bredesen stopped and visited with dozens of show spectators, vendors and staff as he and his entourage made their way around the concourse and down to the center ring...

Back to the Futurity: Competition opens tonight (08/20/08)
There are no crystal balls in the horse world -- but the Futurity comes pretty close. Year after year, horses are nominated and shown at the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association's show, from the time they are weanlings until they are 3-year-olds...

Visitors may notice changes (08/20/08)
The 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration began with morning classes today; evening Celebration classes will begin Thursday night in the main outdoor arena. The show has a strong 4,222 pre-entries this year; total entries are expected to rise to over 4,500 once qualifying horses have entered their respective championship classes. ...

Two days and ticking: Celebration nears (08/18/08)
Each year, nearly a quarter-million fans will view 11 days and nights of competition among thousands of entries, ending on the Saturday night before Labor Day when the World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse is crowned. It's a spectacle like no other, and it starts Wednesday...

CEO promotes Celebration at Woman's Club (08/17/08)
Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows stuck to the theme of "lighten up" Wednesday when he presented a cheerful program to the Shelbyville Woman's Club. Meadows said he was having trouble sleeping prior to being named CEO. His wife, Gloria, asked one night, "What's the matter, Doyle, are you scared you aren't going to get that job?"...

Celebration inspection security plan in place (08/15/08)
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration announced earlier this week the continuation of an overall plan designed to ensure the health and safety of the animals and people on site during the 2008 world championship horse show. The security tenets of the plan will remain the same as 2007...

Celebration continues plans to ensure sound horses (08/12/08)
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration remains committed to having sound, clean horses in the show ring and will keep in place several measures with the health and safety of the animals and participants as well as the integrity of the inspection process in mind...

Celebration stallion class splits listed (08/11/08)
The first Saturday night of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is typically known as "stallion night" because it ends with the Walking Stallions, Five Years and Over, class, generally considered the key preliminary to the World Grand Championship...

Harry named TWHNC's official veterinarian (08/11/08)
he Celebration takes great pride in providing the best care to the stars of its show … the horses, according to spokesperson Chip Walters. With that in mind, Walters said in an official statement issued Friday, The Celebration has announced that Dr. Mike Harry will be the official veterinarian of the 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration...

Wartrace show termed 'success' (08/04/08)
The turnout for the Wartrace Horse Show was lighter than it has been in previous years, both in crowd attendance and horses, but there were several groups who counted it a success. "I thought it was excellent. We had good crowd support," said Nancy Edwards, who helped coordinate the annual event. "We had good, very high quality entries. We're very pleased."...

Davis released from Celebration judging panel (08/01/08)
Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows announced Thursday that Jennifer Davis has been released from the judging panel for the 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. Her release comes on the heels of a violation of the National Horse Show Commission rule that does not allow horses to be shown in front of a judge who has shown that horse within the previous 30 days...

Celebration time approaches (07/31/08)
The 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration will take place Aug. 20-30 in Shelbyville. The Times-Gazette's annual Celebration souvenir edition was included in our Aug. 22 issue and can be found in designated boxes on the Celebration grounds....

Wartrace Horse Show shaping up well (07/31/08)
For more than a century now, the area's finest saddle horses have shown their stuff in Wartrace. It's a small town, but a big show and there will be hundreds of visitors on hand Saturday to see them work. Roy Ferguson Jr., the former volunteer fire chief for Wartrace, stayed on as the show's chairman...

Horses, cars and music (07/30/08)
Weekend activities for 7/31-8/1

Show judge still riding strong at 66 (07/21/08)
Laura Brandon would rather ride a horse than a bike -- but then, she's been riding Tennessee walking horses all her life, as well as showing them and judging them. "I ride the bicycle so I can ride the horse," said the 66-year-old woman. Although she and her husband, retired trainer Wallace Brandon, live in Franklin, they spend lots of time in Shelbyville. ...

Celebration judges announced (07/16/08)
The judging panel for the 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has been selected. The panel consists of: The group includes a mix of veterans of the world championship show and two of the top young judges in the industry. Beard, Hankins and Howell have all been part of Celebration judging panels in the past, while Clark and Davis will be making their first appearance, although both have judged the Spring Fun Show...

Mule, Donkey Show termed a success (07/15/08)
The 17th Annual Great Celebration Mule and Donkey Show came to a close late Saturday night with a group of tired, but happy, exhibitors heading back to their homes across the country. The latest installment of this midsummer classic on the Celebration Grounds can be declared a success by almost all measures, according to show officials. Entries this year numbered 1,233, with approximately 400 different animals competing...

Parade to kick off mule, donkey show (07/08/08)
Forget horsepower -- mule power will be hitting the Shelbyville streets Wednesday night and everyone is invited to come out and see. The great Celebration Mule & Donkey show is this weekend at the Celebration grounds, and something new has been added to this year's event...

Second set of twin foals born in Bedford (07/02/08)
What are the odds? According to local veterinarian Dr. Monty McInturff, "Twin foals that survive are very, very rare." And yet, almost a month to the day after the mare owned by Christy Swaze and her daughter, Evelyn Swaze, gave birth to twins, another set has been born in Bedford County...

State 4-Hers gather for championship horse show (06/25/08)
From junior high to senior high, from Memphis to Knoxville, they are descending upon Calsonic Arena this weekend. The Tennessee State 4-H Horse Championships are taking place today through Saturday and enthusiasts of all breeds and disciplines can find something they like at the show -- and it's all free...

Move over, horses, the mules are marching in (06/23/08)
As mules begin their trek into horse country for the 17th annual Great Celebration Mule and Donkey Show July 10-12, show management is hoping spectators will come as well. "We have really focused on driving attendance this year," said Chip Walters, public relations director of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, the organization that sponsors the mule show...

Wartrace will sponsor stakes class (06/18/08)
Wartrace Board of Mayor and Alderman agreed to once again sponsor the stakes class in the Wartrace Horse Show this year for $1,000. "They've been struggling a little bit because of the situation in the horse industry," said Mayor Don Gallagher at the Tuesday meeting, referring to the 2006 walking horse season, when many horses failed to pass inspections...

Walking Horse group steps up fund-raising (06/07/08)
The Tennessee Walking Horse Foundation, a non-profit organization that was reactivated in February to provide funding to promote the breed, has a newly-elected board of directors and newly-constructed web site. Though the Foundation is independent of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA), several of its board members also serve on the executive committee of TWHBEA. The Foundation's intent is to assist TWHBEA through its fundraising efforts...

Waterfall Farms buys WGC contender (05/30/08)
World Grand Champion Walking Horse contender The Titan will be moving into the amateur ranks after Waterfall Farms recently purchased the horse from Neal Holland, Bob Kilgore and Joe Martin. And he has a new name. "Mr. Johnson has a horse named The Titleist already, which sounds similar to The Titan," said David Williams of Waterfall Farms. "With that in mind, we are going to rename him Watch It Now. The initials are W.I.N. Now, if that's not pressure to win, I don't know what is."...

Rare twin foals born to locally-owned horse (05/29/08)
A horse owned by a Shelbyville woman recently beat the odds when she gave birth to a healthy set of twin foals. "Twin foals that survive are very, very rare ... I think it is about a one in 10,000 chance that both will survive," said Dr. Monty McInturff, the veterinarian from the Tennessee Equine Hospital who delivered the twins. "I have seen one set of twins prior to this to be born healthy and survive."...

Rowdy Rev repeats Fun Show win (05/27/08)
The stake class Saturday at the 38th Annual Celebration Spring Fun Show was "spectacular" and had enthusiastic crowd support, according to Celebration officials. Only five entered the gate, but they were strong competitors. Rowdy Rev and Bill Bobo, for Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, won the blue ribbon for the second consecutive year, walking home with the top honors in the Stallions Five Years and Over, 15.2 & Over (Canter) class, a traditional showcase for some of the horses who will compete for the World Grand Championship at summer's end.. ...

Horses, fun bring teens together (05/24/08)
From toddlers to teens, they roam the alleys between the stables and haunt the concessions stands. They come from different parts of the country -- even different parts of the world -- but they all seem to know each other....

Friends find fun at show (05/23/08)
For most people at the Spring Fun Show Thursday night, it was just that -- fun. Friends from all over the country greeted each other in the lanes behind the Calsonic Arena and around the stables, in that No Man's Land where horses always have the right of way...

Celebration amps up for Fun Show (05/20/08)
The stables are empty, the parking lot is deserted, but there's no doubt things are gearing up for the 38th annual International Spring Fun Show at Calsonic Arena this weekend. "We've got to proofread the trophies, get the ribbons sorted," said Elaine Mann in the Celebration office. "We're gonna have a show!"...

Head of breeders' group sees better days ahead (05/07/08)
From a champion-less Celebration to costly lawsuits and bad press, the last few years have been hard on the Walking Horse industry, including its oldest organization, the international Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association. Stan Butt, the new TWHBEA executive director, has every intention of turning those hard times around -- and has already begun to do so...

New TWHBEA director understands rural lifestyle (05/07/08)
Born and raised in Portland, Tenn., Stan Butt is familiar with the rural life. The new executive director for the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association not only lived around an agricultural lifestyle, he came to write about it...

Minature horse show here (04/25/08)

TWHBEA names executive director (04/22/08)
Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA) announced Sunday that Stan Butt has been named as executive director. Butt has been serving as interim executive director since December. "Stan has done an outstanding job of helping restore financial accountability and fiscal responsibility to our Association," said Mike Inman, TWHBEA vice president for administrative, fiscal and audit matters, who chairs the group's personnel committee. ...

New roof on Blue Ribbon Circle (04/18/08)

Horse country delights tour group (04/17/08)
A Vermont-based tour company made a stop in the land of walking horses Tuesday as part of an Elderhostel Tour that included tourists from all over the country. Elderhostel is a non-profit organization that offers in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning experiences and adventures in all 50 states for folks over 60. ...

Judges named for Fun Show (04/17/08)
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration announced its judging panel for the 38th annual Spring Fun Show on Tuesday. Gene "Smokey" Carswell of Morehead, Ky., Jennifer Bingham Davis of Shelbyville and Mike McCormick of Shelbyville have been selected...

Rowdy Rev rides for blue (04/08/08)
Will the third time be the charm for Bill Bobo and Rowdy Rev? The Shelbyville trainer rode the big, 7-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse stallion to top honors in the recent Walking Horse Trainers Association show, held over Easter weekend at Calsonic Arena. Considered the kick-off show for the season, winners catch the public eye early and try to keep that attention going strong through The Celebration...

New Celebration CEO hopes to involve youth (03/26/08)
Doyle Meadows, new CEO of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, spoke to an enthusiastic group of breakfast Rotarians bright and early this morning at Richard's Cafeteria. "It is such a pleasure to be here," said Meadows, a native of Texas. "The Celebration is the garden of our community chest, and I appreciate that and I appreciate [breakfast Rotarians] ... you are also part of the community chest."...

Trainers' show kicks off season (03/22/08)

Celebration CEO hits the ground running (03/19/08)
Monday was the first official day on the job for Dr. Doyle Meadows, the new chief executive officer of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, and as the horse show season begins Meadows expects doesn't expect much downtime his first week...

Trainers' show opens Wednesday (03/18/08)
The 2008 horse show season kicks off Wednesday night at Calsonic Arena as the 40th Annual National Walking Horse Trainers' Show opens for its four-night run. The event, sponsored by the Walking Horse Trainers Association, is considered one of the top early-season shows in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry...

State honors World Grand Champion (03/17/08)
State Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens recently honored 2007 Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion owners Lee Wall and Mike McGartland and trainer Jimmy McConnell. Givens recognized Wall, McGarland and McConnell during a luncheon of industry leaders and supporters at the Ellington Agricultural Center. Givens represented Gov. Phil Bredesen at the event, which has become a tradition to recognize the contributions of the Walking Horse industry to the state...

Western Park Pleasure classes restored (03/12/08)
Western Park Pleasure classes have been restored to the schedule at the 2008 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration following discussions with exhibitors and trainers. After researching the past six years and seeing a dramatic decline in entries in that division, a total of four Western Park Pleasure classes were deleted from the initial 2008 class schedule. ...

Little joins TWHNC Hall of Fame (03/03/08)
Bailey Little of Shelbyville was among 13 new members inducted into the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Hall of Fame during a Feb. 23 dinner at Calsonic Arena on the Celebration grounds. The hall recognizes both horse industry professionals and others who support the operation of the annual show...

Celebration rentals being sought (02/29/08)
Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce officials are already getting inquiries from horse show visitors about renting homes during the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in August. One Chamber staff member said the early inquiries are a sign that interest in the program may be strong this year. Although the deadline for listing property is July 25, applying now may give homeowners a chance to work out an arrangement much sooner...

Futurity returns to TWHNC fold (02/26/08)
The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association has reached an agreement re-affiliating its annual Futurity with the Celebration. The two events were not affiliated during 2007, after many years of joint operation. The new agreement will allow the Futurity to use the Celebration's judging panel and allow Futurity classes to once again function as preliminary classes for the 2008 Celebration...

Celebraton shows affiliate with NHSC (02/22/08)
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration announced that its 70th world championship horse show and the 38th Annual Celebration Spring Fun Show will be affiliated with the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC). The Celebration will select its judging panel for both shows from the NHSC's pool of judges. The NHSC will also provide DQPs (Designated Qualified Persons) to inspect all entries at each of the events...

Meadows takes Celebration's reins (02/20/08)
Pat Marsh, chairman of the search committee for the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, announced the appointment of Doyle Meadows as its new chief executive officer this week. "After an extensive selection process in which we interviewed many exceptional candidates, I am pleased to announce the unanimous decision of the Board of the Celebration to select Dr. ...

Top 20, for the 20th time (02/16/08)
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has been named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. It marks the 20th time in the last 21 years that The Celebration has been listed as a Top 20 Event. "We appreciate this honor very much," said Celebration Interim CEO Virgil Johnson. "We were put on the list for the very first time in 1988 and it has been our goal to continue to work extremely hard to earn that honor again each and every year."...

TWH museum posts big numbers in 2007 (02/13/08)
The Tennessee Walking Horse Museum in Lynchburg posted strong attendance numbers for 2007, with 12,180 visitors stopping by. A joint venture of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors Association and the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, the museum is open year round and chronicles the history of the breed and its world championship show...

Celebration holds prices for third year (02/07/08)
Prices for the 2008 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration will remain the same for the third consecutive year, following recent action by the Celebration board of directors. "We feel like there were some great strides made in our industry during 2007," said board chairman David L. Howard. "After the events of 2006, The Celebration and our entire industry had to work hard to regain the public trust. That work is ongoing."...

TWHNC is animal evac site (01/28/08)
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Grounds will be an emergency evacuation site for large animals, according to an agreement reached between the world championship horse show and Bedford County government. The request for the agreement originated with the Law Enforcement Committee of the Bedford County Commission and included input from Bedford County Animal Control, Bedford County Emergency Management Agency, Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association, the University of Tennessee Extension Service, and The Celebration.. ...

Celebration gives to 'Moving Wall' (01/24/08)
The Moving Wall, the half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is scheduled to be in Shelbyville from Oct. 30-Nov. 3. It will be open to the public at Riverwalk Park behind the Fly Arts Center, home of the Shelbyville-Bedford County History Museum...

Lone Star Rodeo returns Feb. 2 (01/22/08)
Lone Star World Championship Rodeo, a perennial favorite at Calsonic Arena, will make its annual Shelbyville stop 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2, with show time at 7:30 p.m. Billed as "the largest one-day rodeo in Tennessee," the event will include sanctioned competition in bareback bronc riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, cowgirls' barrel racing, team roping and brahma bull riding...

TWHNC holds annual meeting (01/17/08)
The annual meeting of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Association was held Tuesday in the Blue Ribbon Circle Club on the Celebration grounds. Celebration Board of Directors Chairman David L. Howard presided over the meeting and brought association members up to date on the state of the industry and the search for a new chief executive officer. ...

Group takes steps to promote sound horses (01/04/08)
"The End of Soring" is the goal of the first Sound Horse Conference to be held in Columbus, Ohio, later this year. The event is set for April 11-12 at the Hilton Garden Inn and is sponsored by Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Horse Protection Association, Friends of Sound Horses and the Humane Society of the United States...

Holton execution, Thomas' firing are year's top stories (12/31/07)
For the past week, the Times-Gazette has been looking back at 2007 by counting down the top 10 news stories of the year as voted by a panel of T-G staffers. Here are the stories revealed so far: 10) Standardized School Attire proposed...

School attire, TWHNC begin top story countdown (12/26/07)
From now until New Year's Eve, the Times-Gazette will take a look back at 2007 by counting down the top 10 news stories of the year as voted by a panel of T-G staffers. What makes a story newsworthy? There are several factors can come into play. ...

Celebration names CEO search committee (12/15/07)
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has formed a search committee to find a new chief executive officer and show manager. Director Pat Marsh, who will serve as the committee's chairman, selected the seven-member committee. The members of the committee are all members of the TWHNC Association. In addition to Marsh, they include Tommy Anderton, David Crowell, Edward C. Huffman, Jr., Scott McDonald, D.B. Nelson, Jr., and Donna Stone...

Truck stolen from The Scoop (12/12/07)
A truck belonging to The Scoop horse industry newspaper was stolen from in front of its Elm Street offices after noon Sunday, Shelbyville police say. The theft was reported Monday. The following persons were arrested since Monday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. They are only charged; guilt or innocence will be determined by the courts...

Walking Horses to patrol National Parks (12/11/07)
LEWISBURG -- The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association has announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with the National Park Service. An agreement between the organizations will initiate efforts to work together on projects to enhance training of park rangers in horsemanship and educate recreational trail riders of all ages...

Howard addresses TWHNC controversy (12/07/07)
David Howard spoke up about former Celebration CEO Ron Thomas' resignation, responded to rumors, and answered questions about the walking horse industry as a whole during a presentation to Shelbyville Rotary Club on Thursday. Howard is the president of Walking Horse Report and the chairman of the Celebration board of directors...

Howard, Bobo, McDonald named executive committee (12/05/07)
A three-member executive committee has been appointed by the Celebration Board of Directors to assist Interim CEO Virgil Johnson, according to board chairman David L. Howard. The committee will consist of board members Charles McDonald, John T. Bobo and Howard...

Green honored as 'Trainer of the Year' at banquet (12/04/07)
Shelbyville's Charlie Green was presented the prestigious title of Trainer of the Year during the Walking Horse Trainers' Association (WHTA) Horse of the Year Awards Banquet on Saturday night. The banquet and presentations concluded the official year-end meetings for the association, during which Link Webb of Lewisburg was elected as WHTA president. ...

Walking Horse industry moves forward (12/03/07)
The Tennessee Walking Horse industry is seeing signs of daylight following a weekend of elections for Lewisburg-based Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA) and Shelbyville-based Walking Horse Trainers' Association (WHTA)...

Thomas fired as CEO of Celebration (11/29/07)
Ron Thomas is no longer the chief executive officer and show manager of the Celebration, according to a news release issued yesterday afternoon. Thomas, speaking through his wife Cathy, told the Times-Gazette he was fired....

Fire claims lives of 30 Spotted Saddle Horses (11/26/07)
A pre-dawn fire today took the lives of approximately 30 Spotted Saddle Horses. The blaze at Dickie Gardner Stables, Whitaker Road, was discovered after 3 a.m., officials said. "Some neighbors saw it and called us," Gardner said. "We (Gardner and his wife, Misti) got here and tried to get in but the firefighters wouldn't let us inside. They said it was already too far gone."...

Celebration hosts equine leaders (11/24/07)
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration recently hosted representatives from several key equine and animal protection agencies in an effort to "open doors, initate dialogue, and forge positive partnerships," according to a news release. Participating agencies included United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), American Horse Protection Association (AHPA), and American Humane Association (AHA)...

Celebration forms its own HIO (11/23/07)
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has officially formed its own Horse Industry Organization (HIO), which has been certified by the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Inspection Service (USDA APHIS). The name of the HIO will be S.H.O.W., based on the long-standing acronym of the S.H.O.W. intitiative: Sound horses, Honest judging, Objective inspections, and Winning fairly...

Celebration lights brighten holidays (11/20/07)
The lights will go on tonight, marking the renewal of a growing tradition in Shelbyville. "A Celebration Christmas" has begun and will run through the end of the year. "The holiday light show is our gift to the community for what they do for us all year," said Celebration CEO Ron Thomas. "They work so hard to help us make The Celebration such a terrific event, it seems right for us to add to their holiday season."...

Celebration holds appreciation dinner (11/13/07)
Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration held its annual appreciation dinner Monday night at the Blue Ribbon Circle Club. Nearly 200 people were on hand for the festivities, which honor full-time and seasonal employees and others who play a role during the world championship horse show...

One TWHNC judge has 'questionable' polygraph (11/06/07)
As part of a plan announced prior to this year's Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, 16 key officials with the show -- management, judges and industry stewards -- agreed to submit themselves for polygraph testing in September. The show has announced that 15 of those people passed with flying colors; one had questionable reactions, which the unnamed subject -- a judge -- is blaming on stress because a threatening message was left in his driveway...

Thirteen named to TWHNC Hall of Fame (10/31/07)
The board of directors of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has named 13 new members to the TWHNC Hall of Fame, including Bailey Little of Shelbyville. They will be inducted at a dinner in their honor on Feb. 23, 2008 in Calsonic Arena...

Witnesses say food was available for horses (10/10/07)
LEWISBURG -- A Chapel Hill-area man accused of cruelty to animals made arrangements to have his horses fed while he was out of state during last summer's heat when one of them died, according to witnesses he has ready for his trial. Marshall County General Sessions Court Judge Steve Bowden announced Tuesday that Derrick Ulmer's witnesses must return on Dec. 18, when he will preside over the case brought as a result of two citations issued by the sheriff's department...

Wind shift blows fire onto horse farm worker (10/03/07)
A longtime Shelbyville horse industry worker was seriously burned Tuesday afternoon when his clothing caught fire while burning brush. Ray Campbell, said to be in his 40s, was working at Samuel Acres, Highway 64 West. "The wind shifted and burned the fire toward Ray," horse trainer Dude Crowder, who extinguished the flames, said...

Webb claims International for second year (10/01/07)
Link Webb earned the title of International Grand Champion Walking Horse for the second year in a row on Saturday night as the property of Michael and Ann Jones' entry, Santana's El Nińo topped a star-studded class of five to wear the roses at the 2007 International Grand Championship Walking Horse Show in Murfreesboro...

International show off to successful start (09/28/07)
Trainers from across the nation converged on Murfreesboro last night as the International Grand Championship Walking Horse Show Performance opened its doors for the 29th annual event. "We are thrilled with the response," said show manager Tommy Hall, Executive Director of the Walking Horse Owners' Association (WHOA), sponsoring organization of the show that runs through Saturday night at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum...

Horse show to benefit Relay for Life (09/26/07)
A new horse show in town announced its judge and title sponsorship Monday. The Ellie Jackson Charity Horse Show will be held Oct. 13 at Bedford County Agriculture and Education Center on Midland Road and Don Milligan will mark the cards. All proceeds from the new show benefit the American Cancer Society...

Street named for World Grand Champion (09/24/07)
The World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse is honored each year by having a street at the Historic Celebration Grounds named in his honor. The sign bearing the name "Master of Jazz Way" went up this week at the historic show grounds. All of the streets on the grounds of The Celebration are named for individuals or horses of significance in the history of the world championship horse show...

Gardner is a familar face in SSHBEA (09/24/07)
The opening of the Spotted Saddle Horse World Championships on Saturday saw many familiar faces in and around center ring. One of those was Dickie Gardner, Trainer of the Year in 1999 and again in 2004, who is this year's president of the Professional Spotted Saddle Horse Trainers' Association. He's also a board member of SSHBEA...

SSHBEA show starts Saturday (09/18/07)
The Spotted Saddle Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association's (SSHBEA) World Championship is just days away. Opening on Saturday evening at 6, the show will crown a new SSHBEA World Grand Champion the following Saturday night at Calsonic Arena. Tickets for the seven night event are still available at the SSHBEA office for $5. Children under 6 are admitted free of charge...

International show planned next week (09/17/07)
The 29th annual International Walking Horse Grand Championship horse show will open its doors for performance horse competition at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro on Sept. 27. The show, managed by Walking Horse Owners Association (WHOA) Executive Director Tommy Hall, was considered a huge success last year. Hall expects the same this year...

2007 Celebration called a success (09/14/07)
Celebration CEO Ron Thomas released the show manager's report for the 2007 World Grand Championship event yesterday showing a positive view of the Walking Horse industry's largest and most promenient show. "It was rewarding this year to see that 66 percent of the horses that entered (the competition) actually came to the show ring," Thomas said. "This figure is an improvement over the 60 percent that showed in 2006."...

Owners, trainer celebrate Celebration win (09/04/07)
Trainer Jimmy McConnell. left, and his wife Gayle joined owners Lee Wall and Mike McGartland following the successful conclusion of 69th annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration for the Master of Jazz team on Saturday night. The black roan stallion topped 12 entries to achieve the World Grand Champion title that marked McConnell's second WGC in three years having won in 2004 on Black Night Shade. ...

Master of Jazz wins World Grand Championship (09/01/07)
Master of Jazz and trainer Jimmy McConnell were crowned World Grand Champions of the 69th annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration on Saturday night on the historic show grounds. Lee Wall of Jackson, Miss., and Mike McGartland of Ft. Worth, Texas are the owners of the aged black roan stallion that stands over 16 hands....

Jose's All Pro takes acclaim on Friday (09/01/07)
If officials of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration desired the world to stand up and take notice, Bill Bobo and Jose's All Pro were the ambassadors on Friday night as they were crowned Junior World Grand Champions. In a field of eight strong contenders who previously qualified for competition in the class, a workout of seven found Bobo accumulating a following as his own with each lap the horses made....

O'Brien wins Amateur Show Pleasure title (08/31/07)
Over 18,000 Tennessee Walking Horse fans were in attendance for the first night of all championship competitions on Thursday as the 69th annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration prepares to crown the 2007 World Grand Champion on Saturday night as a grand finalé of the 11-day, 10-night event...

Web readers predict Rowdy Rev as WGC (08/31/07)
Readers of the Times-Gazette web site, t-g.com, who participated in a non-scientific poll this week predict Rowdy Rev and trainer Bill Bobo will win this year's World Grand Championship. The poll asked, "Which horse will be the next World Grand Champion?" and listed seven top finishers from last Saturday's aged stallion division, with an eighth option for "other." There were 213 votes cast, breaking down as follows:...

Championship weekend starts tonight (08/30/07)
Championship weekend begins tonight in the big oval on the historic Celebration show grounds but Wednesday night, in the final class of preliminary competitions, the crowd of more 12,000 voiced their opinions loudly as favored contender after contender walked through the entry gates, vying for a world title...

Nipper captures equine images (08/30/07)
Hailing from East Tennessee, artist Billie Nipper is the type of friend one instantly warms to, regardless of where you're heading or where you've been. Her warm personality and sweet sense of humor is a blessing to tired bodies in need of a quiet touch of humanity...

'When you walked the ground shook' (08/29/07)
Headed into the final leg of competitions at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, the horse community at large -- trainers, owners, spectators and officials -- should be proud of this breed and what has been accomplished during this past year...

Celebration rolls on in style (08/29/07)
"Success" is a word being heard on the historic show grounds of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration as the show prepares to head into the weekend's championship classes. Tuesday night marked another rousing display of the word as 252 entries made their way down the entry shoot to show before a crowd that topped 10,000 in attendance. Thirteen classes filled the night's program that, by comparison of a one-night event's 25 classes, made the classes full of championship competition...

Red, white and blue shown to support TWHNC (08/29/07)
Though only a few days remain in the schedule of the 69th annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC), Bedford County Mayor Eugene Ray is calling for a show of support for the Walking Horse industry by dressing the county in red, white and blue bows and streamers...

Horses in cruelty case released to rescue group (08/29/07)
A soldier stationed at Smyrna has relinquished ownership of his horses to an animal rescue group and his preliminary hearing on animal cruelty charges in Marshall County General Sessions Court was rescheduled yesterday until Oct. 9, the man's defense attorney said...

Challenge trophies fall at Monday show (08/28/07)
Unanimous decisions and retiring challenge trophies were the order of the day as the 69th annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration continued on Monday night. Over 9,760 spectators, the third largest Monday night in the history of the show, were on hand for the competitions which featured large classes and workouts...

The pause that refreshes horse show visitors (08/27/07)
Concessions come in all shapes, sizes, tastes and caloric intake at the 69h annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. Those working behind the stands, often behind the scene, are faces of Bedford County neighbors, willing to lend a hand. At the end of the day, when proceeds are counted and bills are paid, according to Roy Bartlette of the American Legion booth, the fun really begins...

Weekend classes prove successful (08/27/07)
Despite muggy temperatures and sporadic rain showers, a weekend of winning was the theme at the 69th annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. As traditional as a full moon on a late August night, the excitement of the first Saturday night of competition drew a large crowd into Shelbyville. The final classes of the evening were the expectation and from the cheers of the 15,000-plus crowd, they were not disappointed....

Drawing leads to success for Lutes (08/25/07)
Larry Lutes, II of Sikeston, Mo., never intended to spend his life as an artist. It just happened. However, he isn't regretting his talent. In fact, he's displaying it today at World Champion Horse Equipment for all to see. "I enjoyed roping and riding," the father of one said, looking back on his younger years. "I really enjoy horses but I had a terrible accident that prevents me from doing much of that now...

Friday Celebration shortened by weather (08/25/07)
On Friday night, Bedford County got of a double-dose of blessings as rains poured into the drought-stricken area. Regardless of the weather, the horses came as well. At the opening ceremonies, already a wet track and dripping crowd stood for recognition of the majesty and beauty of Counterfeit Dollar and Bud Seaton displaying the nation's color...

State health officials urge caution (08/24/07)
As the heat wave continues, state Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper encourages Tennesseans to stay cautious; meanwhile, Bedford County Emergency Medical Services reported only one heat-related complaint during the first night of the Celebration on Thursday...

Rawhide & Dusty to entertain TWHNC crowd (08/24/07)
Celebration audiences are in for a treat on Friday and Saturday nights during the show when Rawhide and Dusty, a cowboy team of horse and rider, gallop into the big oval for an exhibition that will have folks gasping with excitement. "This isn't just another performance. This is, well, incredible to see," said Howard Roberts, longtime Walking Horse judge and trainer...

Victoria's Secret a unanimous 3-Year-Old Mare winner (08/24/07)
Old habits are not easily forgotten; neither are old friends and stomping grounds as was evident Thursday night as fans of the Tennessee Walking Horse arrived in droves to view the opening night of the 69th annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration held on the historic show grounds, underneath the twinkling stars and humid skies of late August...

Halle Berry wins as TWHNC kicks off (08/23/07)
Despite the hottest temperatures in 110 years, the 69th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration opened its doors Wednesday morning for the first of many competitions to be held inside the Calsonic Arena on the historic horse show grounds...

Hot weather, low numbers for Futurity (08/23/07)
Though the night was hot, the entries were light at the National Futurity on Wednesday night. Perhaps the show was evidence of the changes within the executive division and many rule changes the sponsoring organization, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA), has made throughout the year...

You can't argue with the figures (08/22/07)
Comedy Central's hilarious TV program "The Colbert Report" stars Stephen Colbert in a parody of some well-known political pundits. On his very first night on the air, Colbert coined a word that has since entered the lexicon: "truthiness." It's a word referring to the type of statement that seems true to the person saying it, regardless of the facts, and usually implies that the writer or speaker doesn't particularly want to be disturbed by the facts, just like the character Colbert portrays so brilliantly on his show.. ...

It's horse show time again (08/22/07)
OK, OK! I know, it's horse show time in Shelbyville. With that comes the disparaging remarks about flies, traffic jams, and other inconveniences from the general public of Bedford County. There are parents who don't want children to be out of school. That causes an inconvenience for them because of child care...

Honey Princess to visit Celebration (08/22/07)
For many visitors and fans of the Tennessee Walking Horse, the calendar marks an exciting day today as the 69th annual Celebration opens its gates for competition. It is a day as sweet as honey. The show draws horses and fans, media and even other horse breeds from around the world. But on Aug. 27, it will also draw a the Honey Princess...

'Free The Breeders' hopes for industry unity (08/21/07)
"Free the Breeders" is a new organization on the scene in the Walking Horse world. However, that doesn't mean the group of hard-working individuals are strangers to the industry. "When we began the group," said spokesperson Joni Jenné, "people were skeptical at first. But once we explained our platform, the memberships began to grow."...

Celebration makes huge financial impact (08/20/07)
Like an old family friend, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) has been with Shelbyville since 1939, so long that many can't remember there being a time when there wasn't a horse show. If there is one segment of the county's business community that has its finger on the pulse of Bedford County's economic health, it is the real estate market. ...

Celebration exhibitors cope with hot weather (08/20/07)
Howard Hamilton watched the early morning rays of the sun rise over The Celebration grounds as he exercised horses. "I told the boys that we had to get an early start," he said. "It's just too hot. But, on the other hand, it doesn't look like the heat is going to leave, so they have to be conditioned for the show. It'll be hot for those classes too."...

What if the horses didn't come? (08/18/07)
Editor's Note: The following article is being reprinted due to the many requests received. Like the aftermath of a cataclysmic disaster, the ghosts of yesterday's colorful past swept up and down Madison Street one hot August day. Instead of a street crowded with tourists and horse trailers, emptiness crowded the silence. Businesses were closed. Houses stood empty. Signs swung on rusty nails in the humid breeze...

Pritchet named TWHNC Queen (08/14/07)
Ashley Pritchet of Hendersonville was named Miss TWHNC Queen on Saturday night. The event, sponsored by the Shelbyville Jaycees, is a part of the yearly pageantry of The Celebration where the queen and her court will be presented on Aug. 24. First runner-up of the event was Emily Margaret Hobbs of McMinnville. ...

Futurity won't be a qualifier for Celebration events (08/14/07)
Though it won't be managed by the Celebration for the first time in 20-plus years, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA) will again host its National Futurity competition at Calsonic Arena on Aug. 23 at 5:30 p.m...

Celebration changes in place (08/13/07)
Changes to ensure the credibility and security of the show will be in place on Aug. 23 when the 69th annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) opens the gates. According to Celebration CEO Ron Thomas, virtually every major group within the Walking Horse industry and outside organizations such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), has been contacted and consulted by the Celebration board to gain knowledge regarding policies designed to ensure to the protection of the horses shown during the show.. ...

Work toward Celebration underway (08/11/07)
The stage is set and the players will soon be gathering for the 69th annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC). Many participants took time this weekend to prepare barns on the grounds as they work in preparation for the show. Cleaning, washing and even planting flowers were on tap around the show grounds as The Celebration staff burned the midnight oil getting entries listed and programs ready for printing...

Trainers donate food for abandoned horses (08/10/07)
Food is on the way to 16 horses rescued on a Lewisburg farm earlier this week thanks to the efforts of the Walking Horse Trainers' Association (WHTA). The horses, whose breeding is not known, were moved by the members of a local rescue shelter to Gallatin's Volunteer Equine Advocates...

Keep your horses safe from high heat (08/08/07)
There is no doubt that Bedford County is horse country. As temperatures soar, many people may know to take care of themselves and pets but often don't consider what variables calculate together to equal extreme heat conditions for horses as well. According to State Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, temperatures at or near 100 degrees demand people to take extra caution...

Success for traditional August one-night shows (08/06/07)
Approximately 500 Walking Horse contenders vied for honors in last week's shows in Fayetteville, Belfast and Wartrace. With a 99.8 percent compliance rate in the inspection shed under the scrutiny of both the Designated Qualified Persons (DQP) inspectors and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Veterinary Medical Officers (VMO), Walking Horse enthusiasts declared the weekend a success...

Pistol claims Splash Classic; Fayetteville entries down (08/03/07)
He's Packin' a Pistol and Jeff Hatcher were a familiar team in the winner's circle on Wednesday night at the Pre-Celebration Splash Classic, a new show for an audience of Shelbyville's Walking Horse enthusiasts. Jerry Woodlee judged the event, held at the Bedford County Ag Center. It kicked off a long weekend of horse shows...

Wartrace Horse Show starts its second hundred years (08/02/07)
For Walking Horse enthusiasts, the calendar is just a reminder of horse show dates. The squares containing the numbers most call "dates" are merely spaces to scribble in a name of a show. More than 100 years of those calendars have contained the word "Wartrace" written in bold letters on the first Saturday box of August. ...

Horse show action marches on as August nears (07/30/07)
Though The Celebration is still almost a month away, championship caliber competition once again invaded the middle Tennessee area this weekend. Beginning with Dickson County Horse Show and following through to the Red Carpet Horse Show in Pulaski on Saturday night, contenders listed among "those who will vie" were gathering support among the fans and claiming titles to add to their lengthy resumes...

Fair horse show will be held Friday (07/26/07)
One of the highlights of the Bedford County Fair is, without doubt, also the essence of a country county fair. The animals on exhibit, in competition and in blue ribbons, are the stars of the show. Such will be the case on Friday night as the All Pleasure Horse Show rolls out the red carpet for entries in 24 classes of competition...

Celebration time (07/25/07)
The 69th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is now underway in Shelbyville. Look for complete coverage in every issue of the Times-Gazette, and don't miss our special feature-packed Souvenir Edition this Friday. Here are some helpful links for visitors and locals alike...