Shelbyville, Tennessee ~ Sunday, September 7, 2008

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 Niño 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 Niño 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 Niño, 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 Niño 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...

Pistol hits a bullseye in Lynchburg (07/24/07) Jeff Hatcher and I'm Packin' A Pistol didn't exactly ride off into the sunset as the night was inky black when the titles were announced, but the duo once again had the crowd cheering as the Charlene Gibson-supported pair collected yet another prestigious hoofprint on their ladder of success, leading them closer to the Big Oval of Celebration competition...

Box seat tickets are in the mail (07/21/07) For many, going to the mailbox can be a mundane ritual. Put the payment in the box, and before you know it, another bill appears to take its place. But, on one special day in July, many residents, both far and near, will find a plain brown wrapped package in their box. Opening it will reveal the opportunity for days and nights of enjoyment, fellowship and anticipated results...

Farrar to announce morning classes (07/20/07) The familiar voice of hometown announcer Mark Farrar, Jr. will call the morning classes at this year's Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, according to Celebration CEO Ron Thomas. Farrar, a native and resident of Flat Creek, has been the primary announcer for the National Trainers' Show for many years in Calsonic Arena. ...

TWHNC signs with horse show commission (07/19/07) The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) officially signed papers yesterday at noon, affiliating with the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC) for the 2007 World Championship event. "This is a great step for this indistry," said NHSC Chairman Wink Groover. "After all, the NHSC is the largest Horse Industry Organization (HIO), period, in the industry. We are thrilled with the decision and to have them aboard."...

TWHNC included in book of must-see sights (07/17/07) The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is listed among the top 1,000 places to see in North America, according to a best-selling author and travel writer. Travel writer and author Patricia Schultz revolutionized the way we think about travel with her runaway New York Times bestseller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Now she turns her sharp eye to our own continent with 1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die...

Hot summer competition in Cornersville (07/16/07) The Cornersville Horse Show hosted a hot show on Friday night that didn't just have to due with the mid-July temperatures. Jennifer Bingham Davis judged the 30 classes of competition that were well-filled with talented contenders. The Cornersville shows falls mid-way in the summer calendar that leads to Belfast, Pulaski, Wartrace, International Flat Shod and then, The Celebration...

Putting the celebrating back in the Celebration (07/14/07) Throughout this week, I have been abundantly blessed to enjoy the Great Celebration Mule and Donkey Show. What a wonderful event! The people are friendly and sociable, with that ole-fashioned quality to is so often missed when people participate in something that they enjoy but take so seriously...

Community cornerstone Tilford dies (07/13/07) Shelbyville native, World War II veteran, Director Emeritus of The Celebration Board of Directors, Webb School graduate and board of directors member, Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow, Celebration Hall of Fame member and county visionary Henry Cannon Tilford, Jr., died yesterday at his home after an extended illness. He was 90...

Mule, donkey fans treated to watermelon (07/13/07) They came on foot, in the back of trucks, on four-wheelers, golf carts and by mule. Hundreds of mule and donkey enthusiasts, with smiles that stretched miles and warm greeting to friends and would be friends, came to enjoy the watermelon cutting under the Celebration Pavilion yesterday...

Mule, donkey fans treated to watermelon (07/13/07) They came on foot, in the back of trucks, on four-wheelers, golf carts and by mule. Hundreds of mule and donkey enthusiasts, with smiles that stretched miles and warm greeting to friends and would be friends, came to enjoy the watermelon cutting under the Celebration Pavilion yesterday...

Mules, more arrive for annual show (07/12/07) With the feel of an ole-fashioned social gathering, the fields, stalls, grounds and arenas were filling quickly Wednesday as the Great Celebration Mule and Donkey Show participants arrived in Shelbyville to participate at the second largest competition of its kind in the nation...

Judges announced for 69th Celebration (07/11/07) The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (The Celebration, TWHNC) announced the judges for the 69th Annual World Grand Championship event. According to Celebration CEO Ron Thomas, this is a highly qualified panel. Marking the cards this year will be Mike Carpenter, Sam Sorrell, Allen Forman, Justin Jenné and Ronnie Spears...

Trainers, NHSC vote to sign Operating Plan (07/10/07) In a decision that was nothing less than history-making, the Walking Horse Trainers Association (WHTA) voted yesterday to sign the 2007-2009 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Operating Plan. The National Horse Show Commission (NHSC), made up of representatives of the WHTA A and the Walking Horse Owners' Association (WHOA), concurred with the vote of the Trainers, accepting the Plan with the proposed changes in a 7-1 decision in a separate meeting...

Once a joke, mules are serious business for Moore (07/10/07) Bill Moore of Shelbyville imagines if his grandfather knew how he was making his living these days, he would be rolling over in his grave. In fact, if time rolled back 30 or so years, and Moore was told what he would be doing today, he likely wouldn't believe it either...

Hatcher, Pistol add another notch (07/09/07) Jeff Hatcher and I'm Packin' A Pistol added another championship title to their growing list of 2007 Walking Horse championship credentials on Saturday night as the Woodbury Walking Horse Show came to a successful conclusion. Charlene Gibson is the owner of the horse that also claimed the National Trainers' Show title among his spring victories...

Money Tree Classic a success (07/09/07) The Walking Horse Trainers' Auxiliary hosted the tremendously successful 23rd Annual Money Tree Classic on Thursday. On a perfect summer evening, approximately 3,000 spectators gathered at the Bedford County Agricultural Center to watch 293 entries compete in what will certainly be one of the largest one-night horse shows this season...

Pistol, Hatcher add another notch (07/09/07) Jeff Hatcher and I'm Packin' A Pistol added another championship title to their growing list of 2007 Walking Horse championship credentials on Saturday night as the Woodbury Walking Horse Show came to a successful conclusion. Charlene Gibson is the owner of the horse that also claimed the National Trainers' Show title among his spring victories...

Great Celebration Mule, Donkey Show nears (07/07/07) While Shelbyville is known for horses, the Celebration presents a horse of a different, well, kind, beginning Thursday as the 16th annual Great Celebration Mule and Donkey Show hits the historic show grounds. Contenders from across the country representing 25 states will arrive in the county early this week, loaded with quality contenders and competitive natures, making the Great Celebration show the second largest event of its kind in the nation...

Rowdy Rev, Bobo champs on 4th (07/06/07) Repeating the stake win from last year, Rowdy Rev and Bill Bobo claimed top honors on Wednesday night at the Bethesda Fourth of July Walking Horse Show. Owned by Bill Harlin of Franklin's Harlinsdale Farms, Rowdy Rev is in his second year as an aged stallion with wins on his 2007 record that includes the Celebration Spring Fun Show and Columbia's Walking in the Park stake titles. ...

Local horses win in Murfreesboro show (06/25/07) As predictable as sunshine and heat in Tennessee during the summer, the Murfreesboro Exchange Club hosted fans of the Walking Horse industry on Saturday with an exciting turnout. Trailer after trailer of enthusiasts attended the show, many from just across the neighboring county line...

Blue Diamond takes blue ribbon at FFA show (06/18/07) Eddie Guthrie judged the 26 classes of competition at Thursday night's Bedford FFA Horse Show. Held at the Ag Center, the show kicked off a weekend of competition that was as hot as the weather. Link Webb and The Blue Diamond claimed the show's Open Stake title for Holland and King. Herbert Derickson was reserve aboard Dr. and Mrs. John Brundige's Solar Generated. Third in the class was Robbie Black aboard Santana's Bad Boy for Bill Sloane...

Liberty Lions horse show called a success (06/18/07) Storm clouds loomed on the horizon Friday night, but the 8th annual Liberty Lions Club Walking Horse Show at the Agricultural Extension Center was a dazzling success. Despite the uncertain forecast, about 1,000 fans turned out Friday night to watch 250 entries compete in 32 classes...

Futurity to remain at Celebration Grounds (06/16/07) The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) and Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association (TWHBEA) reached an agreement that the National Futurity, affiliated with the TWHBEA Horse Industry Organization (HIO), will be held at Calsonic Arena on August 22...

Liberty Lions horse show set Friday (06/13/07) With the weekend right around the corner, that can only mean one thing for many Bedford County residents: horse show time. The Liberty Lions Club presents its 8th annual Walking Horse show beginning 6:30 p.m. Friday at Bedford County Agriculture and Education Center. Admission is $5 for adults with children under 6 years old admitted free...

Horse whisperer will highlight county fair (06/11/07) Shelbyville's Sam Powell is renown in horse circles around the world. Known by many as the Horse Whisperer, his abilities in working with the equine world will be demonstrated to audiences during this year's Bedford County Fair. As head of Sam Powell Equine Consulting Services, Powell daily introduces horse owners to his system of non-violent and effective training. ...

Limited number of boxes available (06/09/07) One of the most prized pieces of real estate in Bedford County is only about eight-feet square: a box of seats at The Celebration. Each year, several boxes are turned in for 'one year only' sales. This normally occurs when the box holder is not able to make it to The Celebration that particular year due to an illness, graduation, wedding, or other family event. This year is no differentthere are several boxes available for purchase for 2007...

Callaway, PGA take blue in Columbia (06/04/07) Bedford County horse enthusiasts invaded the garden city of Columbia over the weekend, capturing top honors in many divisions of Walking Horse competition. Judges for the Columbia Spring Jubilee came from far and wide to score the cards. Jamie Bradshaw, Chris Messick and Brandye Mills awarded over 300 honors in 55 classes during the two-day event...

NHSC offer to TWHNC being considered (06/02/07) Opportunities for three persons selected by Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) to serve the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC) in honorary positions is still under study, according to Celebration Board Chairman David Howard. A letter released by the NHSC invited Celebration officials to appoint representatives "to sit in and participate in NHSC discussions each month for the remainder of the year."...

Local riders win at Columbia Spring Jubilee (06/02/07) Embracing the cloudy evening and chance of rain showers throughout the middle Tennessee area, horse show enthusiasts headed for Columbia on Friday night to kick off the two-day Columbia Spring Jubilee. For decades the show has followed the Spring Fun Show. There was a brief lull in that tradition when the show changed dates, but not gathering the out-of-state traffic as it was accustomed, the show committee soon returned to the first weekend after Memorial Day...

Celebration to join NHSC (06/01/07) The National Horse Show Commission (NHSC) and the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration are joining forces to formulate and continue to provide a strong platform for the Walking Horse industry. Wink Groover, president of NHSC, outlined by letter the offer of three honorary positions for Celebration members, selected by the TWHNC Association, to serve on the NHSC...

Rowdy Rev caps off successful Fun Show (05/29/07) Rowdy Rev and Bill Bobo had the crowd singing praises and the judges unanimously joining in, capturing the 37th Annual Spring Fun Show Aged Stallion championship colors for Bill Harlin of Franklin. Joe Cotton and The Golden Sovereign were second for the Dan McSwaim family and I'm Packin' A Pistol and Jeff Hatcher were third for Charlene Gibson....

Jazz King strikes the right chord at Fun Show (05/26/07) Entries continued to be high at Friday night's edition of the Spring Fun Show, held each Memorial Day weekend at Calsonic Arena on the historic Celebration grounds. Sponsored by The Celebration, the event has been a wealth of competition and a source of entertainment for those present...

Opening night of Fun Show a success (05/25/07) The opening musical chords from Larry Bright's organ announced the opening moments of the 37th Annual Spring Fun on Thursday night. The music, like the entries that filled the Calsonic Arena, was sweet music to the Walking Horse enthusiast's ears. Over 200 entries answered the class calls during the 16 classes of competition. ...

Open the book and enjoy the show! (05/23/07) For those who believe in the old adage "don't judge a book by its cover," this weekend is a perfect time to show your true colors. Over the past few months, it has been my endeavor to prove the value of the Walking Horse industry to the community. In articles run in late April, I attempted to hit readers where it would most likely hurt: the pocketbook...

Fun Show puts spotlight on new plan (05/24/07) Winston Churchill once said, " You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb." The Walking Horse industry stands on the precipe of success but rather than screaming of the dangling victory with resolutions regarding the Operating Plan presented to Horse Industry Organizations (HIO) by the federal goverment officals of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), most trainers and owners are quietly going about business as usual, making changes that affect each tomorrow. ...

Fun Show opens Thursday (05/22/07) The horses are coming! The Celebration opens its historic gates on Thursday night to welcome the 37th annual Spring Fun Show. Begun as a fund raiser for a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), the show has grown over the years to be one of the most prestigious events of the early Tennessee Walking Horse competition season. ...

Horse show fun this weekend (05/18/07) The Petersburg Lions Club rolls out the welcome mat tonight for their second edition of its Walking Horse showcase. Held at the Lions Club Park, the show begins at 6:30 p.m. with an admission fee of $5. Children under 10 are free. A stick horse class will kick off the events for judge Rob Cornelius of Rogersville, Ala. Amateur, youth and professional classes of competition line the 28 class roster...

State expects strong summer tourism season (05/18/07) An elderhostel group from Sugar Tours in West Dover, Vt., toured Waterfall Farms and the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration grounds on Thursday, on their way to downtown Lynchburg and a meal at Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House. Diane Murray of Tennessee's Backroads Heritage, a tourism group promoting this area, traveled with the group. Murray became director of Tennessee's Backroads this year after retiring from the state's tourism development program...

NHSC votes for operating plan (05/16/07) The National Horse Show Commission (NHSC) voted unanimously by conference call to accept the proposed operating plan for horse show inspections as it has been amended. The Operating Plan is the set of governing rules, established by the Horse Protection Act through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). ...

Local horses find success in Gallatin (05/14/07) One trailer after another loaded with Walking Horses left Bedford County on Saturday afternoon. Their destination: Gallatin Lions Club Horse Show. On the heels of the SCHS Band Show on Friday night, the weekend was deemed a rousing success by trainers...

Despite the rain, the horses came (05/12/07) Despite the much-needed rain that fell in Bedford County on Friday night, Central High School Band members and boosters were whistling "Dixie" with the outcome of the walking horse show they sponsored at Bedford County Agriculture and Education Center...

Discussion of horse operating plan continues (05/09/07) Horse industry organization (HIO) representatives and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) met in Washington, DC, Monday to discuss amendments relating to the wording of the Operating Plan 2007-2009. Three proposed changes to the current wording were made. These amendments are to be discussed by the organizations within the Walking Horse industry represented at the meeting. According to sources for the Times-Gazette, the meeting was considered successful by all those in attendance...

Central High band hosts benefit horse show (05/08/07) With summer sun and long, warm evenings come lightning bugs, gathering friends and, in Bedford County, horse shows. This weekend is no exception to that rule as the Shelbyville Central High School Band hosts its third rendition of its Walking Horse competition...

SSHBEA hosts spring show (05/03/07) Spring has sprung and colors are coming out all over including inside the Calsonic Arena on the historic Celebration show grounds as Spotted Saddle Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (SSHBEA) hosts the Spring Show this Thursday-Saturday. The show begins nightly at 6:30 with competitions for spotted horses in lite shod, trail pleasure, juvenile, open and amateur divisions. ...

TWHNC takes tourism honor again (05/02/07) For the 19th time in 20 years, The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has been given recognition as one of the top twenty events in the Southeast Tourism Society. Put on the list for the first time in 1988, the show has drawn continuous nominations for the honor. To be nominated, the event must have a minimum of 1,000 in attendance. The list is published by the Society quarterly throughout the U.S., reaching millions of readers...

Celebration plans to work with NHSC (04/26/07) Taking bold steps into the business that keeps them ticking, Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC, The Celebration) announced Wednesday their intentions to work with the Walking Horse Trainers Association (WHTA) and the Walking Horse Owners' Association (WHOA) in strengthening and/or restructuring the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC), the regulatory hub of the Walking Horse breed...

Thank goodness, the horses do come (04/21/07) Editor's note: Last in a series reviewing the Walking Horse industry and its significance in the community. This series has reviewed the industry's impact in Bedford County and all of Middle Tennessee and the steps leaders are taking in seeking solutions to problems within the industry...

Celebration makes massive financial impact (04/20/07) 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. The longevity of the show makes it difficult to determine the exact tax impact that the annual event has on this community, according to Shelbyville Mayor Geneva Smith...