August 2016 Voice of the Tennessee Walking Horse (TM)

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1 VOICE • AUGUST 2016

AUGUST 2016
VOLUME 56 | NO. 4

WWW.TWHBEA.COM

46 24 12

Cover Features Every Issue

HONORS 12 LARRY LOWMAN 53 A FOND FAREWELL
• Columbia Spring Jubilee Grand Champion In Loving Memory 60 STALLION DIRECTORY
• Christmas In July Grand Champion 61 HORSEMAN’S DIRECTORY
16 BELFAST HORSE SHOW 42 ADVERTISERS INDEX
Rider: LARRY EDWARDS Hot Summer Night
Owned by: Keith McSwain & Dan McSwain Events/Horse
Trained by: Carl Edwards & Son Stables 28 LIFE HACKS FOR THE BARN Shows

29 THE CELEBRATION 20 CELEBRATION SPRING FUN
What Is The Celebration? SHOW

34 50 YEARS AGO IN THE VOICE 22 COLUMBIA SPRING JUBILEE
Tennessee’s Gift To The World 24 JULY 4TH WEEKEND

46 JEAN BAUM SHOWS
Extraordinary Amateurs Christmas In July, Money Tree
Classic and Woodbury Horse
50 BREEDING NUMBERS RISE Shows
IN 2016

52 YOUTH DONATES TO TWHYA

VOICE • AUGUST 2016 Columns

4 FROM YOUR EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR

6 FROM YOUR PRESIDENT
56 TWHBEA NEWS

2



FROM YOUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

TWHBEA – Lewisburg TWHBEA Staff

RORY R. WILLIAMS (931) 359-1574 • Fax: (931) 359-2539
250 N. Ellington Pkwy. • Lewisburg, TN 37091
Executive Director|General Editor
www.twhbea.com
The last two months have been extremely Executive Director
busy with activities, local events and horse
shows, and tremendously hot temperatures Rory Williams
have sapped energy from the most stalwart of horse Executive Assistant
and man. Continuing in the face of busy days, shows
and summer heat, the staff of your association and Diane White
your publication strive to give you the best of service. Receptionist
Keeping pace with it all is about as exciting a profession as one can imagine and
there are no boring days. Thanks to the leadership of our association pitching in Gloria Rambo
to help during peak times, we all remain successful and moving forward. Database Administrator

This issue, dedicated to the Performance Horse, is also special for the tributes Rickey Clardy
in its’ pages. As we all personally feel, there have been too many “good-byes” Sales Support Staff and Facilities Manager
said this year. But the greatest tribute we can give to all those special people
that passed on is to continue to breed, train, show and ride the horse they loved Paulette Ewing
and to do it with heads held high and proudly. Join us in saluting, honoring and Admin and Marketing Production Manager
remembering the many Tennessee Walking Horse enthusiasts, our friends and
colleagues, leaders and loved ones as you celebrate life every day. Kristen Corbin
Registry
Personally, I feel indebted to all the supporters of our publication and our
breed. Your continued advertisements and submissions fuel our motivational fire. Barbara McAdams, Annette Rodgers &
It’s a real pleasure to talk to folks on the phone every day about their horses or Marilyn Walker
their kids listening to the stories both joyful and sad; the passion is inspiring. Membership Recruiting/Magazine Sales
Keep it coming, folks. Until next time when we see you at the Celebration, keep Carol Wakefield
‘em walking! Sponsorship Recruiting
Jane Moore
The Voice Magazine Staff The Voice, the Official Breed Journal,
(USPS 663-040) (ISSN 0505-8813) TWHBEA Executive
General Editor is published bimonthly Committee
Rory Williams • [email protected] by TWHBEA
President
Ad Sales 250 N. Ellington Pkwy., Lewisburg, TN 37091. Stephen B. Smith
Carol Wakefield • (931) 993-6333 Periodicals postage paid at Lewisburg,
Tennessee & additional mailing offices. Senior Vice President
Sales Support/Graphics Canada Post International Publications Charles Gleghorn
Paulette Ewing • (931) 359-0593
Mail Product Sales Agreement #1189689. Secretary
Production Provider POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Loren Sanderson
Open Look Business Solutions
The Voice, P.O. Box 286, Lewisburg, Breeders Vice President
The opinions and statements expressed in TN 37091 David Williams
articles and advertising are not necessarily the
viewpoint or position of the staff or magazine. TWHBEA Membership: $60, Owners/Exhibitors/International Vice
The Voice is not responsible for opinions and one-fifth of which is for a subscription to The President
statements expressed in articles and paid
advertisements. We reserve the right to refuse Voice for the dues period. Brad Woodruff
unsolicited material and advertising. Reproduction Non-member subscription: Training/Equine Welfare Vice President
of advertising or editorial material without the One year: $36 • Two years: $65
permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Larry Lowman
Three years: $90 Marketing Vice President
Canadians, add $10/year, residents of
other foreign countries add $20/year and Ashley Wadsworth
Administrative/Fiscal/Audit Vice President
submit U. S. funds.
Nancy Lynn Greene
Performance Horse Vice President

Ford Gates
Pleasure Horse Vice President

Margo Urad
Member At Large Bylaws/Enforcement
Vice President

Robin Webb, Esq.
Member at Large/Youth Vice President

Ginger Evans

VOICE • AUGUST 2016 4



FROM YOUR PRESIDENT

Your Association exceeded development that took several months to become reality. If
our budgeted membership you have a horse or valuable equipment we can help solve a
goal for this year in July problem, and make sure you get the benefit of a desirable gift!
(Month 7!). The transformation
to a January to December annual Today it is impossible to predict what will happen as it
membership system was painful, pertains to USDA rumblings about rulemaking. I am confident
but logical and successful. We that a working solution will evolve. Fifty years of horse shows
continue to preserve our breed has revealed to me how adaptable our horse is. Fifty years from
registry with accurate, timely now I hope to be at Cornersville Lions Club show to see the
responses to our members’ adaptations that will keep our horses exciting and fun. August
requests. The registry’s mission to 24th brings the 78th Anniversary (wow!) of our futurity. With
keep our records accurately is being the Celebration approaching, I look forward to seeing friends
accomplished and while cutting expenses in every department, from across the globe. Our futurity will use objective blood tests
our service has prospered and improved. Horse show season is and digital x-rays to ensure all class winners are held to a higher
in full bloom. One of the July 4th shows had over 250 entries! standard than the USDA. I pray someday USDA will see the
light of science, and adopt objective tests for our showhorses.
I attended the Cornersville Lions Club show and was
startled to remember that I showed my pony there FIFTY I appreciate the opportunity to be your president and
years ago. In fact, during the last fifty years, my father, serve our industry.
myself and my boys have all shown at that very show.
The horses of today have dramatically improved through Sincerely,
intelligent breeding and better training.

I am happy to inform our membership that we now have Stephen B. Smith
a 501(c)3 charitable foundation that is available as a useful
tool for charitable gifts. In-kind donations of horses will also
be possible and we look forward to fleshing out this new

VOICE • AUGUST 2016 Horses For Sale

4 Weanlings • 3 yearlings • 5 two year olds
Three year old • Six Year Old

Contact PHILLIP GRIZZLE
270-646-4152 • 270-576-4063

Glasgow, Kentucky
Calls accepted from 2:30 – 8:30 pm

Anytime on the weekends.

6











IN MEMORY OF LARRY LOWMAN

TWHBEA is truly saddened to have largest breeding farms. Larry created Atlas featured Bridlewood Farm as
lost a great leader and friend. It was a tour format that explained every one of the top 20 attractions to see
an honor to know Larry Lowman, facet of the breed, beginning with a in America and was on the Tennessee
Vice President of the Training/Equine short promotional film produced by attraction list.
Welfare Committee, who lost his battle the TWHBEA, followed by a meet and
with Cancer on the night of June 20, greet with the stallions. Most of the Larry was the 1st inductee honored
2016. Mr. Lowman served the Walking people on the tours, however, were into Opryland Hotel’s Tennessee
Horse Industry for 55 years, including not familiar with the popularity and Walking Horse Museum in 2006. Ever
6 terms as Vice President on the accomplishments of these stallions, the artist, Larry Lowman designed
Executive Committee and 11 terms as but that didn’t stop them from being the Commemorative Garden for
a Director from Tennessee. impressed. All of the stallions were so TWHBEA and initiated the “Rolling
friendly during these tours, it was as if Billboard” project depicting murals
He founded Bridlewood Farm they knew they had special guests and of life-size Walking Horses on semi-
in Shelbyville, Tennessee which they would really ham it up. Being the trailers traveling across the nation. Mr.
developed into one of the industry’s example it was, Rand-McNally Road Lowman served 9 years as President

VOICE • AUGUST 2016 12

of the Tennessee Backroads Heritage
Organization and was a member of
the Tennessee Walking Horse National
Celebration Hall of Fame.

Larry Lee Lowman was one of a
kind... unforgettable. He had the heart
of an artist and the mind of a visionary.
How fortunate the Tennessee Walking
Horse industry was to benefit from
his attributes and love of the breed.
The legacy he has left us will help
ensure the endurance of the Tennessee
Walking Horse breed as well as keep
his spirit with us. His family and friends
celebrated Larry’s life recently at the
Hall of Fame Club on the Celebration
grounds. The room was packed, as one
might imagine, talking, remembering
and honoring “Triple L.” With some
of his artwork on display, his widow,
Terry received guests with tears as well
as smiles and hugs. Larry would’ve
enjoyed the party, but is forever free
now to live in eternity with the Lord.
God bless you, Larry, rest in peace.

13 VOICE • AUGUST 2016

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15 VOICE • AUGUST 2016

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS

By Denise Rowland

It’s August in Tennessee. The days are breath and listen. Country ham
just plain hot, the air still; drenched in and organ music, you have arrived.
a dampness that will curl paper and Horses, Tennessee Walking Horses,
your hair. It holds its heavy burden until show horses to be specific, the life
it becoming overloaded releases warm blood of the Belfast community back
afternoon showers common this time of in the day and still a great part of the
year, or even a thunderstorm. It’s Friday economic base in Middle Tennessee.
night, end of the work week for some Horses that were bred to work the
and just another day in the life of a farm fields and to provide a smooth way
community. to travel are competing. Horses that
became “fancy” show horses when
In the rural areas of the Volunteer their role as transportation and farm
state Friday night hasn’t changed implements disappeared.
since before the Great Depression.
Roll your windows down and drive 1935 the Belfast Horse Show,
out of Lewisburg on Old Belfast proud they had a ramp where you
Road. When you dead end into Old could offload your horses from your
Fishing Ford Road, stop next to JC cattle truck and lights under which to
Tate’s General store, take a deep show, established one of the oldest

VOICE • AUGUST 2016 16

venues for “plantation” horses to Throughout the years, things Tennessee Walking Horse National
compete. The breed registry which change and things stay the same. Celebration descendants of those
came to be known as the Tennessee competitors at the birth of the breed.
Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ A mere 56 years ago the Belfast Blood will tell. In the crowd now too
Association was started just six Lions Club became involved in you will find the descendants of the
months before and the “plantation” the show, running the show solely people who showed and developed
horse was now the Tennessee Walking until 2015 when the Tennessee this breed. The horse is in their
Horse. In the midst of the Depression, Walking Horse Breeders & Exhibitors blood, a DNA chain forever entwined
the ancestors of the modern Walking Association stepped up to continue with the Tennessee Walking Horse.
horse competed at the local high this historic show. 55 times the gate
school grounds. The horses that has opened and the Belfast Lions Club Pull your car onto the grounds,
helped plow the fields of the South Horse Show has crowned a Champion stop by the concession stand and get
founded a breed over 500,000 strong. Walking Horse. Since 1973, 11 that country ham sandwich and a
There at that show you would see the times the winner of the Belfast piece of “Jes’ pie”. Settle in to your
men and women who brought their Championship went on to win the rail side seat. It’s Horse Show Time
dreams to fruition. Names ring out in title of World Grand Champion at the in the South!
the crowd, Beech, Brantley, Dement,
Hunter, Hayes, Brock. Horses, the
ones there or in the talk around the
ring, on “who’s he by” or “what mare
is that one out of”, names like Roan
Allen, Hal Allen, Hunters Allen, Merry
Legs F-4 fill the conversations. In
later years you will hear the names,
Midnight Sun and Merry Go boy, Go
Boy’s Shadow, Ebony Masterpiece,
Sun’s Delight, Delight Bummin
Around, until in the 21st century the
talk surrounds a horse named “Ritz”.
People are visiting, talking about who
got married, who had a baby, the
crops and the ever present issue of
the state of the country. The Horse;
the People; Community.

17 VOICE • AUGUST 2016





THE 46TH ANNUAL SPRING FUN SHOW

The Spring Fun Show was held at the Calsonic Arena in Shelbyville, Tennessee, on May 26-28, 2016. Nathan
Clark, Mack Dekle and Jamie Hankins were the judges for the 59 class event and tied the winner unanimously 30
times. This years show drew 394 entries to make for some fierce competition.

Gen’s Black Maverick claimed the title of 2016 Spring Fun Show Grand Champion unanimously for owners Keith and
Lorraine Rosbury. Joe Pa and WinkyGroover finished reserve.

The awesome display of talented horses and the enthusiasm of the crowd made the 46th Annual Spring Fun Show a
preview of the competition we look forward to seeing at the Celebration.

Congratulations to all the Spring Fun show winners.

VOICE • AUGUST 2016 20



65th Annual 22
Columbia
Spring Jubilee

The 65th Annual Columbia Spring
Jubilee was held June 2-4, 2016,
at the Maury County Park in
Columbia, Tennessee. Spencer Benedict,
Jamie Bradshaw and Allen Forman
served as judges for the 51 class event
with 21 unanimous winners. The rain did
not dampen the spirits as this years show
had 391 entries of top competitors in
both pleasure and performance divisions.

Honors and trainer Larry Edwards earned
a unanimous win in the championship
stake class for owners Dan McSwain
and Keith McSwain. Finishing reserve in
the class were Reservation On Line and
Winky Groover.

Congratulations to all the winners at the
Columbia Spring Jubilee.

VOICE • AUGUST 2016



A STAR
SPANGLED WEEKEND

Starting off the 4th of July weekend 24
of horse show was the 3rd Annual
Christmas In July horse show on
June, 30, 2016. With 253 entries it was
a star studded night. Next on the list is the
33rd Annual Money Tree Classic on July
1st, 2016 boasting the largest number
of entries at 287. The 78th Annual
Woodbury Lions Club Horse Show was
July 2nd, 2016 and they brought in 247
entries. This weekend of shows had close
to eight hundred entries. What a weekend.
Congratulations to all the winners.

VOICE • AUGUST 2016



VOICE • AUGUST 2016 26

27 VOICE • AUGUST 2016

Life Hacks For The Barn

According to Wikipedia, life hacking refers to any trick, shortcut, skill, or novelty method that increases
productivity and efficiency, in all walks of life. It is anything that solves an everyday problem in an
inspired, ingenious manner. Here are a few of life hacks for around the barn.

1. Store power cords in empty paper towel rolls. Keep 5. Have a stash of diapers on hand at the barn! Size
cords tangle free and easily sorted in cut paper towel fives work well for most horses. Diapers can be great
rolls. Bonus: you can label the length of the cord on the bandages for wounds, they serve as wraps for hoof
sleeve. poultice or packing, and can be wet and frozen for icing
weird horse leg areas, like fetlocks and knees.
2. Re-use silica packs in your tack storage bins to prevent
molding. Stored leather is known to mold. Keep the 6. Rub a bar of soap (Irish Spring is particularly potent) on
growth down by dropping a few silica packs commonly all things that your horse chews or wants to chew or
found in food products, shoe boxes etc. in with your thinks about chewing.
leather tack.
7. Clean in the Dishwasher
3. A shoe bag works great to hold brushes, etc at our barn. Use your dishwasher to clean any non-leather horse tack.
So far I’ve tried bits, stirrups, halters, girths and lead ropes.
4. When you need to crush pills and make a paste for you Instead of dish washing detergent I use a baking soda to
horse, try this instead of mixing a paste in a cup and avoid any potential skin irritation. Works like a charm.
then trying to spoon it into a syringe. Put all of the pills
into your dosing syringe, then suction some water into 8. Protect Power Cords
the syringe. Shake and wait for your pills to dissolve in Drill two small holes in a overturned bucket to protect
the syringe. No mess to clean, and all of the medication your power cord connections from rain and snow. This
is ready to go! also makes it easier to find after a big snow fall.

VOICE • AUGUST 2016 28

By Connie Allen

WHAT IS THE CELEBRATION? receive no salary or compensation for – without interruption – since. The
“The Celebration” is the term their services as directors. Shelbyville Lions Club and the Shelbyville
generally used to identify both Rotary Club were the first Celebration
the event and the organization PRESENT BOARD MEMBERS sponsors. Davis first presented the idea
that manages and presents it. The Pat Marsh – Chairman to the Lions Club who then solicited the
Celebration® is both the Tennessee support of the Rotary Club.
Walking Horse National Celebration, John T Bobo – Vice-Chairman
the annual 11-day-and-night World Charles McDonald – Treasurer CURRENT CIVIC CLUB
Championship® Horse Show, INVOLVEMENT
and the Tennessee Walking Horse Rick Insell – Secretary
National Celebration, Inc., the non- David Crowell – Director At present, approximately 17 civic
profit organization which exists to Scott Johnson – Director clubs use the Celebration as their
foster the interest of the Tennessee Jeffrey Howard – Director annual fundraiser and have raised more
Walking Horse breed. Presentation than 3.5 million dollars over the past
of the National Celebration event, as Mike Inman serves as The Celebration’s 15 years. Last year alone, these clubs
well as the Celebration Spring Fun Chief Executive Officer and horse show grossed nearly $400,000 and netted
Show, annually held in late May, is more than $240,000 by operating food
for that purpose. The Celebration manager. booths, parking cars, producing and
currently has more than 60 selling programs, and selling souvenirs.
corporate sponsors who contribute HOW IT ALL BEGAN…
to the show for advertising and The idea for a Walking Horse All of the clubs use the proceeds
entertainment rights. ‘Festival,’ later identified as The to fund various programs thoughout
Tennessee Walking Horse National the county, including youth-oriented
The Celebration® is governed by Celebration®, is generally credited programs, recreational and sports
a seven-member Board of Directors, to the late Henry Davis of Wartrace, leagues, as well as programs that
comprised of Shelbyville business and Tennessee. help the disabled, the poor, or the
professional men. Board Members disadvantaged.
The idea was cultivated into the first
Celebration on September 7, 8, and
9, 1939. It has been held every year

29 VOICE • AUGUST 2016

CELEBRATION QUICK FACTS Grounds in Shelbyville, Tennessee, Shelbyville is still the “Walking
World Grand Champions: From 1939 one of the world’s largest and finest Horse Capital of the World” and is
through 2015, 68 different horses have equestrian centers. still the home of the world-famous
been crowned World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse National
Tennessee Walking Horses, some Present Property Value: More than Celebration®, a show that attracts
horses winning more than one year. 13 million dollars. horses, exhibitors, and more than a
I am Jose, owned by Billy Max and quarter of a million fans from at least
Debbie Woods, is the reigning 2015 Economic Impact: The economic 45 states and several foreign countries
World Grand Champion. I Am Jose impact on Shelbyville and Bedford every year.
was trained by Casey Wright, making County has been estimated by a recent
a Celebration record of three World survey to be approximately 38.5 The show has grown into its own
Grand Championships with I Am Jose million dollars annually. 100-plus-acre complex and includes a
in 2013-2014-2015. 30,000-seat outdoor stadium, a 4,500-
NOTE: The Celebration® event seat indoor arena, permanent stalls for
Celebration Grounds: The Annual alone is estimated to impact the over 1,600 horses, and campgrounds
Celebration was held on the high economy by nearly $38.5 million, featuring full hook-ups for more than
school athletic field from its beginning while events in Calsonic Arena and 350 recreational vehicles.
in 1939 until 1947. The show moved the grounds throughout the year
in 1948 to its present-day facility, bring in another $13 million. It is a thrill to watch the more than
which is now a complete equestrian 2,000 horses compete during the
complex of 105 acres. THE TENNESSEE WALKING 10 day and night Celebration… and
HORSE NATIONAL when one horse emerges proudly
Present accommodations include: on that Saturday night as the World
• A 30,000-seat outdoor stadium CELEBRATION® – ITS PAST AND Grand Champion Tennessee Walking
PRESENT Horse®, even the most somber cannot
consisting of 2,183 boxes of escape a chill.
six seats each, making a total of The Great Depression was slowly
13,091 box seats; 11,937 reserved lifting its storm clouds from rural Middle But while it is true that it is the
seats; and 3,800 general admission Tennessee when W. Henry Davis Tennessee Walking Horse that brought
seats. NOTE: The box seats are journeyed from Shelbyville to Winchester fame and distinction to Shelbyville,
a treasured commodity (with a to buy hay. There was livestock to be other breeds have also begun to call
decade’s long waiting list of over fed, and he simply wanted to finish his Shelbyville home. And in 1990, those
500 names) and are more often business as quickly as possible and get numbers of breeds began to increase
than not included in family wills and back home – but what Henry Davis saw more rapidly – mainly because of the
passed down from generation to that day in 1939 would forever change December 1989 opening of a new
generation. the destiny of his hometown. indoor facility – Calsonic Arena.
• A 4,500-seat indoor arena officially
opened in December 1989. The Unfolding there on the courthouse Named for the corporation which
building was named Calsonic Arena square was the Crimson Clover donated a large portion of the money
in honor of Calsonic North America, Festival. Davis immediately decided needed to build it, Calsonic Arena has
a Shelbyville industry that contributed that Shelbyville also needed a festival, opened many doors. In its first year of
2 of the needed 3.5 million dollars to one that would honor the area’s most operation it attracted 20 events and a
complete its construction. prized possession – the easy-going total of 45,220 spectators and 5,455
• The outdoor practice arena next to grace and high-stepping beauty of the different horses. Proclaiming a most
Calsonic Arena was covered in 1999 Tennessee Walking Horse. successful first year, it far exceeded
and now, Champions Arena is used preceding opening predictions.
as a practice and show arena. Davis carried his idea to banks and
• The Celebration boasts 62 barns then to civic clubs in Shelbyville. A The indoor arena attraction along
with over 1,644 permanent stalls – festival would need money, especially with the Celebration’s two main
more than any equestrian complex in a time when money was scarce, events – the 11-day Tennessee
in the world. Visitors frequent the but it also needed the support of Walking Horse National Celebration
area during shows to enjoy the hard-working people who had the and the three-day Spring Fun Show
elaborate decorations. determination and the foresight to (events which together attract nearly
• Wash racks, manure pits, and make this celebration a success. 270,000 visitors each year) have
warm-up areas for the horses. given the Celebration Grounds in
• Ample parking area. That fall of 1939, Shelbyville Shelbyville, Tennessee the leading
• Two private club facilities. hosted its first Tennessee Walking edge in the world of equestrian
• A number of other special features Horse National Celebration®, called a centers… Few, if any, can compete!
which make The Celebration® “community miracle,” bringing more
than 8,000 spectators.

VOICE • AUGUST 2016 30







50 Years Ago In The Voice Magazine

In the October 1939 issue of the Tennessee’s Gift To The World
Dixie Farmer, a tabloid newspaper-
magazine, we discovered an interesting REMEMBER
article regarding Tennessee Walking BACK
Horses. It is interesting, also, to WHEN…
note the accompanying articles and
advertisements in this particular issue,
as they reflect the progress of the
nation as well as that of the Tennessee
Walking Horse. A small ad for the
Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis
Railroad is offering a round-trip tour of
the 1939 New York World’s Fair and
the Golden Gate Exposition for the
grand sum of $90 in coaches or $135
by Pullman. (Let’s go!) We also noticed
an article entitled Electricity Comes
to the Farm which listed at least 25
things which electricity could do, from
“pump water” to “grind sausage,” that
would make it useful on the farm.

As we present this installment of
Remember Back When, it brings to
mind the tremendous advancement
that we have made at all levels of
the Walking Horse business, and it
reminds us of the proud heritage and
background we have to uphold today.

The Editors

1939 HAILED AS RECORD YEAR FOR TENNEESSEE WALKING HORSE

The famous Tennessee Walking recently that the Tennessee Walking Breeders’ Association” was the choice of
Horse, which was so popular on Horse with his three gaits – flat walk, breeders from various states when that
plantations in the ante-bellum days and running walk, and canter – is the organization was recently formed.
with Southern country doctors and easiest of all animals to ride. Old folks
others who used them before the advent and children stay in the saddle for First Annual Celebration
of the automobile, has come back with hours without growing tired. That is also why Shelbyville, Tenn.,
a bang – this time as a luxury.
That is why HENRY DAVIS, a breeder was selected as the scene of the first
The demand for him has grown so of Wartrace, Tennessee, sold eight annual celebration in honor of the
much in the last four or five years that Walking Horses over the telephone, Walking Horse last September when
the market is exceeding the supply to people who never saw the animals, horse lovers from all over the country
and prices have soared to figures during the month of June. Five were gathered to pay tribute to the state’s
that were undreamed-of in the past. sold in recent weeks to the Rockefeller own breed of horses.
Two thousand dollars is no longer Farm at Lakewood, N. J. The city of
considered high for the type of horse Miami Beach, Fla., bought eight for Popular Long Ago
that formerly brought from $175 to the mounted police squad. The Cuban The Walking horse was popular in
$250. One, The Pride of Memphis, government is importing them by the
recently sold for $5,000. dozen and so is the state of Louisiana. ante-bellum days when owners and
overseers of plantations rode them all
People all over the United States Tennessee Walking Horses is day to superintend their work. When
who can afford horses for recreation indigenous to Middle Tennessee. That is the Civil War broke out many Southern
and pleasure, seem to have discovered why the title “Tennessee Walking Horse boys rode them into battle and they

VOICE • AUGUST 2016 34

never returned. Others were so bold, but with ease and grace. their animals through many illustrious
confiscated by the invaders. So when The running walk from which it strains of the last 100 years, including
the war was over the ranks of the the Hals, the Copperbottoms, the
Walking Horse were deeply depleted. gets its name is the most popular and Pilots, the Brooks’, the Slashers, the
leading gait. It is a four-cornered gait Gray Johns, the Denmarks and the
Breeders began to rebuild the stock and is started like a flat-foot walk, but Allans. With such strains as this it can
slowly, mostly for their own use and for as speed is increased the horse steps be seen that no race of American
sale to country doctors and others for back foot over the front tracks by from horses is of prouder lineage and
service in their vocations. The demand a few to eighteen inches. It takes the warmer blood.
was not heavy, however, and money was jolt from its back by its feet and the
scarce so Walking Horses were selling nod of its head. All Walking Horses This wealth of aristocratic inheritance
up to $150. This was considered a good will relax certain muscles while walking by intelligent breeders has given the
price. Then came the automobile and their best, nod their heads, swing their world its greatest pleasure horse.
the horse market took a dive. Many ears and even snap their teeth.
predicted there would never be any use Theodore Roosevelt said:
for the Walking Horse again. Had it not The canter of the Walking Horse is “Every man owes a part of his time
been for a few breeders with faith and easy with lots of spring and rhythm and
courage the Tennessee Walking Horse just enough to rise and fall to give the and money to the business or industry
would have become extinct. rider a thrill. in which he is engaged. No man has
a moral right to withhold his support
Then the Walking Horse started a Gaits Are Natural from an organization that is striving to
gradual comeback between 1920 and These gaits are natural to well-bred improve conditions within his sphere.”
1929. Prices climbed up to between
$200 and $400. One sold for $900 Walking Horses and it is common to
for show purposes and that was the see a foal, while following its dam in
highest price ever paid for a Walking pasture, to exhibit all the gaits of a
Horse up to that time. trained horse. To improve and separate
these gaits rendering the young animal
But another blow was still in store for steady and teaching it to change from
the persistent horse. The depression one to the other at the will of the rider
hit the country in 1929 and the bottom is the sole task which the trainer finds
dropped out of the market for horses. before him.
By 1932 they were not worth their
keep. One dealer tells how he paid To a man who spends five or six
$95 for a good Walking Horse in 1932 hours a day on horseback it is essential
and took a heavy loss. Then he adds, “I that the animal he rides should be
wish I had that horse today.” active, springy and smooth in his
going. Thus, by a long process of
But the faith of horse breeders selection, the Tennessee Walking
and lovers persisted and by 1934 Horse has reached the point where
the Tennessee Walking Horse was he is able to travel over rough or
receiving some attention again. Since smooth roads from five to eight miles
then, however, he has grown in an hour with ease to himself and his
increasing favor until today he has rider and be able to keep it up all day.
established an all-time high record both These horses carry their riders in such
in price and popularity. comfort, with hardly a move in the
saddle, that it is possible for the rider
There is only one reason for this, to carry an open glass of water in his
of course. That is his easy, flowing, hand without spilling a drop.
gliding gaits that bring the horse and
rider through the day with the greatest There is some difference of opinion
possible ease. More than that, no among the authorities on the origin of
horse is more intelligent, more docile, the Tennessee Walking Horse. Some
more affectionate or more courageous. believe the Narragansett Pacers of
In smoothness of action and length of three centuries ago were an important
gait he is the superb saddle horse of factor in the foundation stock. Others
this age. believe part of the foundation stock
was brought from Spain to Mexico
Has Three Gaits early in the sixteenth century and
The Tennessee Walking Horse has gradually found its way northward and
eastward to Middle Tennessee.
three gaits: the flat-foot walk, the
running walk and the canter. The flat- The Walking Horse is powerful,
foot walk is square on four corners, blood-like and elegant. Breeders trace

35 VOICE • AUGUST 2016

















World Series
Championship

** TRIPLE POINT SHOW**
August 20, 2016

Judge: Leah Boyd
Location: Calsonic Arena, Shelbyville, Tennessee

2:00 23. Amateur Lite Shod Specialty
1. Amateur Halter 24. Youth 17 & Under Country Pleasure Specialty
2. Youth Halter 17 & Under 25. Open Classic Park Specialty – Rider’s Cup Class
3. Amateur Showmanship 26. Youth Trail Pleasure Specialty
4. Youth 17 & Under Showmanship 27. All Day Pleasure Canter
5. Youth 17 & Under Stock Seat Equitation Specialty 28. Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty
6. Amateur Stock Seat Equitation Canter 29. Amateur Trail Pleasure 4 & Under Specialty
7. Youth 17 & Under Stock Seat Equitation Canter 30. Youth Lite Shod Specialty
8. Amateur Stock Seat Equitation Specialty 31. Amateur Classic Park Specialty
9. Youth 17 & Under Equitation Canter 32. Amateur Trail Pleasure Canter
10. Adult Equitation Canter 33. Open Lite Shod Specialty – Rider’s Cup Class
11. Youth 17 & Under Equitation Specialty 34. Youth Trail Pleasure Canter
12. Adult Equitation Specialty 35. Amateur Country Pleasure 4 & Under Specialty
36. Youth Classic Park Specialty
6:00 37. Amateur Lite Shod Canter
13. Open Weanlings 38. Open Park Pleasure Specialty – Rider’s Cup Class
14. Open Yearlings 39. Youth 17 & Under All Day Pleasure Specialty
15. Youth Model Geldings 40. Amateur Country Pleasure Specialty
16. Open Model Geldings 41. Open Lite Shod 4 & Under Specialty – Rider’s Cup
17. Youth Model Mares
18. Open Model Mares Class
19. Open Model Stallions 42. Youth/Adult Specialty
20. Pleasure Driving 43. Youth Park Pleasure Specialty
21. All Day Pleasure Specialty 44. Amateur Country Pleasure Canter
22. Open Trail Pleasure 4 & Under Specialty – Rider’s 45. Amateur Trail Pleasure Specialty

Cup Class

CONTACT KRISTEN CORBIN AT 931-359-0592 OR [email protected] FOR MORE INFORMATION.



JEAN BAUM

In 1963, Jean Baum convinced stake horse. He proved to be a bit In 1964 the Baum family
her husband, Leo, that their young and inexperienced for that relocated to River Tree Farm in
family needed a horse. After role and was sent back to Wisconsin Ixonia, Wisconsin. They bought a
looking around for a bit they decided as a five-year-old where Mr. Baum number of brood mares and began
to buy one that was part walking took over his training. As a five- their own breeding operation and
horse. That horse’s smooth gaits year-old, with Mr. Baum in the irons, they continued to seek out top
hooked them and the following year Red Bomber won the Amateur and show horses. In 1965, the Baum
they bought a show horse named Open State Championships in both household became charter members
Sir John Pryor. Sir John, while not Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. As of the Wisconsin Walking Horse
a major contender, proved to be a result of these accomplishments, Red Association.
great teacher. He taught all five of Bomber’s breeding career began to
the Baum family, Leo, Jean and their take off. He became the top breeding Their first brood mare was a
three kids, Jim, Jeff, and Karen, to stallion in Wisconsin. Then in August daughter of Merry Go Boy named
show. of 1967 he slipped coming down the Go Boy’s Dream. They bred her to
trailer ramp at a show in Wisconsin Midnight Sun and Mrs. Baum recalls
That same year they purchased and shattered a leg. He died four “it was just a thrill of a lifetime to see
their third horse, a green broke months later. The Baum family was Midnight Sun, let alone to breed our
young stallion named Red Bomber grief stricken and considered leaving first mare to him.” They actually bred
whom they put in training with the horse business. But friends and that mare to him twice and ended
Buddy Hugh. Bomber proved to be supporters rallied around them and up with two fine fillies, one of which,
a quite capable show horse. As a they actually became even more Midnite Merry Memory proved to be
four-year-old he was Buddy Hugh’s involved. quite a brood mare.

VOICE • AUGUST 2016 46

JEAN BAUM

In 1968, the family decided it was Memory. Of course, Shadow of up injured. Of this great horse,
time to look for their own stallion Ichabod bred numerous outside mares Mrs. Baum says “he just had lots of
to stand. Numerous trips south as well. charisma.” In 1976, at a horse show
followed as they looked for that in Valparaiso, Indiana, Dr. M. J.
perfect stallion. At Mack Motes’ Also in the late 1960s, Mr. and Capron made Leo and Jean an offer
stable, they were introduced to Ed Mrs. Baum acquired Sun’s Holiday, they just couldn’t refuse and they sold
Breedlove who happened to have an a six-year-old stallion that they put in Sun’s Holiday. He was 15 years old
eight-year-old stallion by the name training with Buddy Hugh. Holiday at the time of the sale.
of Shadow of Ichabod for sale. They was shown throughout the South and
immediately bought him and took in the Midwest. During his career Over the years Mr. and Mrs. Baum
him up to Wisconsin where Mr. he beat every World Champion that always remained loyal to Buddy Hugh
Baum successfully showed him and he came up against except Ace’s and since his passing Mrs. Baum
he became one of the Midwest’s top Sensation. Unfortunately, he had has kept horses with his son, Bobby.
breeding stallions. The Baum family terrible luck when it came to the Mrs. Baum says, “Buddy was always
bred many of their own brood mares Celebration. Each year they tried to honest, he never hesitated to tell us
to him, especially Midnite Merry show him at the big show he came when one of our horses just wasn’t

47 VOICE • AUGUST 2016

JEAN BAUM

going to make it and Bobby is just
like his dad in that regard.” She
also says, “Buddy always put a good
mouth on a horse and the horses we
had with him were always very well
mannered. As time goes by, Bobby
becomes more and more like his dad,
I trust his judgement and he’s found a
number of good horses for me.”

In addition to having horses with he just had a great disposition.” Mrs. Wisconsin Charity Jubilee horse show
the Hughs, the Baums experienced Baum is still involved in the Walking which, in its heyday, raised tens of
considerable success training horses Horse Industry. She continues to thousands of dollars for different
themselves. Mr. Baum found quite a have horses in training with Bobby charities and was one of the best
bit of success with Shadow of Ichabod Hugh that she shows in the South. attended and most enjoyed shows in
and Mrs. Baum trained and showed Jean shows Walk On Command, the Midwest. Last but not least, she has
the pleasure horse, Ichabod Crane, nicknamed “Barb” every opportunity served as a member of the Celebration
with whom she and Jim placed at the she gets in Adult Pony, in other Advisory Board.
1986 Celebration three times. When amateur classes as well as in Amateur-
the kids were at home, they broke and Amateur with her daughter Karen. What’s more, the Baum family has
trained numerous colts sired by both Jean has two horses, “Yo-Yo” and established a legacy in the walking
Shadow of Ichabod and Red Bomber. Love That Showboat, at Karen and horse industry. Oldest son Jim, his
son-in-law Emile’s farm in Virginia. wife Lisa and their sons Luke and
Jean found a great deal of success Jacob (who’s now married to Brittany
with her performance mare, My Fair In addition to owning and exhibiting whom also shows, winning her first
Play Lady otherwise known as “Big fine horses, over the years, Mrs. Baum Blue Ribbon in the Celebration in
Momma.” Of Big Momma, Mrs. has served the industry in numerous 2015) are all highly competitive
Baum remarked, “we had a great other ways. She has been a member of in the industry. Luke’s passion
relationship, she listened to everything the Board of Directors for TWHBEA, lies outside of the Walking Horse
I said.” Up in Wisconsin, Mrs. Baum WHOA, and the WWHA. She has also industry, in basketball which he
found the winner’s circle aboard Regal served on the Pleasure Committees for played in college and professionally
Master otherwise known as “Yo Yo,” TWHBEA and WHOA. She was one of in the European league. The family
her three-year-old pleasure gelding. In the key organizers for the now defunct lives on a farm in Shelbyville where
2001, they won the Lite Shod Four
and Under class at the Wisconsin
Summer Jamboree and in 2002 they
took blue in the Plantation Two &
Three-Year-Old Specialty class. “For
a young horse he was very calm, I
could sit on him and talk to people at
the shows and he was nice and still,

VOICE • AUGUST 2016 48