2021, 2022, & 2023 World Grand Champion Justified Honors Volume 62 No. 5 • Post-Celebration Edition The Official Breed Journal • October 2023
Joe Link Mt. Juliet, TN OWNED BY: Yearling Yearling Filly & Gelding World Grand Champion World Champion & Robert Nelms WGC & 2xWC
Norwood Farm Stephen & Nora Capper Indianapolis, IN Monroe, NC OWNED BY: & Kayla Baucam Three-Year-Old Mare Champion 1 The Voice • October 2023
TWHBEA INFO & RESOURCES 94 United Fall Finale Class Sheet 114 Legacy Circle & List of Donor 116 TWHBEA Gift Shop 120 Calendar of Events 121 Annual TWHBEA Members Meeting 122 TWHBEA News 124 Fond Farewell 125 TWHYA News 126 Youth Scholarship Winners 128 TWHYA Trunk 129 TWHYA Creative Contest Winners 130 Youth Medallion Class Standings 131 Challenge Cup Standings 132 TWHBEA Balance Sheet 134 Statement of Ownership 135 Stallion Directory 139 Horseman’s Directory 142 Foto Finale 143 Advertisers’ Index 144 TWHBEA Executive Committee & Staff 14 24 30 36 42 50 56 66 70 74 80 84 90 91 98 104 108 FEATURES, SHOW, & EVENT COVERAGE 3xWGC Sire: Honors Dam: Maypine’s Doll Baby From “Julia & John Allan: Callaway Champions” on page 50 . . . “John Allan admits that from the first time he saw the two-year-old colt, he was drawn to him. And, after riding him for several weeks, he knew he had found a great prospect for the Baums. “ On The Cover: Volume 62 No. 5 • Post-Celebration Edition The Official Breed Journal • October 2023 The Dr. Jim Baum Family Shelbyville, TN OWNED BY: Lunch With Legends Summer Splash John Garrett Burton: Making Equitation History at the 2023 Celebration Here’s to the Horse 2023 National Celebration Julia & John Allan: Callaway Champions 2023 National Celebration Champions 2023 Celebration Youth Clinic Bridging Borders: Visitors from Mexico Embark on a Tennessee Walking Horse Adventure Jack Harney: A Young Rising Star at the 2023 Celebration 2023 Horse Bowl Sterling Woodruff: A Boy, His Horse, & His Dog on the Path to Victory Evan Lloyd Adamson Humanitarian Award Auxiliary Merit Award National Futurity 2023 Results Kentucky Celebration 56th Annual Alabama Jubilee Charity Horse Show The Voice • October 2023 2
Janice Fostek Roanoke, VA OWNED BY: Owner Amateur Two-Year-Old Owner Amateur Two-Year-Old Stallion, Div. A Unanimously! Unanimously! World Grand Champion World Champion 3 The Voice • October 2023
Chloe Casteel Crossville, TN Bottoms Stables Crossville, TN OWNED BY: TRAINED BY: Amateur Owned and Trained, Div. B Reserve World Champion & Robbie Bottoms Casteel The Voice • October 2023 4
Sarah Coffee Burks Calhoun, GA Nick Price & Alan Price Fairmount, GA OWNED BY: TRAINED BY: Owner Amateur World Grand Champion Thank You! Sarah Coffee Burks, up 5 The Voice • October 2023
Shane Porterfield Murfreesboro, TN OWNED BY: Young Trainer 35 & Under Stallion World Champion & Tanner Burks The Voice • October 2023 6
Shane & Veronica Porterfield Murfreesboro, TN OWNED BY: 15.2 & Under Stallion World Champion & Tanner Burks 7 The Voice • October 2023
Ginger William Reidsville, NC OWNED BY: & Ryan Blackburn Thanks to all the “Bird” fans for loving him like we do! Open Specialty Young Trainer Stallion World Grand Champion Reserve World Champion The Voice • October 2023 8
Debbie Woods Lexington, TN OWNED BY: Tennessee Walking Horse Reserve World Grand Champion & Casey Wright 3xWGC & 3xWC Thanks for all the great comments! 9 The Voice • October 2023
Robby Black Shelbyville, TN OWNED BY: & Emma Black Owner Amateur Novice Youth 12-17 Mare & Gelding Reserve World Champion RWC The Voice • October 2023 10
Bill & Karen Bean Tomball, TX OWNED BY: Owner Amateur Park Pleasure Owner Amateur Western Park Pleasure Unanimously! Unanimously! World Grand Champion World Champion & Karen Bean 11 The Voice • October 2023
Sadie Fowler Parsons Nashville, TN OWNED BY: Owner Amateur Novice Lady on Mare & Gelding, Div. A World Champion & Sadie Fowler Parsons The Voice • October 2023 12
Anne & Robert Deutsch Greensboro, NC OWNED BY: Owner Amateur Three-Year-Old Owner Amateur Three-Year-Old Stallion, Div. A World Grand Champion World Champion and Robert Deutsch Thank you! 13 The Voice • October 2023
Following up on the success of last year’s Lunch with the Legends event, TWHBEA hosted another opportunity for industry young people to meet and talk to veterans of the show ring. In carrying on activities to attract and hold the interest of young riders and fans, the organization remains committed to insuring the future of the Tennessee Walking Horse. Held in the Hall of Fame Club on the Celebration grounds on Sunday, August 27th, four well known industry heroes signed autographs, posed for pictures and answered questions for an enthusiastic audience. R.M. Kellett, Janice Fostek, Howard Hamilton and Betty Sain were this year’s legends, sharing experiences and advice for two hours, even lingering afterwards to chat and pose for a few more pictures. Lunch for around fifty young fans was provided by Rowdy Ranch Catering, and TWHBEA CEO Mark Farrar served as moderator of the event. Several common threads emerged during discussion with the four legends. All four had a relationship with horses that started early in life, and all stressed the friendships that grew out of a shared love of horses. Betty Sain, who was the first woman to win a World Grand Championship, back in 1966, talked about how different the horse industry was at that time. “People didn’t advocate and promote their horses before the classes,” she explained. Sain famously did not even enter her horse in the championship stake until 5 minutes before the deadline. And the classes were huge. “There were 67 horses in the R.M. Kellett & Howard Hamilton shown autographing photos for young enthusiasts (from left) Betty Sain, R.M. Kellett, Janice Fostek, & Howard Hamilton The Voice • October 2023 14
preliminary class,” she said, “and there were at least three workouts both ways of the ring at all three gaits.” Not only did she win the big stake as the only woman; her horse, Shaker’s Shocker, was only a four-year-old. Although she didn’t show at the Celebration until 1960, Sain grew up riding ponies and horses and watching horses like Midnight Sun and Merry Go Boy and riders like Steve Hill and Joe Webb. “The world stood still the week of the Celebration,” she said. R.M. Kellett has a long family history with the Tennessee Walking Horse, starting in the show ring in leadline and showing his first performance horse at five years old. His father, grandfather and great grandfather showed horses, and he looked up to people like Jimmy McConnell, Bill Bobo and Howard Hamilton as his legends. Kellett won the 2022 Junior World Grand Championship with Mr. True Blue. He talked about good friends and good competition in the horse industry. “In the ring we are competitors,” he said, “but outside the ring we are friends.” Janice Fostek echoed Kellett’s feelings about friendship among horse people. “Friendship is what bonds us, during the good times and bad times. And the bad times are when people step up to help each other,” she said. Fostek started out riding trail horses, and recalled her mentors, Joe Webb and Charles Bobo, who were examples of how to show a horse. As an amateur rider, she had a slightly different perspective, but everyone on the panel agreed that her presence in the show ring and her horsemanship is second to no ones. Kellett put it this way. “There are no amateurs and few professionals who can ride as well as Janice Fostek.” Howard Hamilton said simply, “Horses are my life. People who love horses are the best people.” Howard grew up on a farm with animals all around him – cows, pigs, horses and chickens. “I couldn’t find anything I liked as well as the horses,” he said. This love of horses led to many friendships and great experiences. “People who love horses are the best people,” he said. Hamilton recalled his first experience showing at the Celebration. “The first year I brought a horse to the Celebration, I shared a stall with him. It was a two-year-old and we didn’t make the first workout.” Hamilton credited Joe Webb and his experiences at his camp with his success in the horse business and his example in getting the best out of each horse. “More horses have made trainers than trainers have made horses,” Howard Hamilton sharing his advice during the panel presentation 15 The Voice • October 2023
he said, repeating a statement from a former mentor. All four stressed the need to have a plan for the class and to stick to it. From handling nerves, which all admitted to dealing with, to riding through trouble and trying to avoid reacting to the crowd, they shared tips to young riders for being successful as horsemen. “Know your horse,” said Sain, “and teach him to listen to you. Then calm your nerves and show your horse.” Fostek reminded young riders to listen to their trainers because they know the horse. “Be calm and confident,” she said, “and enjoy the ride!” The successful amateur rider related a funny moment in the show ring during her early years when her hair fell down out of its pins and she asked for a time-out to put it back up. “Amazingly, they let me have the time out!” she said. Hamilton’s advice was to pay attention to the four ingredients for a good rider. “Hands, seat, feet and mind,” he said. “And have a plan.” Farrar pointed out that Kellett is almost always the first rider in the ring. “I do that so I can pick my spot,” the trainer responded. He stressed consistency and knowing your horse. Kellett added, “Your horse tells you what you need to know. He just doesn’t speak English.” Janice Fostek autographing photos for the young fans (from left) Mark Farrar TWHBEA CEO, Janice Fostek, Betty Sain, R.M. Kellett, & Howard Hamilton A special THANK YOU to our Sponsors Lorraine Rosbury Jerry Myatt Mike Floyd Suzy Johnson / Corner Cleaners Jake Jacobs Family Charles Gleghorn Pat & Jamie Gardner Blake Cammack Adcock Bros / Bob Adcock Walking Horse Trainers’ Assoc. The Voice • October 2023 16
Lisa Teel • Fayetteville, TN Jake Jacobs Murfreesboro, TN OWNED BY: Model Stallion World Champion & Robert Nelms 17 The Voice • October 2023
Lisa Teel & Lisa Washburn Fayetteville, TN OWNED BY: Shown by Lisa Teel & Karen McGee Mare & Foal World Champion The Voice • October 2023 18
Jackie Whatley Indian Oak Farm Ocala, FL OWNED BY: Elite Owner Amateur World Grand Champion & Jackie Whatley Unanimously! 19 The Voice • October 2023
By: Mary Beth Pruett pauses. “That’s a hard question for me because I’ve ridden so many and loved them all. I would have to say Silverado Spirit is probably my favorite.” Harper and Silverado Spirit won the Youth 11 and Under Mare Championship in 2016. “My favorite memories are winning my first World Grand Championship in 2018 on Talkin’ Dirty to Me and then this year winning the All-Day Pleasure Youth World Grand Championship.” Having won World Grand Championships in Trail Pleasure, County Pleasure and All-Day Pleasure youth divisions over the last ten years, Harper’s goal for her last year in the youth division is to win the World Grand Championship in the 17 and under padded division. For the first time this year, the Celebration offered a World Grand Championship class for Youth All-Day Pleasure Horses, and the inaugural roses were awarded to a familiar rider in the winner’s circle. Harper Grider took that honor, riding Betrayal, trained by Laurie Toone. Harper also won a second World Grand Championship this year with Scarlett O Hara in the Youth Country Pleasure and a Youth Model Championship with Mystic Jazz. Two of her World Championships were earned on the same morning, along with a reserve championship on Checkpoint Charlie. Seventeen-year-old Harper lives with her parents, Brent and Courtney Grider in Columbia, Kentucky, along with her nine-yearold brother Cohen and twin sisters Collins and Logan, age 2. Growing up around horses, her earliest memory of the Celebration is of showing in the lead line class and then showing Kool Fortune, her trail pleasure horse. “With my dad being a trainer, I’ve loved the horses all my life,” she says. “When I’m around the horses, I feel a bond with them. I’m so glad I get to be with them and ride and show. I’m thankful to all the people who have helped me since I starting showing. My dad, Laurie Toone, Hannah Myatt, Tommy Loid, and the Burton family. And all the great horses I’ve had.” Harper’s experience with good horses not only makes her an exceptional rider; she finished in the top three individuals in the TWHBEA Youth Judging Competition in the spring. She joined other contest winners in center ring on the first Saturday night of the Celebration, guest judging alongside the official judges. When asked about her favorite horse, she Harper Grider with her horse, Betrayal, following their Championship win Harper Grider: First Ever Youth All-Day Pleasure World Grand Champion The Voice • October 2023 20
Ally Jo Jacobs Murfreesboro, TN Riley Gregory Franklin, KY OWNED BY: Owner Amateur Country Pleasure Youth 6-11 Reserve World Champion & Ally Jo Jacobs 21 The Voice • October 2023
Ally Jo Jacobs Murfreesboro, TN OWNED BY: Auxiliary Equitation Medal Youth 6-11 World Champion & Ain’t He Grand 3xWC 2xWGC 5xWC . . .and though she be but little, she is fierce The Voice • October 2023 22
OWNED BY: Owner Amateur Youth 6-11 Gelding World Champion & Ally Jo Jacobs 23 The Voice • October 2023
On Saturday, August 12, 2023, the Tennessee Walking Horse Youth Association (TWHYA) held its fifth Annual Summer Splash Horse Show at S.W. Beech Memorial Field, in Belfast, Tennessee. The show offers all youth under-saddle classes as well as open, youth, amateur, and novice classes in all halter divisions. Funds raised at this show help to fund TWHYA activities throughout the year. TWHYA members do all the work associated with the show, such as soliciting sponsorships, selecting awards, hiring officials, setting up the show, and cleaning up afterwards. TWHYA members even participate as show officials. This year, Hardison Greene continued his duties of announcing the show. Finley Grace Brooks and her equine partner, Ricardo’s North Star, presented the American Flag. Daniel Schmidt fulfilled the duties of ring master. Kathryn Hopper and Jette Beyer teamed up to present the night’s ribbons and trophies. Congratulations to the TWHYA youth on a successful and fun show. Georgia Hazelwood and Obey My Command with friends Finley Grace Brooks and Ricardo’s North Star present the American flag to start the show Cheyenne and Dakota Gardner celebrate together The Voice • October 2023 24
Hannah Myatt celebrates with The Tiger Lily and Carolina Stanley Barron Witherspoon is all smiles after a big win with Sophisticated Honors Emery Sims and Lynn Womack with their mare and foal Vivian Woodruff, Jagger and Juke Jenne have fun “horsing around” 25 The Voice • October 2023
Greg & Melissa Kiser Rosedale, VA OWNED BY: Owner Amateur Mare & Gelding World Grand Champion & Greg Kiser The Voice • October 2023 26
Jannie Chapman Windermere Farm Fayetteville, TN OWNED BY: Five & Over Stallion, Canter Reserve World Champion & Jeff Laughlin 27 The Voice • October 2023
Jannie Chapman Windermere Farm Fayetteville, TN OWNED BY: Owner Amateur Five & Under Park Performance World Champion & Jannie Chapman The Voice • October 2023 28
Jannie Chapman Windermere Farm Fayetteville, TN OWNED BY: Owner Amateur Park Performance Owner Amateur Park Performance Stallion World Grand Champion World Champion & Jannie Chapman 29 The Voice • October 2023
John Garrett Burton Making Equitation History at the 2023 Celebration When John Garrett Burton started riding lessons with Leigh Stuart, it didn’t take long for Stuart to realize his potential as a rider. She told his mom, “If you will let him continue, he will be an equitation World Grand Champion.” Stuart’s confident prediction came true at the 2023 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration when Burton became the first male rider to win that championship title, riding Jose’s Bambino. By: Mary Beth Pruett John is the 16-year-old son of Stewart and Kelley Burton. The family, which includes John’s brother Luke, lives in Bowling Green Kentucky. He came to the Tennessee Walking Horse world in a different way; he does not come from a family with a background in the breed. His grandmother, Debbie Herring, rides Tennessee Walking Horses, and from that introduction, John became fascinated with the show horses and wanted to learn to ride and show. That led him to Leigh Stuart, whose barn is in Bowling Green. From that point, he was hooked. “I just love going to shows,” he says. John started out in the WHOA academy program, where he was so successful, he immediately decided equitation was what he wanted to do. In the equitation division, the class is judged on rider skills, presentation, and rider performance rather than the horse’s ability. As his skills increased, it was evident that he needed his own horse, and the search began. Veteran show “If you will let him continue, he will be an equitation World Grand Champion.” The Voice • October 2023 30
horse Jose’s Bambino seemed to be a possibility and they quickly became a team. “Bambino is not the easiest horse to ride,” says Stuart, “but John has made it work. He makes it looks easier than it is.” John is one of those riders who loves to hang out at the barn, helping with the horses all summer and riding every horse he has a chance to ride. He even works with colts at Stuart’s barn and goes to horse shows to help out. When asked about the biggest challenge in equitation, John readily admits that pattern work takes the most work. After winning his preliminary class on Wednesday morning, John set his goal on winning the World Grand Championship. “In the lineup, I really didn’t know if I would win,” he said. “But I knew I had a good shot. When the announcer called my number, it was surreal!” John is grateful for everyone who has contributed to his success. “Thanks to everyone who has supported me throughout this season,” he says. Although the equitation championship was held in the Cooper Steel indoor arena, John had the opportunity to ride in the big oval on the final night of the Celebration. During the Stars of the Future presentation, which introduced the youth world grand champions for an encore performance, the Saturday night crowd had the chance to see what a great rider he is and why he was named world grand champion. John is active with Future Farmers of America at South Warren High School in Bowling Green, where he is an honor student. He is interested in working with animals after graduation, possibly as a large animal vet. Right now, he is focused on a shorterterm goal. “I want to repeat my win,” he says. He has two more years in the junior division to fulfill his ambition. His instructor is sure that goal is a real possibility. “He has such a strong work ethic,” she says. “Even when he is not riding, he’s looking at videos online, analyzing them and asking questions about them. He is a great kid and an amazing rider.” Those who witnessed him in the Celebration ring would surely agree. 31 The Voice • October 2023
Owner Amateur Five-Year-Old Reserve World Grand Champion & Bob Adcock The Bob Adcock Family Lititz, PA OWNED BY: ADCOCK BROSSINCE 1972 The Voice • October 2023 32
Owner Amateur Four-Year-Old Stallion World Grand Champion & Bob Adcock The Bob Adcock Family Lititz, PA OWNED BY: ADCOCK BROSSINCE 1972 33 The Voice • October 2023
The Bob Adcock Family Lititz, PA OWNED BY: ADCOCK BROSSINCE 1972 Owner Amateur 15.2 & Under Stallion Reserve World Grand Champion & Bob Adcock The Voice • October 2023 34
The Bob Adcock Family Lititz, PA OWNED BY: & Two-Year-Old Stallion Two-Year-Old World Champion Reserve World Grand Champion & Bill Callaway ADCOCK BROSSINCE 1972 35 The Voice • October 2023
Agroup of Tennessee Walking Horse industry individuals gathered on August 31, 2023, at the Hall of Fame Club to greet local, state, and national leaders, agricultural partners, and other friends of the breed. The reception, hosted by TWHBEA, was held just prior to the Thursday evening session of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, and attendees were invited to stay for the show and enjoy the first night of world grand championship classes. After hors d’oeuvres served by The Southern Table and drinks provided by the Celebration, to the Horse Here’s TWHBEA CEO Mark Farrar welcomed the crowd with brief remarks about the state of the breed. There are currently 250,000 registered Tennessee Walking Horses spread Congressman John Rose The Voice • October 2023 36
over fifty states and twenty-nine countries. “As Tennesseans and horse lovers, you can be very proud of our state horse,” he stressed, going on to credit the breeders and trainers with presenting some of the best horses ever. He also welcomed members of the Mexican delegation, whose association with the breed began with marketing efforts in Mexico utilizing USDA/USLGE grants for livestock expansion into other countries. Celebration CEO Warren Wells added his welcome and stressed the improvements on the show grounds made by Cooper Steel Fabrications, which now has naming rights for the indoor arena. “Renovation plans will include a facelift for the whole arena. This will be great for the Tennessee walking horse industry and also good for our community. We are recruiting new events for Shelbyville, and these upgrades will only help us bring in more.” Congressman John Rose gave a brief legislative update and commended the Celebration and the industry for their progress. He promised to continue to support the industry and thanked everyone for the opportunity to visit the show. “I am proud to support the Tennessee Walking Horse and will continue to support policies that put its future in the hands of local and industry officials.” Cecelia Andon, Jack Heffington, Judge Stephen Vaden, & Catherine Eschbach Eric Mayberry, Judge Bobby Sands, & Lee Maddox Eddie Sanders, Sidney McPhee, Iris Gao, & Paul Martin Bill Stricklend & Lance Meisenheimer 37 The Voice • October 2023
Nicole Tolle, Denise Bader, & JoAnn Keyser Sharon & Jesse Dotson Jeffery & Mindy Howard FFA State Officers: Hannah Harrell, Gracy Plemons, Abigail Hamm, & Ella Hasty Thank you to our Sponsors! Darrell Ailshie Kyle Bush, Bush Construction Sheryl Crawford Mike Floyd Janice Fostek Charles Gleghorn Chris Hazelwood Jack Heffington Howard Family, Dabora Inc. Jake Jacobs Family, Jacobs Construction Kesselring Family, Christmas Creek Farm Shane Porterfield Steve & Denise Smith Sam Sorrell Dale Steinmetz Bill Stricklend Kimberly & Perry Walden Molly Walters Debbie Woods The Voice • October 2023 38
Lee & Carole Baxter Alexandria, LA OWNED BY: Three-Year-Old Mares, Div. B Owner Amateur 15.2 & Under Unanimously! Unanimously! Owner Amateur 15.2 & Under Stallion Photos by World Champion World Grand Champion World Champion & Josh Watts & Carol Baxter Dale Watts Stables Summit, MS TRAINED BY: 39 The Voice • October 2023
Bill Williams Ripley, TN OWNED BY: Two-Year-Old Mare Div. B Reserve World Champion & Michael Wright The Voice • October 2023 40
Bill Williams Ripley, TN OWNED BY: Park Performance Reserve World Champion & Michael Wright 41 The Voice • October 2023
2023 National Celebration Several things can always be counted on at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville. Hot humid weather greets visitors to middle Tennessee in late August, rain almost always visits and cools things down before the show’s last nights and the winner’s circle welcomes old faces and new faces during the eleven days of the show. Hot Optimist Club doughnuts are always in demand, and local civic organizations provide a variety of other good food for spectators. The trade show, held in the Cooper Steel Arena, provides shopping opportunities for Celebration visitors. The streets that meander through the barn area are filled with fans eager to catch glimpses of their favorite horses and riders, and the barn decorations provide a colorful backdrop. The TWHBEA satellite office is open daily to take care of transfers, leases, registration, and membership and staff is happy to answer questions about the registry. This year, new merchandise was for sale and free water was available on the porch compliments of the TWHYA youth. Ronnie Spears rode White Diamond Dollar each evening, presenting the American flag, continuing a beloved tradition of a white flag horse carrying the red, white and blue. Local ministers gave the invocation each night, followed by the singing of the national anthem. A total of 213 classes with 2957 entries passed before the eyes of the judges during the five mornings and eleven nights of the show. Judges for 2023 were Derek Bonner, Leah Boyd, Nathan Clark, David Sisk and Kenny Smith. The Celebration renewed its commitment to making the show a community event, including special recognition each night for area schools. Wild West night was held on the first Friday night, with prizes for the best dressed cowboys and cowgirls. The first Saturday night was “hat night,” and prizes were offered for the best hats. Monday and Tuesday brought Fan Appreciation Nights, with general admission reduced to $1. Several concession items were offered at a special $1 price, including extra glaze on Rotary doughnuts. Bill & Paula Sensing, with Ed & Shannon Cotter Justin Harris and Big John Coffey are joined by family and friends Darden Gladney & Jannie Chapman Jack Harney Tony & Tammy Jamison with Olivia Meeks John Allan Callaway, Honky Tonk, & the Allan Riddley Family The Voice • October 2023 42
A special exhibition of the reigning Speed Racking World Champions brought extra excitement to the big oval on the first Friday night. Five horses impressed the crowd with their performances and each received a commemorative Celebration ribbon. The first Saturday night performance was delayed for almost two hours, with a display of lightning and a deluge of rain that sent spectators looking for shelter and exhibitors in the first few classes all dressed up with nowhere to go. As the rain slowed to a drizzle, spectators wiped the rain off their seats and settled in for the opening ceremonies and the first class of the night. Ten Lead Line World Grand Championship entries took to the rail, with The Silver Lining making the spotlight ride with rider Piper Teague and handler Rachel Teague of Bell Buckle. The rain moved out for Sunday evening, leaving cool breezes behind. Maria Bobo matched her brother Thomas Derickson’s performance on She’s Lined with Love in the Amateur Riders on 2-year-old Mares and Geldings. Thomas had won the B division of the 2-year-old Mare class with the same mare on Thursday night. Monday evening brought a few light showers, but the show went on with the 15-class schedule. A highlight of the night was the three splits of the 2-year-old Stallion Class, a preliminary to the 2-Year-Old World Grand Championship. Spotlight on Jose and Bill Callaway were winners in the A division for Bob Adcock, Hot Streak and Jimmy McConnell made the victory pass for Joyce Meadows in Division B, and 8 Mile SWF and Casey Wright received the unanimous nod from the judges for Darrell Oliver in the C division. Tuesday night’s Trail Pleasure 2-Year-Old Class saw Jalapeno make only his second show ring appearance, having previously won the International Maiden Championship in July. It was another blue-ribbon ride for Joe Lester on the sorrel colt for owners Kimberly and Perry Walden of Shelbyville. Carrie Martin DeJarnette and Blacklist made it three in a row with a win in the Trail Pleasure Class, setting the stage for a repeat in the Trail Pleasure World Grand Championship later in the week. The Blue Moon rose over the East grand stands on Wednesday night, ushering in near perfect weather for the remainder of the show and sending some visitors in search of long sleeve shirts in the gift shop. The blue moon proved lucky for Flirtin’ to Win and Just A Flirtin’ in the always popular Mare and Foal Class and Versace’s Dollar and Kenny Compton made it three in a row in the Amateur Classic Horse 15 Years and Over, sending the Network Memorial and the Kathy Zies Memorial Challenge Trophies home to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with owner Rick Compton. Thursday, Aug 31 was designated as Throwback Thursday with Walking Horse Ally Jo Jacobs & Family Joe Link & Josephine’s Time with Robert & Amanda Nelms and Lisa Teel & Lisa Washburn Gail McConnell, Stacey Blackburn, & Georgina Blackburn 43 The Voice • October 2023
and Celebration trivia questions were posed from center ring throughout the night. Sweet Walking Matilda and owner-rider Margo Urad walked their way out of the novice division with a victory in the Amateur Novice Trail Pleasure World Grand Championship. IB Smokin’ Joe and Joel Johnson had their third spotlight ride in the Amateur All Day Pleasure World Grand Championship for sons Tucker and Tanner Johnson of Shelbyville. Thursday night showed off some of the youngest riders and the oldest riders in their world grand championship classes. The Elite Amateur Rider World Grand Championship went to Jackie Whatley and All About Jose, and Jack Harney, in his first Celebration, rode The Ultimate Honor to the Amateur Youth Pony World Grand Championship. John Allen Callaway and Honky Tonk were crowned Three-Year-Old World Grand Champion in the final class of the evening for Alan Riddley from King’s Mountain, North Carolina. On September 1, 2023, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration teamed up with the Woody Williams Foundation to honor Gold Star Families and their loved ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Each participant that night rode in honor of one of those heroes. It was also Red White and Blue night, and fans were encouraged to wear patriotic colors. The first ever Youth All Day Pleasure World Grand Champion was crowned on that Friday night, with Harper Grider making the spotlight ride on Betrayal. Rosco Jenkins and Susan Coleman won their 8th World Grand Championship together in Owner Amateur Lite Shod Championship, undefeated since 2020. Robert Nelms continued to dominate the weanling and yearling divisions, leading Simply Timeless to the Weanling World Grand Championship. Nelms won 13 blue ribbons in the 2023 National Futurity and Celebration combined. He led the winning entry in both the weanling and yearling world grand championships, both winners sired by Walk Time Charlie. At the other end of the age group, Graci Jean Ware rode 18-year-old Dollar’s Silver Collector to the 11 and Under World Grand Championship. Cavender, the 2022 Three-YearOld World Grand Champion became the FourYear-Old World Grand Champion, ridden by Knox Blackburn for Bruce and Robin McDonald of Shelbyville. Saturday night spectators witnessed the premiere of the first stick horse class, drawing 133 entries and delighting the crowd. Once all the competitors were rounded up, opening ceremonies were held for the last time in 2023. The first two classes of the night brought new faces to the spotlight. Kelly Querrey and Beverly & Justus Carter Benjamin Bowen & Pam Russell Joel Johnson & boys The Voice • October 2023 44
She’s Venomous were Owner-Amateur 3 and Under Trail Pleasure World Grand Champions and Amber Zahnd aboard Gomez won the Park Pleasure World Grand Championship. Julia Callaway was also a first time Youth 12-17 World Grand Champion, riding Nevermore. Bob Adcock and Forever a Maverick were another new team in the winner’s circle as World Grand Champions, in the Amateur Four-Year-Old division. The bright future of the Tennessee Walking Horse was spotlighted in the Stars of the Future presentation, when all youth World Grand Champions had the opportunity to ride under the lights around the big oval on the final Saturday night. Included were Caroline Sells, Youth Trail Pleasure World Grand Champion, Julia Callaway, Youth 12-17 World Grand Champion, Harper Grider, Youth All Day Pleasure and Youth Country Pleasure World Grand Champions, Jack Harney, Youth Ponies World Grand Champion, Khloe Aymett McSwain, Youth Show Pleasure World Grand Champion, Piper Teague, Lead Line World Grand Champion, John Garrett Burton, Youth Equitation World Grand Champion and Graci Jean Ware, 11 and Under World Grand Champion. Each rider received a special commemorative ribbon. One of the most special presentations was the Evan Lloyd Adamson Humanitarian Award, presented to Larry Bright, long-time Celebration organist. Memories of the Celebration are tied to the music from his fingers, from “You’re a Grand Old Flag” for the opening ceremonies to “Flat Walk Boogie,” Larry’s own creation which ushers in the contenders for the World Grand Championship Stake. The class everyone had been anticipating was called into the ring, with each World Grand Champion contender introduced by name to the cheers of their fans. The stellar group of horses worked both ways of the ring before lining up for conformation judging. A second workout was called, and riders left it all on the track before lining up a second time. What almost looked like a third workout took place among top competitors as they jockeyed for position to make that last pass down the straightaway. The crowd roared its approval as crowd favorites John Allan Callaway, Casey Wright, and Link Webb left the lineup to make still another pass before high fiving each other in the lineup. When the spotlight fell on the winner, it was Justified Honors and John Allen Callaway in a unanimous selection as one of a trio of threetime World Grand Champions. Ironically, Casey Wright, who was named Reserve Champion on Jose Revival also won three world grand championships riding I Am Jose in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Callaway also made history as the first winner of four World Grand Championships in a row. Justified Honors is owned by Lisa Baum of Shelbyville, Tennessee and Jose Revival is owned by Debbie Woods. The sires of the World Grand Champion and Reserve World Grand Champion, Honors and Jose Jose respectively, were the top producers of World Grand Champions at the 2023 show, with ten each. The lights dimmed, the crowds made their way out of the grandstands, and the horses returned to the barns. Another Celebration became a memory for the 116,584 in attendance in 2023, an increase of almost 1000 from 2022. Rae Abernathy with Reese & James Abernathey Ally Jo Jacobs 45 The Voice • October 2023
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Toni White Eatonton, GA & Shelbyville, TN Carl Edwards & Sons Stables Dawson, GA OWNED BY: TRAINED BY: Owner Amateur Mare & Gelding, Canter We are excited that our World Champion, Honor My Country, had two baby stud colts born since the Celebration, one by The Dixie Lineman and the other by Jimmy Choo!!! Big thank you to Dr. Wood & all of Piedmont Equine Associates. Unanimously! World Champion & Stephanie White The Voice • October 2023 48