Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration

Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is an annual event held in Shelbyville, Tennessee, showcasing the Tennessee Walking Horse breed, known for its unique four-beat gait. The celebration features various classes and competitions, including those sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation and the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association. The event has been held annually since 1939 and attracts visitors from across the United States, including Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina. It is often attended by notable figures in the equestrian world, such as William Shatner and Queen Elizabeth II.

● History

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has a rich history, dating back to 1939 when it was first held in Shelbyville, Tennessee. The event was founded by Henry Davis, a prominent Tennessee Walking Horse breeder, and has since become one of the most prestigious events in the equestrian calendar, attracting visitors from California to New York. Over the years, the celebration has hosted numerous notable equestrian competitions, including the World Grand Championship, which has been won by horses such as Gen's Black Maverick and The Pusher C.G.. The event has also been attended by famous equestrian personalities, including George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, and Jimmy Carter.

● Description

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is a week-long event that takes place in late August and early September at the Calsonic Arena in Shelbyville, Tennessee. The celebration features a range of activities, including horse shows, parades, and live music performances by artists such as Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. The event also includes a range of vendors selling equestrian-themed merchandise, including saddles from Abington Saddlery and tack from Dover Saddlery. Visitors to the celebration can also explore the surrounding Bedford County, which is home to numerous horse farms, including Bell Farm and Waterfall Farm, and attractions such as the Jack Daniel's Distillery and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

● Classes_and_Competition

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration features a range of classes and competitions, including English pleasure, western pleasure, and trail riding classes. The event also includes classes for juvenile riders, such as the Juvenile 11 and Under class, and classes for amateur riders, such as the Amateur Owner/Rider class. The celebration is sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation and the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association, and is judged by a panel of experienced equestrian judges, including Dale Weaver and Sam Sorrell. The event has been won by numerous notable Tennessee Walking Horses, including Gen's Black Maverick and The Pusher C.G., which are owned by Celeste Parrish and Steve A. Smith.

● Judging_and_Awards

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is judged by a panel of experienced equestrian judges, who evaluate the horses based on their conformation, gaits, and performance. The judges use a range of criteria, including the horse's head carriage, tail carriage, and footing, to determine the winners of each class. The celebration awards a range of prizes, including trophies, ribbons, and cash prizes, which are sponsored by companies such as John Deere and Purina. The event also awards the prestigious World Grand Championship title, which is considered one of the highest honors in the Tennessee Walking Horse breed, and has been won by horses such as Gen's Black Maverick and The Pusher C.G., which are trained by Tracy Boyd and Bill Bobo.

● Controversies

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has been the subject of controversy in recent years, with some critics accusing the event of promoting animal cruelty and soring. Soring is a practice in which horses are subjected to pain and discomfort in order to enhance their gait, and is prohibited by the Horse Protection Act of 1970. The event has also been criticized by animal welfare organizations, including the Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which have called for greater regulation and enforcement of animal welfare laws. In response to these concerns, the event has implemented a range of measures to prevent soring and promote animal welfare, including the use of inspection teams and penalties for violators, which are enforced by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

● Venue_and_Attendance

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is held at the Calsonic Arena in Shelbyville, Tennessee, which has a seating capacity of over 30,000. The event attracts visitors from across the United States, including California, New York, and Florida, and has a significant impact on the local economy, generating millions of dollars in revenue each year. The celebration is also broadcast on television and online, allowing fans to watch the event from around the world, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The event has been attended by numerous notable figures, including William Shatner, Queen Elizabeth II, and George W. Bush, and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Category:Equestrian events in the United States