2025 Christmas In July Horse Show Judges Announced: Chris Bobo, Derek Bonner, and Brent Grider Bring Celebration Expertise

 

The Christmas In July Horse Show, set for June 26–28, 2025, at the Bedford County Agriculture Center in Shelbyville, Tennessee, has unveiled its judging panel for this year’s event. Celebrated Tennessee Walking Horse judges Chris Bobo, Derek Bonner, and Brent Grider—all with deep ties to the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC)—will adjudicate the competition. Here’s a closer look at their distinguished careers and connections to the industry’s premier events:

Judges’ Profiles and Celebration History

  1. Derek Bonner (Mooresboro, NC)
    • A four-time Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration judge (2013, 2015, 2021, 2023) 14.
    • Also judged the TWHNC Spring Fun Show in 2014 and 2022, as well as the 2022 Walking in the Smokies and FAST Spring Showcase 34.
    • A seasoned trainer and farrier, Bonner has trained nine world champions and co-founded Bonner Stables in 1988 1.
  2. Chris Bobo
    • Judged the 83rd Annual Celebration in 2021 alongside Bonner and Grider, overseeing the crowning of the World Grand Champion 6.
    • Previously judged the TWHBEA National Futurity in 2021, a key event for young horses 2.
    • Known for his expertise in evaluating performance and flat-shod divisions 6.
  3. Brent Grider
    • A veteran judge at major shows, including the 2012 TWHNC and the National Trainers’ Show 8.
    • Part of the 2021 Celebration panel and a frequent judge at events like the Kentucky Celebration and Alabama Jubilee 68.
    • Brings a focus on technical precision, particularly in gait quality and breed standards 6.

Collective Experience and Significance

This trio has previously collaborated at high-profile events, including the 2021 TWHNC and prior editions of the Christmas In July Horse Show, where their combined expertise ensured fair and competitive evaluations 36. Their selection underscores the show’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and prestige of Tennessee Walking Horse competitions.

Event Details

  • Dates: June 26–28, 2025
  • Location: Bedford County Agriculture Center, Shelbyville, TN
  • Contact: Carol Missildine, 919-437-6597

For exhibitors and fans, the Christmas In July Horse Show serves as a midseason highlight, offering a platform for both emerging talents and established champions. The judges’ extensive Celebration backgrounds ensure alignment with the sport’s highest standards 38.

Legacy of Excellence

The Christmas In July Horse Show continues a tradition of recruiting judges with deep roots in the TWHNC, a strategy that reinforces its reputation as a cornerstone of the walking horse circuit. Bonner, Bobo, and Grider exemplify the blend of experience, passion, and technical acuity that defines the industry’s elite adjudicators.