UMO student Carson Adams enjoys horsin’ around
Horses are a way of life for Carson and his family. They have been breeding, training, and showing Tennessee Walking Horses since 1980, and Carson’s father has been a successful horseman for many years.
“Horses are more than just a hobby to me, they’re a lifestyle and a passion that I’ve been engrossed in since elementary school,” Carson explains. “I started riding at the young age of five, but I knew I had to put in consistent effort to improve my craft when I was nine. Through dedication and hard work, I’ve been able to achieve multiple World Championship wins and earn the title of Juvenile Horseman of The Year in North and South Carolina in 2017.”
Carson’s love for Tennessee Walking Horses is evident in his admiration for the breed’s unique characteristics. According to Carson, no other breed of horse has the same level of pride and grace as the walking horses, and he loves the challenge of training and riding the majestic creatures. He has shown several horses over the years, including Big Blue Nation, The Dixie Label, Rocky Mountain Sky, Ecstatic, Major Justice, and I’m Rick James. Of these, The Dixie Label and Major Justice are the two horses with which he has won World Championships.
Despite the many challenges that come with training and showing horses, Carson remains dedicated to his passion. Even when faced with obstacles, he pushes through, showing his strong work ethic. “I don’t let the negative portrayals of the Tennessee Walking Horse by some organizations get to me,” said Carson. “Instead, I focus my energy and efforts on promoting the proper care and well-being of these horses in the performance world.”
Carson is a junior Agribusiness Management major from Goldsboro. He plans to continue his work with Tennessee Walking Horses during and after his time at the University of Mount Olive.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University is sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.