B. Major Wilson: 1961 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse

B. Major Wilson, a black stallion foaled in 1952, made history at the 1961 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration by becoming the first horse to win both the Amateur Stallion Class and the World Grand Championship Walking Horse Stake in the same year. Ridden and owned by Claude Brown of Morehead, Kentucky, Major Wilson’s victory was one of the most memorable and celebrated moments in Celebration history.

Pedigree and Early Life

Major Wilson was bred, foaled, raised, and trained at Claude Brown Stables in Morehead, Kentucky. His pedigree reflected a strong lineage of Tennessee Walking Horse excellence:

Sire: Midnight Major.
Dam: Lady Fly (tracing back to Giovanni bloodlines).

Claude Brown, a long-time breeder, dealer, and exhibitor of Tennessee Walking Horses, carefully developed Major Wilson’s natural talent and trained him exclusively on his farm.

Preparation for the 1961 Celebration

Unlike many competitors who show throughout the season to prepare for the Celebration, Major Wilson was not shown at all during the 1961 season. Instead, he was meticulously groomed and trained with a singular goal: to peak during Celebration week. This focused regimen paid off spectacularly, as Major Wilson delivered one of the most impressive performances in Celebration history.

Historic 1961 Celebration Performance

Major Wilson’s journey to the World Grand Championship began with his victory in the Amateur-Owned and Exhibited Stallions Class on Tuesday night. This win qualified him for the Grand Championship Walking Horse Stake, where he faced one of the toughest and longest classes in Celebration history.

Key Achievements

First Amateur Horse to Win Both Amateur Class and Grand Championship:
- Major Wilson was the first horse to win in the amateur division and then return to claim the ultimate title of World Grand Champion.
Oldest Stallion to Win the Grand Championship:
- At nine years old, Major Wilson became the oldest stallion to win the Celebration’s top honor.
Second Amateur Rider to Win the Grand Championship:
- Claude Brown became only the second amateur owner-rider to win the big stake, following Colonel J. L. Haynes, who rode Haynes Peacock to victory in 1940 and 1941.

The decision to award Major Wilson the championship was met with thunderous applause from the thousands of spectators in attendance. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, who was present at the Celebration, placed the floral horseshoe on Major Wilson’s neck, marking a moment of national recognition for the breed.

Claude Brown and Major Wilson: A Winning Team

Claude Brown and Major Wilson had a long history of success in the show ring, particularly in the amateur division. The pair had been fan favorites for years, earning top honors at the Celebration and other major events:

1957: Fifth in the Grand Championship Walking Horse Stake.
1958: Third in the Grand Championship Walking Horse Stake.
1959: Sixth in the Grand Championship Walking Horse Stake.
1960: Crowned Amateur Champions at the Celebration.

Their victory in 1961 cemented their legacy as one of the greatest amateur horse-and-rider teams in Tennessee Walking Horse history.

Retirement and Legacy

Immediately after the 1961 Celebration, Claude Brown announced Major Wilson’s retirement from competition, stating that the stallion would only appear in exhibitions going forward. This decision preserved Major Wilson’s legacy as a champion and ensured that his final competitive performance would be remembered as one of the greatest in Celebration history.

Significance in Celebration History

Major Wilson was heralded as the greatest amateur-trained and exhibited Tennessee Walking Horse ever to compete at the Celebration.
His victory was a milestone for amateur riders, showcasing that dedication and skill could triumph over professional trainers in the sport’s most prestigious event.

Impact on the Tennessee Walking Horse Breed

Major Wilson’s historic win in 1961 inspired a new wave of amateur riders and owners to compete at the highest levels of Tennessee Walking Horse competition. His story demonstrated that with passion, preparation, and perseverance, amateur horsemen could achieve greatness in a field often dominated by professionals.

Major Wilson’s legacy lives on as a symbol of excellence, determination, and the enduring bond between a horse and its rider.