Best in Show Awards: Walking In The Smokies (April 3–5, 2025)
Location: Smoky Mountain Arena, Sevierville, Tennessee 38
Judges: Mike Hilley, Jamie Lawrence, David Sisk 1
Best in Show Horse
MACH I
- Owned & Ridden by: Taylor Walters (Molly Walters Family)
- Sire: JOSE JOSE
- Achievements:
- 1st Place in Amateur Stallions [Amateur Specialty].
- 1st Place in Amateur Specialty Championship [Amateur Specialty].
- World Champion (2021), demonstrating sustained excellence.
- Why? A standout performer with dual wins in competitive amateur divisions and a legacy title.
Honorable Mentions:
- COLLUSION (Sire: WALK TIME CHARLIE): Won Park Performance Amateur and placed in multiple classes [Park Performance Five & Under].
- CALI CALIENTE (Sire: LINED WITH CASH): Dominated All Day Pleasure classes, including the championship [All Day Pleasure Amateur Championship].
Best in Show Rider
Sister Milligan
- Key Wins:
- 1st Place in Amateur Two Year Old Mares/Geldings with HOLYMOLY.
- 1st Place in Amateur Park Performance with COLLUSION.
- 1st Place in Amateur Ponies with SLIM AND HOT (Sire: HES SLIM SHADY).
- Versatility: Competed across five categories, securing wins in both performance and pleasure divisions.
Honorable Mentions:
- Drew Graves: Won Open Four Year Old Stallions (GOD BLESS TEXAS!) and Show Pleasure Five & Under (CENTS ON THE DOLLAR).
- Ally Jo Jacobs: Youth standout with wins in Youth Ponies (MR TRUE BLUE) and Youth Championship (I SANG DIXIE).
Best in Show Owner
Milligan/Joseph
- Top Performers:
- COLLUSION: Won Park Performance Amateur and placed in Park Performance.
- HES HOT: Won Amateur 15.2 & Under.
- Consistency: Horses placed in six classes, showcasing depth in both amateur and open divisions.
Honorable Mentions:
- Barron Witherspoon: Owned SHES SALSARITA (1st in Amateur Mares/Geldings) and GINS SHADOW (4th in Amateur 50 & Over).
- Janson Patterson: Owned BLUE MAMBA (2nd in All Day Pleasure Championship) and JOSES JACKPOT (2nd in Park Performance Five & Under).
Key Trends & Sire Highlights
- JOSE JOSE and HONORS dominated pedigrees, with offspring winning 15+ classes.
- WALK TIME CHARLIE progeny excelled in trail and park pleasure, including NACHO BUSINESS (1st in Country Pleasure).
- Youth Success: Ally Jo Jacobs and Shane Porterfield stood out, reflecting the event’s emphasis on developing young talent.
Event Impact: The show highlighted Sevierville’s role as a hub for Tennessee Walking Horse competitions, with strong community ties to charities like the Isaiah House
