Remembering Trip My Trigger: A Champion with a Legacy of Excellence

Remembering Trip My Trigger: A Champion Palomino with a Legacy of Excellence

Written by: Tommy Williams
email:tommywhc@aol.com
931-492-2825
WHC Publisher-Williams Media Entertainment

The equestrian world mourns the loss of a true legend, Trip My Trigger, who passed away at the age of 33 on January 19, 2025. Known for his stunning palomino coat and an extraordinary career in the show ring, Trip My Trigger left an indelible mark on the industry and in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him.

Born as Stardust’s Diamond, Trip My Trigger was sired by One Golden Moment and out of a mare named A Gen & Tonic. He was bred and raised by Harold Brown of Fort Worth, Texas, before beginning a career that would see him transform into one of the most celebrated horses of his time. In an era when palominos were a rare sight in the ring, his striking appearance and magnetic presence made him an instant sensation.

During his two-year-old season, Trip My Trigger began to show his promise, competing in both open and amateur divisions and collecting five blue ribbons. It wasn’t long before he caught the eye of Jo Ann Dowell, who purchased him for her daughter, Sue Ann Dowell. Together with Sue Ann, Trip My Trigger embarked on a journey that would solidify his place in history.

Under the expert guidance of Billy and Tim Gray at Sand Creek Farm, Sue Ann and Trip My Trigger formed an unbeatable duo. Over the course of four years, they claimed an impressive 14 wins, dazzling crowds with their chemistry and flair. In 1995, they achieved their first major triumphs, winning both the O/A Three-Year-Old Stallions World Championship and the O/A Three-Year-Old World Grand Championship. The following year, they successfully defended their title in the O/A Four-Year-Old Stallions World Championship.

As they advanced into the Amateur division in 1997, the accolades kept coming. That year, they secured victories in the O/A Stallions division and claimed the prestigious O/A World Grand Championship title. By this time, Trip My Trigger had become a household name among equestrian enthusiasts, admired not only for his talent but also for his personality and charm.

After a few more appearances in 1998, it was decided that Trip My Trigger had earned his retirement. He moved to Fantasy Farm under the care of Beverly Burgess, where he transitioned into a successful career as a breeding stallion. Loved and pampered in his golden years, he spent the remainder of his life surrounded by those who cherished him deeply.

Trip My Trigger’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on through his offspring and the memories he created in the ring. His unique combination of athleticism, charisma, and dazzling good looks made him a once-in-a-lifetime horse who captured the hearts of all who saw him perform.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Sue Ann Dowell, Beverly Burgess, Dr. Krista Gillam, and everyone who had the honor of working with or knowing this remarkable horse. Trip My Trigger may have left this world, but his spirit will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in peace, champion—you will be missed but never forgotten



USDA Postpones Final Rule on Horse Protection Act: A Win for Fairness and Transparency in the Equine Industry

USDA Postpones Final Rule on Horse Protection Act: A Win for Fairness and Transparency in the Equine Industry

In a significant development for the equine community, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced the postponement of a final rule amending the Horse Protection Act (HPA). This decision has been met with praise from House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), who has been a vocal advocate for ensuring fair and consistent enforcement of the HPA.
Chairman Comer released a statement on January 24, 2025, applauding USDA’s decision, calling it “a victory for horse breeders, owners, and trainers nationwide.” The move comes after a series of allegations and concerns over the USDA’s enforcement practices under the Biden Administration, which prompted an investigation by the Oversight Committee during the 118th Congress.
The Horse Protection Act, enacted in 1970, was designed to eliminate the cruel practice of soring—deliberately injuring horses’ legs or hooves to achieve an exaggerated gait in competitions. While the law aims to protect horses from harm, its implementation and enforcement have long been points of contention within the equine industry. Critics have raised concerns about arbitrary enforcement, lack of due process, and inconsistent application of regulations.
In 2024, these concerns came to a head when the Oversight Committee received allegations that the Assistant Director of USDA’s APHIS had issued new competition inspection requirements just hours before a horse show. This lack of notice left organizers and participants scrambling to comply, raising questions about USDA’s transparency and operational efficiency.
Chairman Comer responded by initiating an investigation into USDA’s enforcement practices. The Oversight Committee sought documents and information to better understand APHIS’s role in implementing the HPA. Additionally, Comer issued a subpoena to a key USDA official to probe deeper into allegations of arbitrary enforcement and retribution against horse trainers.
Despite repeated requests for information, the Biden Administration’s USDA provided only limited responses to the Oversight Committee’s inquiries. This lack of transparency further fueled concerns about the agency’s accountability and decision-making processes. Chairman Comer criticized USDA’s actions, stating that safeguarding the integrity of the HPA’s enforcement is critical for maintaining trust within the equine community.
In August 2024, Comer escalated his efforts by calling on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to review USDA’s policies and practices related to HPA implementation. The Oversight Committee emphasized the importance of ensuring that enforcement is not only consistent but also conducted within the bounds of legal authority.
The recent postponement of the final rule marks a turning point in this ongoing debate. Chairman Comer has expressed optimism that this decision will provide an opportunity for new leadership under the incoming Trump Administration to revisit and potentially abolish the controversial rule. In a letter dated January 16, 2025, Comer urged the Trump-Vance Transition Team to prioritize reforming USDA’s approach to HPA enforcement.
The equine industry has welcomed this development as a chance to restore balance and fairness. Breeders, trainers, and owners have long advocated for regulations that protect horses without imposing undue burdens or creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. The postponement signals a willingness to address these concerns and work toward a more transparent regulatory framework.
As the Trump Administration prepares to take office, all eyes will be on USDA’s new leadership to see how they handle this contentious issue. Chairman Comer has made it clear that the Oversight Committee will continue monitoring USDA’s actions to ensure accountability and transparency.
The equine community remains hopeful that future regulations will strike a balance between protecting horses from harm and respecting the rights of breeders, trainers, and owners. The postponement of the final rule provides a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate on solutions that uphold both animal welfare and industry integrity.
The USDA’s decision to postpone its final rule on the Horse Protection Act represents a critical moment for the equine industry. By addressing concerns over arbitrary enforcement and lack of transparency, this action paves the way for meaningful reform. Chairman Comer’s steadfast commitment to oversight and fairness has been instrumental in bringing these issues to light.
As this story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of government accountability and stakeholder engagement in shaping policies that impact industries nationwide. For now, horse breeders, trainers, and owners can take solace in knowing that their voices are being heard—and that steps are being taken to ensure a fairer future for all involved in the equine community.



USDA postpones final rule to amend HPA regulations for 60 days

USDA postpones final rule to amend HPA regulations for 60 days
Friday, January 24, 2025

On January 23, 2025, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will temporarily postpone its final rule to amend the Horse Protection Act (HPA) regulations for 60 days from February 1, 2025 to April 2, 2025. APHIS published the final rule (89 FR 39194-39251) amending the horse protection regulations to provide, among other provisions, that the Agency will screen, train, and authorize qualified persons for appointment by the management of any horse show, horse exhibition, or horse sale or auction to detect and diagnose soring at such events for the purposes of enforcing the HPA.  With the exception of § 11.19, which went into effect on June 7, 2024 and authorized the training of horse protection inspectors, the remainder of the rule was scheduled to go into effect on February 1, 2025.

APHIS will issue guidance to stakeholders for the upcoming horse show season in light of the postponement of the new rule.

The HPA is a federal law that prohibits sored horses from participating in shows, exhibitions, sales or auctions. The HPA also prohibits the transportation of sored horses to or from any of these events.



Judge denies motion to change venue and HSUS intervention

Judge denies motion to change venue and HSUS intervention

United States District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk issued a decision denying the United States Department of Agriculture motion to change venue from the Amarillo division to the Dallas division. The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration and Tennessee Walking Horse owners Kimberly Lewis and Tom Gould filed a lawsuit challenging the Horse Protection rule that is set to go into effect February 1st .

In addition, Judge Kacsmaryk denied the Humane Society of the United States’ (HSUS) motion to intervene. Judge Kacsmaryk’s rationale for denying the motion to intervene relied largely on the arguments in the industry’s briefs filed by the lawyers at Torridon Law. In both orders, Judge Kacsmaryk acknowledged the new rule is set to take effect February 1, 2025.

A decision on the industry’s challenge to the new rule is expected from Judge Kacsmaryk prior to the February 1st effective date.



If the USDA turns your horse down, after it’s been passed by the HIO, should you be refunded the inspection fee by the HIO?

If the USDA turns your horse down, after it's been passed by the HIO, should you be refunded the inspection fee by the HIO?

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American Horse Council formally requests USDA delay new HPA Regulations

 

EIS-Featured

American Horse Council formally requests USDA delay new HPA Regulations

Jan 11, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Julie Broadway, President of the American Horse Council, released the following statement on the pending implementation of the revised Horse Protection Act (HPA) regulation:

 

“The American Horse Council (AHC) has formally requested that the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) delay the implementation of the revised Horse Protection Act regulation for 60 days. The AHC finds the agency is not ready to implement and/or enforce the revised regulation in a fair and consistent manner. The regulation is currently scheduled for implementation on February 1, 2025.”

It is unfortunate that we must ask for this 60-day delay. The AHC and its member organizations have long supported the development and implementation of strong regulations to protect the health and welfare of horses that are vulnerable to the illegal practice of soring. We stand firmly in that position. However, as a result of consultations with USDA-APHIS that formally began in May 2024, after the final regulation was published, and recent correspondence on January 3, 2025, we remain convinced that clarity, accessibility, resources, guidance, and training—all the elements required for a successful implementation of the revised regulation—are lacking in the agency.

The process of the regulation’s implementation falls short of what the equine industry very much needs and deserves from the USDA-APHIS.

To date, the USDA-APHIS has still not addressed big-picture, fundamental concerns on how the regulation applies to certain disciplines, or how event managers will submit the required notifications and reports, and it has not disclosed details on the availability and training of inspectors. Inspector training needs to be institutionalized with comprehensive and well-structured training materials to ensure staff interpretations of the regulation are guided by clear definitions and standard operating procedures, removing subjectivity and providing continuity of enforcement standards and procedures. We are especially concerned with the seemingly substitute of “hands-on” training to online instruction.

Without answers to these questions, the equine community is attempting to figure it out on our own. We are left with crossing our fingers and hoping our inventory of horseshoes will be our lucky charms to avoid noncompliance or a violation and result in penalties and fines.

By setting clearer guidelines, publishing understandable and accessible guidance documents, and offering informational briefings, the USDA-APHIS can empower the industry with the tools it needs for compliance and a sense of confidence.

Instead, we are currently navigating an environment where the lack of clear information presents opportunities for individuals and organizations to purposely take advantage of the weaknesses of a vague and complex implementation process to potentially undermine the regulation and its foundational law.

The AHC is in full support of the protections afforded by the HPA.

The AHC is committed to working with the agency to improve the implementation of this regulation to address specific cases of soring. In that spirit, we recommend the USDA-APHIS do the following to:

  • Postpone enforcement of the regulation EXCEPT for the provisions banning devices on Tennessee Walking Horses and racking horses. These breeds, which historically have been subjected to soring, are the focal point of the regulation. The prohibited action devices, artificial extension of toe length, pads, wedges, and lubricants  on the limbs or feet of Tennessee Walking Horses and racking horses (with exceptions for approved therapeutic uses of artificial extension of toe length, pads, wedges, and substances) have direct consequences for the health and welfare of these breeds.
  • Encourage voluntary compliance with the other provisions of the regulation to allow for a test run for data collection, training, and communication.
  • Organize additional meetings for public engagement, such as webinars with sufficient time for questions and answers, videos on the inspection process, and workshops.
  • Consult with breed and discipline organizations to develop a thorough understanding of the events that the agency intends to cover.
  • Publish a robust and timely FAQ resource.
  • Create an online reporting portal.

The AHC has a long and successful history of working with the equine industry and amateur community on the implementation of numerous regulations. Typically, the biggest challenge is educating those who are wholly unfamiliar with their new compliance obligations. We are committed to similarly educating the agency and working toward a desired outcome.”

The American Horse Council (AHC) is a U.S. advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C., that represents individual members, small businesses, and more than 130 equine organizations before Congress and the federal regulatory agencies. AHC member organizations include breed registries, national and state equine associations, state horse councils, recreational associations, and organizations representing racetracks, equestrians, horse shows, veterinarians, farriers, rodeos, and other equine-related stakeholders.



A TWH INDUSTRY update published by TWHNC’s Jeffrey Howard

An update to end 2024
Thursday, December 19, 2024

by Jeffrey Howard

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season. It is a perfect time to spend with our families, friends and loved ones when we can relax and break from the pressures and anxieties that are a part of our daily lives.

The Tennessee Walking Horse industry experienced an interesting 2024, to say the least, but 2025 promises to be even more interesting. There are attempts by USDA to change the rules and amend the HPA regulations, and industry lawsuits challenging the validity and constitutionality of those changes.

What I expect 2025 to be is the year that our industry puts its best foot forward and finally reaches some of the clarity this industry has so desperately sought for over 20 years. Our horse deserves it first, but secondly, our owners, exhibitors and trainers deserve to be able to show their horses they so emphatically love.
But before we get to 2025, I wanted to update you on several outstanding matters facing the industry. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and the detail can be found in previous stories and filings by attorneys on both sides.

Rulemaking Challenge in Texas
The lawsuit filed by The Celebration and owners Kim Lewis and Tom Gould is on track for a decision from the judge prior to the February 1, 2025 effective date. The Walking Horse Trainers’ Association and Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association are not named plaintiffs, but have been a part of the process from the very beginning and are in 100% support of the arguments made in the industry’s lawsuit.
The court has not ruled on the change of venue sought by USDA, nor the HSUS motion to intervene. Given the timing of the overall briefing schedule, the expectation is the case will stay in Amarillo and the HSUS will not be allowed to intervene.

The industry has filed its final reply brief in the case. That was filed December 9, 2024. The USDA has their final reply brief to file by December 20, 2024. The industry’s attorneys have asked for oral arguments in January, but the expectation is the judge will rule prior to February 1st whether those oral arguments are granted or not.
A final reminder, no injunction was sought due to the agreed upon briefing schedule by industry and USDA attorneys that allows for a final ruling prior to February 1, 2025. If the industry prevails in the lawsuit and is successful in all its challenges, the rule will not go into effect and the same rules that governed the 2024 season would be in effect for 2025.

Wright Challenge in Tennessee
The lawsuit brought by Michael, Casey and Josh Wright in Jackson, Tennessee, was a challenge to the current enforcement of the HPA in regards to the scar rule and post-show inflammation. The lawsuit also seeks relief from the lack of due process to owners, trainers and exhibitors under the current enforcement scheme.

The USDA filed a motion to dismiss in the case and that led to an amended complaint by the Wright’s, but at this time the motion to dismiss is fully briefed and we are awaiting a decision by the judge. The USDA’s motion to dismiss was not to dismiss the entire case, but rather that the relief be provided only to the Wright’s and not the entire industry. The lawyers representing the Wright’s, Torridon Law, who also is handling the rulemaking challenge, disagreed with the position of the USDA and opposed in its briefings.

A timeline for a final decision in the case is hard to predict, but assuming a decision on the motion to dismiss comes in January, the most likely conclusion timeline for the case would be mid-summer. We will all be hearing a lot more about this case in 2025 and once the rulemaking challenge is behind us.

House Oversight subpoena of Dr. Aaron Rhyner

House Oversight Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY) issued a subpoena for Dr. Aaron Rhyner with APHIS to appear for a transcribed interview under oath on December 9, 2024. The USDA did not want to make Dr. Rhyner available for this transcribed interview and was willing to fight the subpoena. The committee agreed with the USDA’s request to make Dr. Rhyner available for a briefing on December 14, 2024. This briefing and change in plans does not revoke the subpoena and the committee will consider all the information gained in the briefing and follow up information received when deciding if and when to bring Dr. Rhyner in under the subpoena.
The briefing centered around the email sent by Dr. Rhyner during this year’s Trainers’ Show changing the policies of USDA, specifically the application of the scar rule. Even though attorneys from the Department of Justice representing the USDA have claimed the email was not a change in policy, Dr. Rhyner did agree the change in scar rule application was a policy change for USDA during the briefing.

Another clarification gained from the briefing is that all previous policies, procedures, guidance, etc., sent by USDA are no longer applicable. That would include the 2010 points of emphasis which changed the USDA policy that a horse disqualified in one class was disqualified for the remainder of the show, among other changes.

Fundraising

This is the topic we all hate to discuss, but it is extremely important. The industry has done a fantastic job raising money, and basically everyone has contributed something. There was the $200,000 from FAST left in the legal fund from previous fundraising, to $100,000 donated from each of the Celebration, WHTA and TWHBEA. Private donations have come in excess of $750,000 and have included multiple six-figure donations by industry supporters. The horse and exhibitor cards, both at $100, have raised over $350,000 and will be in place again in 2025.

The industry must continue to raise money, and I urge each of you to consider donating what you can and remember no donation is too small (or large!). This is a fight to save our show horse and to protect the rights you have as owners, trainers and exhibitors that each of you have experienced at one time or another have been trampled.

Please feel free to reach out to board members of Celebration, FAST, WHTA or TWHBEA to learn of all the ways you can help.

OIG Investigation of APHIS

After this year’s Celebration and at the request of House Oversight and House Agriculture committees, USDA’s Office of Inspector General opened an investigation into the actions of APHIS and the potential retaliatory actions of VMOs in the field and the previous mentioned email by Dr. Rhyner during the middle of a horse show changing the rules. The results of this are unknown at this time and it could be upwards of a year before we see a report, but it is not insignificant that the Inspector General is investigation the department.

I hope the above helps with just providing some clarity as we end the year and look forward to what promises to be an industry-altering 2025. Please rest assured that the major organizations in the industry are aligned, working together and seeking the same results. I participate in meetings with representatives from all of the organizations and the mutual respect and goals for our horse are encouraging.

I leave you with this, there have been some dark days and times of tremendous frustration over my last 20 years. There have been times that I felt hopeless and wondered what the future held. At this year’s Celebration, the actions of the USDA were at a level that I had not witnessed before. The USDA has literally taken a position that riding our horse is soring it if anything happens to the horse in the ring. Just stop and let that sink in.

Although I can’t guarantee we win, or that the judges rule in our favor, I can tell you our position is strong. And I speak for only me when I tell you that I am as optimistic as I have ever been about the future of our show horse and our industry.

Happy New Year and I wish nothing but the best for all of you, your families and your horses!



WHOA announces 2025 election results

WHOA announces 2025 election results
Thursday, January 9, 2025

 

The Walking Horse Owners’ Association is proud to announce the following candidates were elected to the WHOA Board of Directors by the WHOA Membership.

2025 WHOA President – Amy Cross Nance – TN

Martha Child – Tennessee

Leslie Collins – Kentucky

Jessica Mast – Tennessee

Maggie Moore – Tennessee

Peggy Moore – Tennessee

Susan Paul – Tennessee

Woody Woodruff – Tennessee

Amanda Wright – Tennessee



American Horse Council alerts event managers.

Horse Protection Act Revisions Taking Effect

AHC reminds competition managers of requirements that begin February 1

Last October, the American Horse Council (AHC) released an advisory to inform the industry of important changes to the Horse Protection Act (HPA). Here is a look back at the requirements that will go into effect at equine competitions starting next month. (Note: Background on the HPA can be found at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/hpa.)

As a general reminder, the HPA covers all equine breeds and disciplines to eliminate the practice of soring horses. The AHC and other industry stakeholders have engaged in numerous meetings with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) to obtain clarifications and details on the new revisions to the HPA Rule.

NEW REQUIREMENTS EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2025

As of February 1, show and event managers will be required to:

  1. Provide notice to APHIS at least 30 days in advance of the event via mail or email
  2. Provide any event updates 15 days in advance of the event
  3. Report any violations of the Horse Protection Act within five days post-event

Be aware that the new rule defines a “horse show” as “a public display of any horses in competition except where speed is the prime factor, rodeo events, parades or trail rides.”

One of the key changes to the rule is that the USDA will be responsible for training Horse Protection Inspectors which will be licensed veterinarians or individuals with extensive equine experience with a governmental agency. These will be the individuals performing inspections at events. A video of the inspection process is on the website. Historically, the USDA has inspected fewer than 50 events nationally per year.

All event managers should be prepared for potential USDA inspectors onsite. It is important to note that horse show managers are liable for any HPA violations found at their show if they choose not to hire an inspector.

The USDA has notified AHC that new guidance documents and further information will be posted to the Horse Protection Act Website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/hpa. At this time, AHC does not know a timeline for when additional USDA guidance resources will be available. Individuals with questions regarding revisions to the HPA are encouraged to email horseprotection@usda.gov and info@horsecouncil.org with the subject line “HPA Question”. This will ensure AHC stays informed and can follow up on questions/answers.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN HORSE COUNCIL

As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities.



Obituary: Keith Lynn Reed

Keith Lynn Reed Profile Photo

Keith Lynn Reed

May 3, 1971 — January 6, 2025

Readyville, Tennessee

Mr. Keith Lynn Reed, 53, of Readyville, Tennessee passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025. One of the last of the old traditionals, Keith was born at Good Samaritan Hospital in Woodbury, Tennessee on Monday, May 3, 1971. His family goes far back into Cannon County history, and it doesn’t take that many generations to get there. His grandparents, Clifton and Ruby Turney, owned a house on the original Statesville highway, and from the genealogy to the traditions, Keith was deeply engrained in Cannon County.

It was more than a place. It was his home. Born and raised here, Keith took up with one of the great traditions in Cannon County getting swept up with horses. As a child, he became interested in horses, and he even elected to live with his grandparents, Ernest and Irma Reed, just to be closer to the horses and learning all he could. His fascination only grew when Carlton Pitts started him off working horses on Locke Creek. From there, Keith’s success skipped the walking and went straight into a run.

From 1985-2024, Keith rode, trained, and showed horses. He placed on the State and World Championship levels with the horses he showed, and Tennessee Walking Horses were his specialty. He broke, trained, and rode horses in the Celebration and had countless accolades to his name. Just listing them all off would probably end up being a 20-minute conversation. However, Keith liked to keep the pot stirred, and one time, he competed with a horse from a Spotted Saddle bloodline that wasn’t spotted. If that wasn’t enough to rile up the horse crowd, Keith went on to win with that horse in the Spotted Saddle Division.

That carefree and fun-loving personality attracted people to him, and he had a group of about 11 or 12 friends that he would get together with to go trail riding. He could cut up, kid around, and pick at you with the best of them. He, Jerry Melton, and Russell Duggin decided to keep the good times rolling with several consecutive trips to the Biltmore year after year. They all had an interest in history outside of horses, and that drew Keith back close to his Cannon County roots.

Keith took a keen interest in family lineage and old possessions. He collected antiques, and since he enjoyed farming hay for his horses, John Deere memorabilia rated toward the top of his list of antiques to have. Yet, there was one more interest Keith shared with his grandfather Ernest, and it led him to follow Ernest’s footsteps all the more closely.

Having a soft heart for children, Keith found himself surrounded by kindred spirits becoming a Custodian with the Rutherford County School System. During his almost 30 years working there, the majority of his time was spent at Oakland School, but in recent years, he was transferred to Central Magnet. Being around kids and seeing them chase their dreams just like he had brought Keith a sense of peace and joy in life. They also didn’t mind sharing a joke or two and didn’t take themselves so seriously.

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Keith had the faith of a child and didn’t let himself grow up so much that he took things too seriously. Horses, history, having a good time, and helping others summed up his life, but he kept on dreaming and aimed to do so much more with his life than just live. For 53 years, he thrived in his place on this earth, but the most important Hs in how he lived his life were heart and home.

Preceding him in death were his father, Melvin Gail Reed; and grandparents Ernest and Irma Reed and Clifton and Ruby Turney. He is survived by his mother, Annette Turney Reed; brothers, Marlin Reed and James (Christy) Reed; nieces and nephews, Miguel Espinosa, Annie Grace Reed, and Isabella Claire Reed; and countless friends he has met over the years through the Tennessee Walking Horse Association and Rutherford County School System.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 11 am in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Interment will be in Riverside Garden.

A scholarship has been established in Keith’s memory for those who would like to honor his legacy by contributing to provide educational opportunities for individuals in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. Please make checks payable to the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders Foundation and note that it’s for the Keith Reed Scholarship. Your donations can be dropped off at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home or mailed to:

Keith Reed Scholarship

c/o TWHBEA

PO Box 28

Lewisburg, TN 37091

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Keith Lynn Reed, please visit our flower store.