Coin’s Hard Cash: The 1987 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse

Coin’s Hard Cash: The 1987 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse

Coin’s Hard Cash, the 1987 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse, is remembered as one of the most iconic stallions in the breed’s history. His remarkable pedigree, competitive spirit, and flawless performances made him a standout in the Tennessee Walking Horse community.

Pedigree and Early Life

Born on the historic Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee, Coin’s Hard Cash (#825783) was the product of a carefully planned lineage. His bloodline traced back to the legendary Pride of Midnight H.F. and ultimately to Midnight Sun, ensuring a foundation of excellence. Raised in the picturesque surroundings of Harlinsdale, Hard Cash displayed early promise as a future champion.

As a yearling, he was purchased by Reese and Steve Smith and Bill Freeman, also of Franklin. In May of his two-year-old season, his potential caught the attention of Larry and Gary Edwards, who helped facilitate his sale to Herb Murrath of Atlanta, Georgia. Under Murrath’s ownership, Coin’s Hard Cash began his ascent to stardom.

Early Career and Rising Success

Coin’s Hard Cash made his debut at the Montgomery Southern Championships as a two-year-old, where he immediately created a stir by winning both the Two-Year-Old Stallions Class and the Two-Year-Old Stake. This early success set the tone for his career, as he continued to dominate in subsequent years.

In 1985, he was crowned Three-Year-Old World Grand Champion and was named the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association “Three-Year-Old Horse of the Year.” The following year, in 1986, he earned the Four-Year-Old World Grand Championship and again received the “Four-Year-Old Horse of the Year” title.

The 1987 World Grand Championship

The pinnacle of Coin’s Hard Cash’s career came on the evening of September 5, 1987, during the 49th annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville, Tennessee. By this time, he was owned by Bonnie Cady of Atlanta, who had purchased him in June of that year.

The road to the championship was not without drama. During the Big Stake class, Coin’s Hard Cash threw a shoe on his right front foot. With only six seconds left on the allowed ten-minute clock, farrier Louie Staton successfully replaced the shoe, allowing the stallion to continue competing.

Back in the ring, Coin’s Hard Cash delivered a stellar performance, showcasing his signature bold style and energy. Competing against 13 other champions, he left no doubt in the minds of the judges, who awarded him the World Grand Championship title by unanimous decision. This victory followed his earlier win in the Aged Stallions Over 15.2 division, where he had already defeated much of his competition.

Legacy and Retirement

The 1987 World Grand Championship marked a milestone for trainers Larry and Gary Edwards, as it was their first horse to win this prestigious honor. It also created a family legacy, as their late father, Carl Edwards, had won the World Grand Championship in 1950 aboard Old Glory’s Big Man.

Following his historic victory, Coin’s Hard Cash was retired from the show ring, fulfilling plans made by Ms. Cady to stand him at stud at her farm, The Horse Hub (formerly Long Leaf Farm), in the Wheel community. His retirement ensured that his legacy would live on through his progeny, passing on his exceptional traits to future generations of Tennessee Walking Horses.

A Champion Remembered

Coin’s Hard Cash’s career exemplifies the power of careful breeding, expert training, and a horse’s innate brilliance. His journey from a promising colt to a celebrated champion is a testament to the dedication and passion of everyone involved in his life. His 1987 World Grand Championship victory remains an enduring moment in the history of Tennessee Walking Horses, and his legacy continues to influence the breed today.