Ebony’s Mountain Man: 1980 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse

Ebony’s Mountain Man, a stallion with a rich pedigree and a career marked by determination and resilience, achieved the ultimate honor of 1980 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse. His journey to the roses was filled with challenges, triumphs, and a final performance that secured his place in Tennessee Walking Horse history.

Pedigree and Early Life

Foaled in 1967 in Etowah, Tennessee, Ebony’s Mountain Man was bred by C. E. Ingram. He was sired by the legendary Ebony Masterpiece, a Hall of Fame sire known for producing champions, and out of Mountain Gold, a mare that added strength and versatility to his lineage.

Mountain Man was started under saddle by Johnny Stephens, who showed him successfully for several years in the East Tennessee region. His early training laid the foundation for his later success.

Ownership and Early Success

After being sold by C. E. Ingram, Mountain Man passed through the hands of trainer Tommy Howell, who worked with him for eight months. Howell then sold him to Joe Tillett, who purchased the stallion as an amateur mount for his daughter, Judy Tillett Day.

Key Achievements with Judy Tillett Day

1977 Celebration: Judy and Mountain Man won the Owner-Amateur Stallion Class and were crowned Owner-Amateur World Champions.

This early success showcased Mountain Man’s talent and versatility, solidifying his reputation as a top competitor.

Setbacks and Resilience (1978–1979)

Mountain Man’s journey to the World Grand Championship was not without obstacles. Despite his natural ability and strong performances, he faced significant challenges in 1978 and 1979:

1978 Celebration: Mountain Man competed in the World Grand Championship Stake with Sammy Day as his rider. Despite a pulled tendon, he delivered an impressive performance and was named Reserve World Grand Champion, narrowly missing the top honor.
1979 Celebration: Weakened by a kidney infection, Mountain Man tied for third place in the World Grand Championship Stake.

Despite these setbacks, Mountain Man’s determination and the skill of his team kept him in contention for the coveted title.

The Championship Year: 1980

The owners, Joe Tillett and Sammy Day, decided that the 1980 Celebration would be Mountain Man’s final attempt at the World Grand Championship. Win or lose, this would be his last performance under saddle.

Preparation

In early July, Mountain Man’s shoes were put back on, and he returned to training. With a renewed focus and determination, he entered the 1980 Celebration in peak condition.

Key Performances at the 1980 Celebration

Over 15.2 Stallion Class (Section A): On Wednesday night, Sammy Day guided Mountain Man to a flawless performance, excelling in all three gaits. The pair walked away with the blue ribbon, setting the stage for the Big Stake.
World Grand Championship Stake: On Saturday night, nine exceptional horses entered the ring to compete for the roses. Mountain Man delivered a perfect performance, and when the announcer called number 834, Sammy Day and Ebony’s Mountain Man were crowned the 1980 World Grand Champions.

This victory was the culmination of years of hard work and resilience, marking the pinnacle of Mountain Man’s career.

Retirement and Legacy

Following his historic win, the owners announced that Mountain Man would never be ridden under saddle again—not even for retirement ceremonies. Instead, he would be led, a testament to his remarkable career and the respect he commanded.

Standing at Stud

After his retirement, Mountain Man stood at public stud in Shelbyville, Tennessee, passing on his exceptional lineage to future generations of Tennessee Walking Horses.

Career Highlights

1977 Owner-Amateur World Champion: Won with Judy Tillett Day in the saddle.
1978 Reserve World Grand Champion: Overcame a pulled tendon to secure the second-place title.
1980 World Grand Champion: Delivered a flawless performance to claim the roses in his final competition.

Key Takeaways

Resilience: Mountain Man’s ability to overcome injuries and health challenges speaks to his determination and the dedication of his team.
Pedigree: As a son of Ebony Masterpiece, Mountain Man carried on the legacy of one of the greatest sires in Tennessee Walking Horse history.
Historic Retirement: His owners’ decision to retire him from riding entirely after his World Grand Championship win underscores the respect and admiration he earned throughout his career.

Ebony’s Mountain Man’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and triumph. His victory at the 1980 Celebration marked the end of an extraordinary career and the beginning of a lasting legacy in the Tennessee Walking Horse world.