Flashy Pride: The Journey of a World Grand Champion

**Flashy Pride: The Journey of a World Grand Champion**

The Tennessee Walking Horse industry is built on a foundation of impeccable breeding, skilled training, and the tireless dedication of owners, trainers, and horses alike. Among its most celebrated champions is Flashy Pride, a chestnut stallion whose journey to the pinnacle of success exemplifies the harmonious synergy between horse and human. Crowned World Grand Champion at the 1991 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, Flashy Pride’s story is one of perseverance, teamwork, and excellence.

### The Early Years: A Promising Start

Foaled in 1978, Flashy Pride was bred to excel. Sired by Pride’s Delight and out of Merry Image B, his lineage promised natural talent and showmanship. Born in Columbia, Kentucky, under the ownership of Coy Downey, the young stallion’s potential was evident from the start. By 1980, during the International in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Flashy caught the discerning eye of trainer Bud Seaton of Milton, Tennessee. Recognizing his potential, Seaton acquired Flashy for clients Donn and Sandi Perry.

Under Seaton’s guidance, Flashy Pride began to carve out his place in the competitive show ring. His first major victory came in 1981 at the Trainers’ Show, where he claimed top honors in the Three-Year-Old Stallion Class. That same year, he went on to win the World Championship title in the same division. These early successes set the stage for what would become a storied career.

### Rising Through the Ranks

Flashy’s winning streak continued into his four-year-old season. Under new ownership by Mary R. Hale in 1982, he claimed the title of World Champion Four-Year-Old Stallion. By this time, Flashy Pride had become a recognized name in the Tennessee Walking Horse circuit, known for his natural ability and commanding presence in the ring.

In 1983, Flashy transitioned to yet another owner, Joe Ragan of Vienna, Missouri. Paired with trainer Tim Gray, Flashy once again demonstrated his versatility and competitiveness. That year, he won the 15.2 and Under Stallion preliminary and earned a reserve title in the World Championship competition. The following year, Gray and Flashy returned to claim the 15.2 World Championship title outright.

By 1986, Flashy Pride found himself under the ownership of Marvin Otten and reunited with trainer Bud Seaton. Together, they added numerous blue ribbons to Flashy’s growing list of accolades. At the Celebration that year, they placed third in both the Aged Stallion Class preliminary and the World Grand Championship—a testament to Flashy’s enduring competitiveness.

### A Turning Point: The Barnes and Vicki Self

The pivotal moment in Flashy Pride’s career came in 1988 when Art and Frances Barnes of Shalimar, Florida, and Lewisburg, Tennessee, acquired him. They brought him to their Fancy Free Farm in Lewisburg with a clear goal: to prepare him for future Celebration competitions. Entrusting him to trainer Vicki Self with support from Bud Seaton, the Barnes made a strategic decision that would ultimately lead to greatness.

Initially, Vicki Self opted to let Seaton show Flashy at the 1988 Celebration as she familiarized herself with her new charge. That year, Flashy won his division in the Aged Stallion competition and secured a reserve title in the Grand Championship—a promising start for his new team.

By 1989, Vicki and Flashy had become an inseparable duo. Their first season together was a period of adjustment as they learned each other’s strengths and rhythms. While their debut at the Celebration that year was disappointing, a subsequent victory at the Florida State Championships reignited their confidence. From that point forward, they were determined contenders.

### The Road to Victory

The 1990 Celebration marked another step forward for Flashy and Vicki. They won their division in the Aged Stallion preliminaries but once again fell short of claiming the ultimate title, settling for a reserve finish. However, their partnership continued to strengthen as they refined their performance and built momentum.

By 1991, Flashy Pride was in peak condition after a winter of light work followed by an intensive spring and summer training regimen. His early-season victories at Ooltewah and Lewisburg signaled that he was a force to be reckoned with heading into the Celebration.

On Saturday evening, August 31, 1991, Flashy Pride and Vicki Self faced off against 15 other top contenders for the coveted title of World Grand Champion. The competition was fierce, but their preparation and bond proved unbeatable. After winning their preliminary round and retiring the prestigious Okley B. Hays Memorial Challenge trophy, Flashy and Vicki delivered a performance that left no doubt in the judges’ minds. In a unanimous decision, they were crowned World Grand Champions at the 53rd Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.

This victory was historic not only for Flashy Pride but also for Vicki Self, who became only the third woman in the event’s history to claim the ultimate title.

### A Legacy of Excellence

Following his triumphant career in the show ring, Flashy Pride transitioned into a new role as a sire at Fancy Free Farm. Already known for his natural walking ability and showmanship, he passed these traits on to his offspring, many of whom have gone on to find success in their own right.

For Vicki Self, Flashy’s success was deeply personal. Their bond extended beyond competition; he was her partner and friend. As she watched his legacy continue through his progeny, Vicki remained grateful for the journey they shared—a journey defined by mutual respect, admiration, and trust.

### Conclusion

Flashy Pride’s rise to World Grand Champion status is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, teamwork, and an unbreakable bond between horse and trainer. From his early victories as a three-year-old stallion to his crowning achievement in 1991, Flashy’s career exemplifies excellence at every turn.

Today, his legacy lives on through his offspring and in the memories of those who witnessed his greatness. For Art and Frances Barnes, Vicki Self, and everyone who played a role in his journey, Flashy Pride will always be remembered as more than just a champion—he was a symbol of what is possible when talent meets opportunity and hard work meets heart.