SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. — BREAKING NEWS (or at least, news that’s breaking to the three people who still care about my opinions): Yours truly, Tommy Williams from WalkingHorseChat.com—aka the guy who’s definitely not here for the free funnel cakes—is here to announce the judges for the 55th Annual Spring Fun Show. Mark your calendars for May 22–24, 2025, or don’t! I’m not your mom.
Let’s meet this year’s panel of “experts,” handpicked by Jeffery Howard… well, someone with more authority than me, probably. Buckle up, buttercups:
Bill Cantrell is BACK, baby! Last seen judging a Celebration event in 2002—back when flip phones were cool and TikTok was a clock sound—Bill’s been dusted off and deemed “relevant” again. Rumor has it he’s still using the same scorecards from the Trainers Show. But hey, he judged the Kentucky Celebration this year, so clearly he’s got opinions about how a horse should… go fast? go faster? Do the cha-cha? Who knows.
Next, Robert Cortner,embalmer, golf pro, the human equivalent of a participation trophy. He’s judged two whole Celebration events before (slow down, legend!), including the thrilling 2022 Fall Classic, which I’m sure you all remember as “show or get drunk and gamble.” But don’t worry—he’s SHOW HIO compliant! Translation: He hasn’t judged anything since that record breaker Belfast 2024. Watch him throw dirt on Cantrell. “ Doesn’t Bill look so natural?”
And finally, Brent Grider, the peach of walking horse judges. Honest and perfect. The Celebration in 2012? 2021? The 2019 Spring Fun Show? Brent’s been there, done that, and probably has a t-shirt that says “I survived the Alabama Jubilee and my cell bill is $1500.” His last gig was the National Trainers’ Show in March, so he’s freshly seasoned, greased like a cast-iron skillet.
Look, folks, the Spring Fun Show is basically the pre-game to the real drama in August—The Celebration, where grown adults argue about “nice hats” and “bundled granuloma” like it’s the Supreme Court. But hey, come for the horses, stay for the passive-aggressive BRC.
For more earth-shattering details—like which class lets you show off your horse’s TikTok routine—visit www.TWHNC.com. Or just DM me. I’ll be here, live-tweeting the chaos with a Diet Coke in one hand …Jerry Harris Judges Handbook in another.
—Tommy Williams, WalkingHorseChat.com
P.S.: Sponsorship opportunities are available! Because nothing says “classy” like a banner that reads “I’m a Coporate Sponor just to Win!” 🐴✨
