Mack K’s Handshaker: 1960 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse

Mack K’s Handshaker, a black stallion foaled in 1956, achieved the honor of becoming the 1960 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse. Owned and ridden by Doug Wolaver of Diana, Tennessee, Handshaker was not only a standout in the show ring but also a sire of future champions, leaving a lasting legacy in the Tennessee Walking Horse breed.

Pedigree and Early Life

Mack K’s Handshaker was bred by J. E. Beasley, Jr., of Athens, Alabama. He was sired by Midnight Mack K, making him a half-brother to the 1959 World Grand Champion, Rodgers’ Perfection, and out of Deep Purple, a daughter of Last Chance.

Key Pedigree Highlights

Sire: Midnight Mack K (also sire of Rodgers’ Perfection).
Dam: Deep Purple (by Last Chance).

Handshaker was sold as a colt to Doug Wolaver and his father, Myron Wolaver, who recognized his potential as a future champion.

Early Training and Career

Doug Wolaver began training Mack K’s Handshaker as a two-year-old, and despite starting late in the season, the stallion quickly showed promise:

Two-Year-Old Season:
- Placed fourth in the Two-Year-Old Stake at the Southern Championship Show in Montgomery, Alabama.
Junior Career:
- Reserve Junior Champion at the Celebration.
- Won Junior Classes and Stakes at:
  - Kentucky State Fair.
  - Dixie Jubilee in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
  - Southern Championship Show in Montgomery, Alabama.

These early successes set the stage for Handshaker’s rise to the pinnacle of the Tennessee Walking Horse world.

1960 Celebration: World Grand Champion

At the 1960 Celebration, Mack K’s Handshaker delivered a flawless performance that earned him the titles of World Champion Stallion and World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse. His win was a historic moment for both horse and rider.

Historic Achievements

Youngest Trainer to Win:
- At just 22 years old, Doug Wolaver became the youngest trainer ever to win the Celebration’s World Grand Championship, breaking the previous record held by Percy Moss (23 years old in 1954).
Owner-Rider Champion:
- Doug Wolaver was only the third rider in Celebration history to own or co-own the horse he exhibited to the Grand Championship. The other two were:
  1. Colonel Jack Haynes (Haynes Peacock, 1940 and 1941).
  2. Winston Wiser (Merry Go Boy, 1947 and 1948; Go Boy’s Shadow, 1955 and 1956).

Doug Wolaver: A Rising Star

Doug Wolaver’s victory was celebrated not only for his skill as a trainer and rider but also for his character. Known for his quiet demeanor, willingness to help others, and dedication to the Tennessee Walking Horse breed, Doug earned widespread admiration from fellow horsemen.

Community Recognition

Following his Celebration win, Doug’s hometown organized a “Doug Wolaver Day” to honor his achievement.
The event featured Tennessee Governor Buford Ellington, an ardent supporter of the breed, as Master of Ceremonies.
Horsemen from across the country attended to celebrate Doug and Mack K’s Handshaker’s contributions to the Walking Horse world.

Legacy as a Sire

After retiring from the show ring, Mack K’s Handshaker had a successful career as a sire, producing numerous champions. Among his offspring were two future World Grand Champions:

Shaker’s Shocker (1966 World Grand Champion).
Handshaker’s Delight (1972 World Grand Champion).

Through his progeny, Handshaker’s influence continued to shape the Tennessee Walking Horse breed for years to come.

Impact on the Tennessee Walking Horse Breed

Mack K’s Handshaker’s victory in 1960 marked a significant moment in the history of the Tennessee Walking Horse. His smooth gaits, natural talent, and striking presence exemplified the qualities of a true champion. Combined with the youth and determination of Doug Wolaver, their story inspired a new generation of horsemen and enthusiasts.

Mack K’s Handshaker remains a celebrated figure in the breed’s history, remembered not only for his show ring success but also for his enduring legacy as a sire of champions.