Mark of Carbon: 1978 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse
Mark of Carbon (#692213), a stallion destined for greatness, achieved the pinnacle of success in 1978 by being crowned the World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse. With a lineage of champions, unwavering dedication from his owner and trainer, and a career marked by both triumph and adversity, Mark of Carbon became a legend in the Tennessee Walking Horse world.
Pedigree and Early Life
Mark of Carbon was foaled on May 22, 1969, and from the moment of his birth, he carried the promise of greatness. His pedigree included two World Grand Champions:
- Sire: Carbon Copy, the 1964 World Grand Champion
- Grandsire: Rodgers’ Perfection, the 1947 World Grand Champion
This remarkable lineage set the foundation for Mark of Carbon’s success. He was owned by Verd Walker and trained by Joe Webb, forming a trio that shared the highs and lows of competitive horse showing.
Early Career and Challenges
Mark of Carbon’s early career was hindered by injuries, limiting his opportunities as a junior horse. Despite these setbacks, he showed great promise:
- 1973: Placed third in the Four-Year-Old Stallion Class at the Celebration.
- 1974–1975: Continued to develop, earning victories as he matured.
- 1976: Won the 15.2 and Under Championship at the Celebration, proving his ability to compete at the highest level.
Encouraged by this success, Verd Walker and Joe Webb decided to aim for the ultimate prize: the World Grand Championship.
Setbacks and Determination (1977)
The road to the World Grand Championship was not easy. In 1977, Mark of Carbon faced a series of injuries that disrupted his show season. The most devastating moment came during the Championship Stake at the Celebration, where he cast a shoe, injuring his foot and forcing him to withdraw from the competition. This heartbreaking setback only strengthened the resolve of his team to come back stronger.
The Championship Year: 1978
Mark of Carbon’s journey to the 1978 Celebration was once again marked by challenges. Early in the show season, he suffered another injury that kept him out of competition for much of the year. However, his resilience and the dedication of his team brought him back to peak form just in time.
Key Performances Leading to the Celebration
- Delivered a flawless performance and won the blue ribbon at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, just before the Celebration.
The 1978 Celebration
Mark of Carbon’s performances at the Celebration were nothing short of extraordinary:
- Aged Stallion Class: The class was split into two divisions, and Mark won the blue ribbon in the “B” division.
- World Grand Championship Stake: Facing stiff competition, Mark and Joe Webb entered the ring with confidence. Joe knew that Mark had performed flawlessly, and when the judges’ cards were tallied, Mark of Carbon was declared the 1978 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse.
This victory made Mark of Carbon the only horse in history to win the 15.2 and Under Championship and later return to claim the World Grand Championship title.
Retirement and Legacy
Following his historic win, Mark of Carbon was retired from the show ring to focus on breeding. He stood as a stallion, improving the breed by passing on his exceptional lineage to selected mares.
Joe Webb’s Legacy
Mark of Carbon’s victory also marked a milestone for his trainer and rider, Joe Webb, who achieved his third World Grand Championship title. Joe had previously ridden:
- Rodgers’ Perfection (1947 World Grand Champion)
- Carbon Copy (1964 World Grand Champion)
With Mark of Carbon, Joe Webb solidified his place as one of the most successful trainers and riders in Tennessee Walking Horse history.
Career Highlights
- Pedigree of Champions: Mark of Carbon was sired by Carbon Copy and grandsired by Rodgers’ Perfection, both World Grand Champions.
- Versatility: The only horse to win both the 15.2 and Under Championship and the World Grand Championship.
- Resilience: Overcame multiple injuries and setbacks to achieve the ultimate title.
- Teamwork: The partnership between Verd Walker, Joe Webb, and Mark of Carbon was a testament to dedication, trust, and perseverance.
Key Takeaways
- Lineage and Legacy: Mark of Carbon’s championship bloodline and his own achievements cemented his place in Tennessee Walking Horse history.
- Triumph Over Adversity: Despite numerous injuries and setbacks, Mark’s resilience and the unwavering support of his team led to his ultimate success.
- Historic Achievement: His 1978 World Grand Championship victory remains a unique milestone in the breed’s history.
Mark of Carbon’s story is one of destiny, determination, and greatness. His legacy as the 1978 World Grand Champion continues to inspire horse enthusiasts and serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance and dedication.
