Old Glory’s Big Man: A Historic Champion

In 1950, history was made at the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration when Old Glory’s Big Man, a sorrel stallion owned by Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Budd of Quincy, Florida, became the first horse both owned and trained outside Tennessee to win the Grand Championship Stake. Trained and ridden by Carl Edwards, the stallion captivated the crowd with his bold, long-striding performance, earning wild applause throughout the competition.

Bloodlines and Early Years

Foaled on June 20, 1945, in Harrisburg, Arkansas, Old Glory’s Big Man carried an impressive pedigree. Sired by Old Glory and out of Nell Mayberry, his lineage included the renowned Merry Boy, Wilson’s Allen, and the Hals. His fourth dam traced back to The Spy, a pacer of note. Bred by Sam Mayberry, the stallion began his show career at two years old.

In 1947, he was owned by W. M. Duncan of Inverness, Mississippi, and Steve Hill of Beech Grove, Tennessee. Hill rode him to the Reserve Two-Year-Old Championship at that year’s Celebration. In 1948, the Budds purchased Old Glory’s Big Man, and Carl Edwards took over as his trainer and rider. That year, the stallion won the Junior Championship Stake, setting the stage for an illustrious career.

Triumphs and Rivalry

By 1949, Old Glory’s Big Man had established himself as a formidable competitor, winning the Championship crown at the Dixie Jubilee Horse Show in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. However, at the 1949 Celebration, he finished as Reserve Grand Champion, losing to the undefeated mare Midnight Merry, who had won 106 consecutive classes.

The 1950 Celebration marked a turning point. Old Glory’s Big Man returned to face Midnight Merry, ridden by his former trainer, Steve Hill. In a dramatic rematch, the stallion triumphed, claiming the Grand Champion Walking Horse of the World title and taking home the coveted horseshoe of roses. Later that year, he defended his title at the Dixie Jubilee, securing back-to-back wins.

Legacy

Old Glory’s Big Man was celebrated not only for his victories but also for his consistent brilliance in speed and form. From his early days as a Reserve Two-Year-Old Champion to his historic 1950 triumph, he proved himself a true champion in every respect. His victory over Midnight Merry remains one of the most thrilling moments in Celebration history, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest Tennessee Walking Horses of all time.