Santana’s El Nino: The 2008 Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion

**Santana’s El Nino: The 2008 Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion**

In the world of Tennessee Walking Horses, few names resonate as strongly as Santana’s El Nino. This remarkable black stallion captured the coveted title of Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion at the 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville, Tennessee, in 2008. Guided by trainer Link Webb, El Nino not only achieved a career-defining victory but also cemented his place in the annals of equestrian excellence.

### A Champion’s Journey

Santana’s El Nino, affectionately known as “Snip” at the barn, is the product of decades of careful breeding and dedication. Owned by Michael and Ann Jones of Lafayette, Georgia, El Nino hails from a pedigree rich in championship lineage. Sired by the 1997 World Grand Champion Generator’s Santana and a grandson of both the 1981 World Grand Champion The Pusher C.G. and the legendary Pride’s Generator, El Nino was destined for greatness from the start.

Raised at the Jones’ Ringmaster Farms, El Nino stood out early among his peers. His intelligence, energy, and confidence made him a natural leader among the colts. The first glimpse of his potential came in 2004 at the Fourth of July Bethesda Show, where he earned Reserve honors—a remarkable achievement for an unknown contender at the time.

### The Road to Victory

El Nino’s journey to the 2008 World Grand Championship was marked by consistent success and determination. In 2007, he won first place in the 15.2 and Under Canter division and finished fourth in the World Grand Championship—a performance that hinted at his future potential. The decision to move him up to the stake class was not taken lightly by Michael, Ann, and trainer Link Webb. Ultimately, it was Webb who summed it up best: “The boy deserves his chance.”

By 2008, Santana’s El Nino had already built an impressive resume. He claimed victories at prestigious events such as Belfast, the East Tennessee Classic in White Pine, and the Money Tree Classic in Shelbyville. These wins set the stage for his triumphant performance at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.

In the preliminary Section A event leading up to the championship, El Nino placed second behind Jose’s Intimidator. However, on the final night, he turned the tables, earning the top spot while Jose’s Intimidator secured Reserve World Grand Champion honors with Jamie Bradshaw aboard. The victory marked Link Webb’s first big stake win and made Santana’s El Nino only the second horse in history to win both the 15.2 World Grand Championship and the overall World Grand Championship.

### A Night to Remember

The final night of competition was nothing short of electrifying. As the crowd held its breath during the announcement of the winner, a brief hush fell over the arena before erupting into cheers when Santana’s El Nino’s name was called. The moment was unforgettable for his owners, trainer, and fans alike.

Ann Jones described the experience as both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. “The last Saturday night was beyond nerve-wracking,” she recalled. “When they called his number, it seemed like there was a two-beat pause before our family and the crowd comprehended that the little horse from North Georgia had achieved the zenith of his career.”

The celebration that followed was nothing short of pandemonium. Family members hugged and cried, friends cheered, and well-wishers flooded center ring with congratulations. It was a moment that encapsulated years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in a horse that had become a symbol of excellence.

### The Legacy of Santana’s El Nino

Following his historic victory, Santana’s El Nino retired from competition in a blaze of glory. He now stands at stud at Precious Memories Farm in Tennessee, where he continues to contribute to the future of Tennessee Walking Horses. Managed by Daniel Miller III and his family, Precious Memories Farm provides exceptional care to every mare and foal, ensuring that El Nino’s legacy is carried forward with the same commitment to quality that defined his career.

El Nino enjoys a comfortable life at the farm, complete with a spacious stall overlooking the property and a personal paddock where he can stretch his legs and interact with visiting mares. His first breeding season yielded an impressive 99% success rate, further solidifying his impact on future generations.

### A Champion Remembered

Santana’s El Nino’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and teamwork. From his early days as a confident colt to his crowning achievement as World Grand Champion, he exemplified what it means to be a true champion. For Michael and Ann Jones, trainer Link Webb, and countless fans, El Nino’s legacy is one that will be cherished for years to come.

As Ann Jones aptly put it, “It’s hard to believe that we will never see that perfect team of Link Webb and El Nino enter a competition ring again, but they went out in a blaze of glory.” Santana’s El Nino will forever be remembered as one of the greats—a testament to what can be achieved through passion, dedication, and belief in the extraordinary potential of a horse destined for greatness.