**The Black Night Shade: A Journey to Tennessee Walking Horse Greatness**
The Black Night Shade, a Tennessee Walking Horse of remarkable talent and resilience, etched his name into the annals of equestrian history with a story as compelling as his achievements. Foaled in the spring of 1998, this extraordinary stallion overcame immense challenges to become the 2004 World Grand Champion, a feat that stands as a testament to his determination, natural ability, and the unwavering support of his team.
### Humble Beginnings
The Black Night Shade’s journey began under less-than-ideal circumstances. Bred by J. Mack Chandler, he was sired by Poison and out of Final’s Call 
Girl. Tragically, his dam succumbed to colic just 12 days after his birth, leaving the colt orphaned and in need of special care. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Chandler entrusted the young foal to Bobby Mulvey and Judy Stephens of Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Mulvey and Stephens not only provided the intensive care the colt required but also gave him his unique name. Drawing inspiration from a medical book, they settled on “The Black Night Shade,” a reference to a poisonous plant native to Tennessee, tying it to the name of his sire, Poison. During his early days, the colt was bottle-fed hourly, with goat’s milk sourced from Fayetteville, Tennessee—a testament to the dedication of those who nurtured him.
Despite his fragile start, The Black Night Shade began to show promise. At 16 months old, Chandler delivered him to Formac Stables in Union City, Tennessee, where trainer Jimmy McConnell recognized his potential. Though small and lanky for his age, the colt exhibited natural ability and personality from the outset. McConnell’s initial 30 days of training confirmed that this young horse had something special.
### The Road to Recognition
When Chandler decided to sell The Black Night Shade, Tom and Judy Waite stepped forward as buyers, purchasing him sight unseen on McConnell’s recommendation. The Waites chose to keep the colt with McConnell, setting the stage for an extraordinary partnership that would redefine their lives and careers.
In 2000, The Black Night Shade made his modest debut in the show ring, securing wins at events such as the Cotton Classic in Collierville and the Dixie Jubilee in Baton Rouge. However, it wasn’t until 2001 that he began to truly shine. That year, he captured victories at prestigious competitions like the Fred T. Fowler Memorial Classic, Wartrace, and The Celebration, where he was crowned Three-Year-Old World Champion Stallion. This marked a turning point for the team, as they realized they had a horse capable of achieving greatness.
### Overcoming Challenges
The path to stardom was not without obstacles. In 2002, The Black Night Shade faced health issues, including recurring stomach ulcers that affected his performance. At the National Trainers’ Show that year, his discomfort in the ring became evident. Once the condition was properly managed, however, he returned stronger than ever.
Later that season, during the Gulf Coast Charity Celebration in Panama City, Florida, Night Shade struggled with his canter—a rare misstep for a McConnell-trained horse. Frustrated but determined, McConnell made a last-minute decision to enter him in the Stake Class on Saturday night. This gamble paid off when Night Shade triumphed over tough competition, signaling a turning point in both his career and confidence.
### Rising Through the Ranks
By 2003, The Black Night Shade had established himself as a formidable competitor. He dominated shows across the South, earning wins at events like the Gallatin Lions Club Horse Show and Germantown Charity Horse Show. At The Celebration that year, he claimed the title of Reserve World Grand Champion—a near-miss that only fueled the determination of his team.
Undeterred by the Reserve title, McConnell and the Waites set their sights on the ultimate prize: the World Grand Championship. Their persistence paid off in 2004 as The Black Night Shade entered his most successful season yet. Pre-Celebration victories at shows like the National Trainers’ Show and Germantown Charity Show solidified his reputation as a leading contender.
### The Crowning Achievement
The 2004 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration was a defining moment for The Black Night Shade and his team. After winning his preliminary class with a unanimous decision, he entered the World Grand Championship alongside eight other exceptional horses. Among them were notable competitors like Main Power and Cash’s All Star. Yet it was The Black Night Shade who emerged victorious.
Under McConnell’s expert guidance, Night Shade delivered a flawless performance across all three gaits during an extended workout. The judges awarded him a unanimous decision, making him the 2004 World Grand Champion. The crowd erupted in applause as McConnell and the once-orphaned colt made their victory pass adorned with roses—a moment of triumph that encapsulated years of hard work and perseverance.
For McConnell, this victory was particularly poignant. “Winning the World Grand Championship is the ultimate goal of every horse trainer,” he remarked. “But to win it all with a horse that you started and showed throughout his career—that makes it all the more special.”
### A Legacy Secured
Reflecting on their journey with The Black Night Shade, Tom and Judy Waite expressed nothing but gratitude. “It was worth it all—every penny spent, every mile driven, every hour of sleep lost,” said Tom Waite. His wife Judy echoed the sentiment: “It was just wonderful; everything and everybody have been simply wonderful.”
While decisions about The Black Night Shade’s future—whether as a sire or in retirement—were still pending at the time, one thing was certain: he had secured his place in Tennessee Walking Horse history. For Tom Waite, this was just the beginning of a new era in their involvement with the industry. “This is not the finale; it’s just the beginning,” he said confidently.
As for McConnell and his wife Gail, they joked about finding “another Night Shade” for the Waites—a task easier said than done given the stallion’s unique story and talent.
### Conclusion
The Black Night Shade’s rise from an orphaned foal to World Grand Champion is a story of resilience, dedication, and exceptional teamwork. His journey serves as an inspiration not only within the Tennessee Walking Horse community but also to anyone who values perseverance and passion in pursuit of excellence. With his legacy firmly established, The Black Night Shade remains a symbol of what can be achieved when talent meets unwavering commitment.
