The Touch: A Journey to the Pinnacle of the Tennessee Walking Horse World

# The Touch: A Journey to the Pinnacle of the Tennessee Walking Horse World

In the annals of Tennessee Walking Horse history, few stories resonate as deeply as that of The Touch, the 1993 World Grand Champion. This black stallion, whose rise to prominence was marked by determination, talent, and a touch of serendipity, not only captured the hearts of horse enthusiasts but also solidified his legacy as one of the greats. His journey, alongside his young trainer Chad Way and devoted owners Nancy and Hoil Walker, is a testament to perseverance and the pursuit of excellence in the equestrian world.

## Humble Beginnings

The Touch, originally named Grey John’s Touch, was bred and raised by Joe C. Martin of Murfreesboro. Martin, a close friend of Nancy and Hoil Walker, owned both The Touch’s sire, Another Grey John, and his dam, Spirit’s Ebby. Another Grey John traced his lineage to Pride’s John Grey and the legendary Pride of Midnight, a bloodline synonymous with quality and performance in the Tennessee Walking Horse community.

The Walkers first encountered The Touch through videotapes brought by Martin during a visit. Nancy Walker, already intrigued by the prospect of re-entering the horse industry after a 35-year association, was immediately drawn to the young stallion’s potential. However, Martin urged patience, advising the Walkers to wait until The Touch had further developed his abilities. In the interim, the Walkers acquired another promising stallion named Pride’s Pattern.

## Early Training and Development

The Touch began his training under Billy Brantley before transitioning to Ramsey Bullington’s care in 1991. Bullington’s reputation as a skilled trainer raised hopes that The Touch could evolve into a world-class competitor. As The Touch grew and matured, so did interest from potential buyers. However, true to his word, Martin offered the horse to the Walkers in July, fulfilling his earlier promise.

The Walkers entrusted The Touch to Chad Way, a young trainer who had previously worked with Bullington. Way had impressed the Walkers during his time training Pride’s Pattern and quickly earned their respect and trust. At just 22 years old, Way was tasked with preparing The Touch for competition—a challenge that would ultimately define both their careers.

## The Road to Greatness

By the spring of 1993, The Touch was ready to test his mettle in the competitive arena. Although Pride’s Pattern had shown promise, health issues sidelined him, placing the spotlight squarely on The Touch. At that year’s Spring Fun Show, the young stallion delivered a strong performance, earning a reserve title and generating buzz about his potential.

The Walkers and Way decided to focus their efforts on preparing The Touch for the prestigious Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration later that year. Wins at events in Bethesda and Belfast bolstered their confidence, and The Touch’s reserve tie in the Celebration’s aged stallion preliminary further cemented his status as a serious contender.

## A Night to Remember

The culmination of their efforts came on the final Saturday night of the 55th Celebration. The atmosphere was electric as 16 world championship contenders entered the ring before a record crowd of 29,131 spectators. Among them were The Touch and Chad Way—a relatively unknown pair poised to make history.

As they glided around the ring under the starry sky, The Touch and Way captivated the audience with their poise and precision. Despite their underdog status at the start of the season, they had become fan favorites, earning admiration for their hard work and undeniable talent.

When the moment of truth arrived, it was The Touch and Chad Way who emerged victorious. At just 22 years old, Way became the youngest trainer ever to claim the World Grand Champion title—a feat that had eluded many seasoned professionals for decades. For Nancy and Hoil Walker, the victory was not only a testament to their faith in Way but also a crowning achievement in their long-standing passion for the Tennessee Walking Horse industry.

## Legacy of The Touch

The Touch’s rise from a modest prospect to a world grand champion is often likened to a fairy tale—a story of dreams realized through dedication and perseverance. His success reinvigorated the Walkers’ involvement in the horse industry and established Chad Way as a rising star among trainers.

While The Touch had enjoyed moderate success during his three- and four-year-old seasons, it was his breakout year in 1993 that defined his legacy. Wins at Manchester, Bethesda, and Belfast set the stage for his triumph at the Celebration, where he claimed not just a title but also a place in history.

For breeders, trainers, and owners alike, The Touch’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that greatness can emerge from even the most unlikely beginnings. His story continues to inspire those who dream of achieving excellence in the world of Tennessee Walking Horses.

In the end, The Touch left an indelible mark on the sport—one that will be remembered for generations to come. As Nancy Walker aptly observed, “The dream of having a world grand champion can come true.” For The Touch and all who believed in him, that dream became a reality on an unforgettable night in 1993.