Threat’s Supreme: 1979 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse

Threat’s Supreme (#673989), a bay stallion with an extraordinary story of resilience, claimed the title of 1979 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse. Overcoming a severe injury as a weanling and years of perseverance, Threat’s Supreme captured the hearts of horse enthusiasts and cemented his place in Tennessee Walking Horse history.

A Challenging Start

Threat’s Supreme was foaled on Pete and Margaret Anderson’s farm in Manchester, Tennessee, 12 years before his historic win. As a weanling, he suffered a serious injury when he caught his left hind foot in a fence, tearing off much of the foot and hoof. Despite the severity of the injury, Margaret Anderson’s devoted care ensured his recovery. Remarkably, the injury never hindered his performance in the show ring, a testament to both his physical resilience and the skill of those who worked with him.

Early Training and Development

Threat’s Supreme began his training as a two-year-old under Sammy Anderson. As a three-year-old, he was trained by the late Neil Branscom and later transferred to Donald Paschal. In 1973, Pete Anderson brought him back to his farm and began showing him in amateur competition. For three years (1973–1975), Threat’s Supreme competed successfully in amateur classes, but people urged the Andersons to place him in the hands of a professional trainer to further his career.

In 1976, the Andersons entrusted Bud Seaton, a master horseman, with Threat’s Supreme’s training. Bud’s dedication was evident from the start, as he personally shod the horse and even crafted a special left rear shoe to accommodate his old injury.

The Journey to the Celebration

Threat’s Supreme made his first bid at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in 1976 under Bud Seaton. His performances that year included:

Fifth Place: Stallion Class
Seventh Place: Grand Championship Stake

At the 1976 Celebration, Donn and Sandi Perry of Indianapolis, Indiana, became captivated by Threat’s Supreme and purchased him less than a year later. Initially, the plan was for Sandi Perry to show him in amateur and ladies’ competitions. However, as Supreme continued to perform well under Bud Seaton, the Perrys decided to leave the stallion in professional competition.

Consistent Performances (1977–1978)

Threat’s Supreme continued to improve under Bud Seaton’s guidance:

1977 Celebration: Tied for seventh place in the Grand Championship Stake for the second year in a row.
1978 Fun Show: Earned a third-place finish against top competition, solidifying his reputation as a strong contender.
1978 Celebration: Once again placed seventh in the Grand Championship Stake, marking his third consecutive year in the top ten.

Despite these consistent performances, the ultimate prize remained elusive. However, the 1979 show season would prove to be a turning point.

The Championship Year: 1979

Threat’s Supreme and Bud Seaton had a stellar 1979 show season, winning numerous blue ribbons and gaining momentum heading into the Celebration. The 1979 Celebration was marked by heavy rain on eight of the ten nights, but that did not deter Supreme from delivering outstanding performances.

Key Performances at the 1979 Celebration

Aged Stallion Class: Won the blue ribbon in the “A” division, showcasing his readiness for the big stake.
World Grand Championship Stake: On a rainy Saturday night, ten exceptional horses entered the ring to compete for the roses. Threat’s Supreme delivered a flawless performance, and when the spotlight roamed over the horses, the announcer called out number 1292. Under the Celebration spotlight, Bud Seaton guided Threat’s Supreme around the ring as the new World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse.

This victory was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from both horse and rider, making it a well-deserved win for both.

Legacy and Impact

Threat’s Supreme’s story is one of resilience and perseverance. From overcoming a life-threatening injury as a weanling to achieving the ultimate title in the Tennessee Walking Horse world, his journey is a testament to the care and dedication of those who believed in him.

Key Contributors to His Success

Margaret Anderson: Her loving care as a weanling ensured Supreme’s recovery from his injury.
Bud Seaton: His exceptional skill as a trainer and farrier played a crucial role in Supreme’s success.
Donn and Sandi Perry: Their vision and support allowed Supreme to reach his full potential in professional competition.

Career Highlights

Overcoming Adversity: Recovered from a severe foot injury as a weanling to become a World Grand Champion.
Consistent Performer: Placed in the top ten at the Celebration for four consecutive years (1976–1979).
1979 World Grand Champion: Delivered a flawless performance to win the coveted title.

Key Takeaways

Resilience: Threat’s Supreme’s ability to overcome his early injury and thrive in competition is an inspiring story of determination.
Dedication: The care and skill of his team, particularly Margaret Anderson and Bud Seaton, were instrumental in his success.
Historic Victory: His 1979 World Grand Championship win marked the pinnacle of a remarkable career.

Threat’s Supreme’s journey from a weanling with a devastating injury to the 1979 World Grand Champion is a story of hope, perseverance, and the unyielding bond between horse and human. His legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the extraordinary potential that lies within every horse.