### Midnight Merry: The 1949 World Grand Champion Walking Horse
In 1949, a remarkable mare named Midnight Merry (#461829) broke barriers and made history at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. Her victory ended a four-year streak of stallion dominance, with Midnight Sun and Merry Go Boy each winning for two consecutive years. Midnight Merry’s triumph was extraordinary, as she became the first three-year-old horse to win both the Junior and Senior Stakes on successive nights, cementing her place in the annals of equestrian history.
#### Pedigree and Early Life
Midnight Merry was born on May 5, 1946, in Cookeville, Tennessee, bred by Mrs. H. Dawson Morgan. She was sired by Midnight Sun (#410751), a former World Grand Champion, and her dam was Merry Giovanni (#421612), a descendant of Reynold’s Pride (#400228) and the legendary Merry Boy. Midnight Merry boasted a strong lineage tracing back to Roan Allen F-38, a foundation sire of the Tennessee Walking Horse breed. Her striking appearance—a roan coat with four stockings, a bald face, and a mixed mane and tail—made her a standout in the show ring.
#### Training and Early Success
Under the expert guidance of trainer Steve Hill of Beechgrove, Tennessee, Midnight Merry quickly rose to prominence. By the age of three, she had already secured seven championship titles leading up to the Celebration. Her exceptional performance during the event saw her decisively win the three-year-old mare category, the Junior Stake, and the Grand Championship Stake.
Her stamina and skill were undeniable, as she dominated the competition across two consecutive nights. Midnight Merry’s 1949 victory marked the beginning of a remarkable career, during which she won an impressive 106 straight blue ribbons before tying for reserve in the 1950 Grand Championship Stake.
#### The 1949 Grand Championship
The 1949 Grand Championship Stake remains one of the most memorable moments in Celebration history. Midnight Merry faced fierce competition from Old Glory’s Big Man in a thrilling “head and head” workout. Both horses displayed incredible stamina and grace, captivating the audience with their performances. Ultimately, the judges declared Midnight Merry the World Grand Champion Walking Horse of 1949, making her the first Grand Champion from Steve Hill Stables.
#### Ownership and Legacy
During her championship years, Midnight Merry was owned by J. N. McEachern of Atlanta, Georgia. She was later sold to W. M. Duncan of Inverness, Mississippi, on May 1, 1950, but continued her winning streak under Steve Hill’s training.
Midnight Merry’s victory in 1949 was a milestone for mares and junior horses alike, showcasing the breed’s versatility and excellence. Her legacy endures as a symbol of exceptional training, pedigree, and performance, and her story remains a cherished part of Tennessee Walking Horse history.
