**Walk Time Charlie: The 2012 World Grand Champion**
The 74th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville, Tennessee, held in 2012, was a night to remember for horse enthusiasts and competitors alike. Championship Saturday brought an electric atmosphere to the arena, with spectators eagerly awaiting the crowning of the World Grand Champion. Among the 12 exceptional entries vying for the title, one horse emerged as the unanimous choice of the judges: Walk Time Charlie.
### A Historic Victory
Walk Time Charlie, a stunning 16.1-hand chestnut stallion with a white mane and tail, claimed the 2012 World Grand Championship title under the skilled guidance of trainer Chad Baucom. The victory was particularly momentous for Baucom, a seasoned trainer from Monroe, North Carolina, who 
had been pursuing this prestigious honor for decades. After two runner-up finishes earlier in his career, Baucom finally achieved his long-awaited triumph aboard Walk Time Charlie.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime feeling,” Baucom remarked after the win. “I thought we had a chance with this horse. I didn’t know if it would happen this year or not, but I knew he was good enough to win it one of these days.”
The judges unanimously agreed that Walk Time Charlie delivered his finest performance to date. “This is the best show we’ve ever gotten out of him tonight, and he just shined in there,” Baucom added. The victory marked a significant milestone for both horse and trainer, solidifying their place in Tennessee Walking Horse history.
### The Journey to Greatness
Walk Time Charlie’s journey to the top was not without challenges. Foaled on March 15, 2007, at Rolling Acres Farm & Stables in Lebanon, Kentucky, he was bred by Robert Stannard, Jr. The stallion boasts an impressive pedigree, being sired by Lined With Cash and out of Rebel’s Design, a daughter of Silver Design. His natural talent and striking appearance made him a standout in the competitive world of Tennessee Walking Horses.
However, Walk Time Charlie’s path to success was not always smooth. In 2011, he suffered a pastern infection that sidelined him from competition for eight months. The injury posed a significant setback for the promising stallion, but his resilience and determination allowed him to make a remarkable comeback in 2012.
“He was out for eight months,” Baucom explained. “It has taken him a long time to get back to where he was last year, but I think he is finally there. His size and his walk and shake make him special.”
### A Record of Excellence
Even before his crowning achievement in 2012, Walk Time Charlie had already established himself as a formidable competitor. His career highlights include numerous wins and accolades across various events:
– **2011 WHTA National Trainer’s Show Amateur Four-Year-Old Stallions Winner**
– **2011 Celebration – Shelbyville, TN**: Reserve Champion in the 4-Year-Old Stallions Canter (Rider’s Cup) and Fourth Place in the Junior World Grand Championship
– **2012 Celebration – Shelbyville, TN**: Champion in the Aged Walking Stallions Over 15.2 Class
– **2012 Marshall County Horseman’s Association – Lewisburg, TN**: Championship Stake Class Winner
These victories demonstrated Walk Time Charlie’s exceptional ability and versatility in the show ring, setting the stage for his ultimate triumph at the Celebration.
### The 2012 World Grand Championship
The 2012 World Grand Championship featured a competitive field of 12 entries, including mares, geldings, and stallions from both the under 15.2 hands and over 15.2 hands divisions. Among the contenders were notable names such as The Family Jewels, Texas Joe Black, He’s My Main Man, Rowdy Rev, and Champagne Watchout.
Walk Time Charlie competed in the “B” Division of the Walking Stallions Over 15.2 Hands Five Years Old and Over class earlier in the week, where he was also the unanimous choice of the five-judge panel. This performance set high expectations for his appearance on Championship Saturday.
When the dust settled and the judges’ cards were tallied, Walk Time Charlie and Chad Baucom emerged as the clear winners. The victory was a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and undeniable talent.
### A Bright Future
Walk Time Charlie’s success in 2012 marked the culmination of years of dedication and effort from his team, including owners Jordan Holland of Decatur, Alabama; Connor Kilgore of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and John Callicut of Seagrove, North Carolina. Their faith in the stallion’s potential was rewarded with one of the most coveted titles in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry.
For Chad Baucom, the victory was not only a professional milestone but also a deeply personal achievement. “I’ve been doing this professionally since I was 15,” he said. “It’s pretty hard to win it.”
As Walk Time Charlie continues his career, his legacy as a true walking horse will undoubtedly inspire future generations of competitors and enthusiasts. His story is one of resilience, talent, and excellence—a shining example of what can be achieved with determination and passion.
### Conclusion
The 2012 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration will be remembered as the year Walk Time Charlie claimed his rightful place among the greats. With his flawless performance and undeniable charisma, he captivated both judges and spectators alike. Under Chad Baucom’s expert guidance, Walk Time Charlie proved that perseverance pays off, solidifying his status as a World Grand Champion and a true icon in the world of Tennessee Walking Horses.
