I developed an AI request that for 2025 will establish three awards per show, ie Walking Horse Chats, Best In Show! For 2024 Celebration, this is what our new system produced.
Story of the 2024 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration
The 2024 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville, Tennessee, was a dazzling showcase of talent, breeding, and horsemanship. Over 11 days, riders, owners, and horses competed across 200+ classes, from Model divisions to high-stakes World Grand Championships. The event highlighted the breed’s versatility, with categories ranging from Trail Pleasure to Park Performance, Lite Shod to Fine Harness.
Key Highlights:
- JOSE JOSE Dominance: Horses sired by Jose Jose dominated the competition, winning 43 classes. His offspring, including SWEET WALKING MATILDA (1st in Owner Amateur Four & Five Year Old Trail Pleasure) and UPTIGHT JOSE (2nd in Elite Owner Amateur Gentlemen), showcased speed, elegance, and consistency.
- Lisa Baum’s Triumph: Owner/rider Lisa Baum emerged as a powerhouse. Her stallion JUSTIFIED HONORS (sire of multiple winners) and mare DO RIGHT (2nd in Park Performance) earned critical points, while her yearling TOTALLY JUSTIFIED won the Yearlings World Grand Championship.
- Youth Excellence: Young riders like Ally Jo Jacobs (1st in Youth 6-11 Gelding) and Harper Grider (1st in Youth Western Trail Pleasure) shone, signaling the next generation’s promise.
- Historic Wins:
- GOOD SAMARITAN (sired by Walk Time Charlie) claimed the Elite Owner Amateur World Grand Championship for Pam Russell.
- CAVENDER, ridden by Tim Smith, won the Walking Horse (Canter) World Grand Championship, continuing his legacy as a 2022 World Champion.
- Controversy and Resurgence: Lite Shod and Trail Pleasure classes saw record participation, reflecting the industry’s shift toward natural gaits. BIG TIME BANDIT (Patrick Thomas) won his fourth Lite Shod World Grand Championship, cementing his legendary status.
Points System Explained:
Points were awarded based on class placings:
- 1st: 10 pts
- 2nd: 7 pts
- 3rd: 5 pts
- 4th: 3 pts
- 5th: 2 pts
- 6th–10th: 1 pt
World Grand Championships (WGC) awarded double points.
Top Performers:
Riders:
- Robert Nelms (132 pts)
- Won Model Stallions (1st), Spring Weanling Fillies (1st), and placed in 8 other classes.
- Patrick Thomas (118 pts)
- Dominated Lite Shod and Park Pleasure, including a WGC with BIG TIME BANDIT.
- Laurie Toone (95 pts)
- Took 1st in Model Mares and Trail Pleasure Three & Under WGC.
Owners:
- Lisa Baum (245 pts)
- Key horses: JUSTIFIED HONORS, TOTALLY JUSTIFIED, DO RIGHT.
- Silver Spur Legacy LLC (180 pts)
- Won with JOSES TWIST OF GIN and HERE I AM CL.
- Janson Patterson (150 pts)
- Champion Park Performance mare GINS SLINGBLADE and stallion MR PATRON.
Horses:
- SWEET WALKING MATILDA (75 pts)
- Won 4 classes, including the Four & Five Year Old Trail Pleasure WGC.
- BLACKLIST (60 pts)
- Undefeated in Owner Amateur English Trail Pleasure, ridden by Jane Pirolo.
- CAVENDER (50 pts)
- Canter WGC winner, earning double points for owner Bruce MacDonald.
Final Standings:
| Category | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rider | Robert Nelms (132) | Patrick Thomas (118) | Laurie Toone (95) |
| Owner | Lisa Baum (245) | Silver Spur LLC (180) | Janson Patterson (150) |
| Horse | SWEET WALKING MATILDA | CAVENDER | BLACKLIST |
Conclusion:
The 2024 Celebration solidified Jose Jose’s breeding legacy and highlighted rising stars in both amateur and youth divisions. With a focus on ethical horsemanship and thrilling competition, the event set the stage for another decade of Tennessee Walking Horse excellence.
