Latest News

• Double Dose of Success for Compton and Jacobs

  SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The second evening of showing in the Celebration Big Oval started promptly at 7 o’clock. Organist J French Brantley and Mark Farrar announced the arrival of Fruit Jar Alley and Ronnie Spears back to the ring to present the nation’s colors. The invocation was given by Chris Rimes of Edgemont Baptist Church in Shelbyville, and the national anthem was sung by The Cavaliers quartet.  Read More

• From Churchill Downs to the Celebration Grounds

  There are some people in our society who know at a young age exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives. As an example, say, become an attorney. They follow that up with good grades in high school, pre-law undergrad, a good enough LSAT score to get into an Ivy League law school, pass the bar on the first attempt, followed by a long and successful career as a well-paid attorney. How boring. These people should be ashamed of themselves.  Read More

• Mother and Daughter win Three-Year-Old Splits

  SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – Wednesday night marked the first 2026 session in the legendary Big Oval. The Celebration arena has long been the epicenter of hopes and dreams for trainers, grooms and owners alike. The 88th National Celebration promises to be no different. As horse show organist, J French Brantley played “Grand Old Flag,” Mark Farrar announced the debut of Fruit Jar Alley and Ronnie Spears who carried the nation’s flag for the opening ceremonies. Read More

• Learn More About the 2026 Yearling Gathering

  Sugar Creek Farm has released a promotional video featuring information about the upcoming 2026 Yearling Gathering. Read More

• Latest Issue 8/27/26

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• Blacklist Captures 14th World Championship

  SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. - Spectators filed into Cooper Steel Arena for a Thursday morning full of competition at The Celebration. Brian Peery struck up the organ, and Travis Olinger announced the judges for the first of 14 classes on the program at precisely 9 o’clock.  Read More

• The Faces of Celebration: Meet the Staff

  The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration returns this year for its 88th annual show, a tradition woven into the fabric of Shelbyville and the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. For Shelbyville, Tennessee, The Celebration is much like the Kentucky Derby is to Louisville or the Super Bowl is to its host city. It is more than an event—it's a homecoming, an economic driver and 11 days when an entire community comes together around a shared tradition. Read More

• Latest Issue 8/26/26

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• First Session Lights Up a Cloudy Morning

  SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The 88th Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration officially began at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning, August 26, 2026. Ring masters were announced, and Brian Peery struck up the organ in Cooper Steel Arena, and classes were underway with 14 divisions on the program for this mild summer morning. The judges for this Celebration were escorted to center ring: Rollie Beard, Derek Bonner, Scotty Brooks, Sam Sorrell and Chad Williams. Read More

• Equine Obituary – Pro V-1

  With heavy hearts, the equine community mourns the loss of Pro V-1, a true athlete and accomplished show horse whose remarkable career was defined by championship performances, determination and an unmistakable will to give his all every time he entered the show ring. Read More