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Publication Date |
| SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. — The young stars of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry took center stage Saturday morning as the 88th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration continued in Cooper Steel Arena. The 13-class session got underway promptly at 9 a.m., with world championship honors on the line throughout the morning. |
8/29/2026 |
| As you approach the town of Shelbyville from any direction, one of the first things you see is the blue water tower on the grounds of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. It stands tall like a beacon, beckoning us to it, not unlike the magic and mystery of Jay Gatsby’s green light. It draws us all in, exhibitors and competitors, fans and friends, veterans and newcomers. |
8/29/2026 |
| SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – For the first Friday night at The Celebration, it is a relatively new Celebration tradition to have Wild West Night. Ladies don their fanciest cowgirl boots, and the gentlemen showcase their tallest cowboy hats. This Celebration Friday night was no different. The invocation was said by Rev. Jeannie Hunter of First Presbyterian Church of Shelbyville, and the national anthem was sung by Nicole Waggoner of Bell Buckle. |
8/29/2026 |
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8/29/2026 |
| 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. |
8/28/2026 |
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8/28/2026 |
| SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. —Friday morning at the Celebration continued a longstanding tradition of putting youth competitors in the spotlight. Young exhibitors made up the majority of those coming through the gate, with riders and handlers ranging in age from 6 to 17. |
8/28/2026 |
| He may not have gotten the pony he wanted for Christmas as a kid, but what Ronnie Spears did get through hard work and determination resulted in a lifetime of winning rides and a legion of fans cheering him right into the winner’s circle. |
8/28/2026 |
| 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. |
8/27/2026 |
| Sugar Creek Farm has released a promotional video featuring information about the upcoming 2026 Yearling Gathering. |
8/27/2026 |
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8/27/2026 |
| 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. |
8/27/2026 |
| 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. |
8/27/2026 |
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8/26/2026 |
| 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. |
8/26/2026 |