Colton Spivey – Tabor City, North Carolina

WHAT HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE ARE YOU GRADUATING FROM?
In May, I will be graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College with an applied science associates degree in funeral service education. I will also receive a certificate in anatomical preservation and dissection. During my time at FTCC, I have been an active member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOLLOWING GRADUATION?
Following graduation, I will spend the summer studying for the American Board of Funeral Service Education’s National Board Exam. Once I pass the National Boards, I will then take the South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service’s State Board Examination to receive my funeral directing and embalming license in the state of South Carolina. I currently work as an apprentice funeral director and embalmer at Cooper Funeral Home in Dillon, South Carolina. Once my apprenticeship ends in August and I pass the South Carolina state boards, I will begin working full time at Cooper Funeral Home as a licensed funeral director and embalmer.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY AND/OR HOW ARE YOU RELATED TO THE INDUSTRY?
I have been involved in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry since I was a child. My family has always owned Tennessee Walking Horses. My show career started in 2012, when my dad bought me my first padded performance horse.  

DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE HORSES IN TRAINING AND IF SO, WHO ARE THEY AND WHO IS YOUR TRAINER?
My family and I currently have horses in training with Bryan Barnhill of B&B Stables in Marion, South Carolina. Bryan has put me in the winner's circle numerous times on previous horses, along with the padded performance horse I currently own, a black gelding named Back In Black Too. Bryan also trains my family’s park performance horse, a black stud named Generator's Santana Push. I also have a trail pleasure racking horse named Wicked Heartbeat that I train myself.

TELL US ABOUT A SPECIAL HORSE RELATED MEMORY WHETHER IN THE RING, ON THE TRAIL OR AT THE BARN?
One of my favorite horse show memories will always be winning a world grand championship on my horse, Wicked Heartbeat, at the RHBAA World Celebration in 2017. My horse, Wicked Heartbeat and I, won the Juvenile 17 & Under Trail Pleasure Stake.

HOW HAVE HORSES HELPED YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE?
Horse shows have definitely helped mold me into the person I am today. Horse shows have taught me that there is more to showing than just winning a ribbon. No matter if you win or lose, it’s important to remember to always have a good time. I would have never met some of my closest friends if it wasn’t for horse shows. I will always be thankful for every opportunity I’ve had to go in the show ring, spend time with friends and family, and make some of the best memories.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PERSONAL WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO PASS ALONG TO FELLOW SENIORS DURING THIS TIME?
Enjoy it while it lasts! It may seem like school will never end, however; it will all be over before you know it. If you work hard and stay focused, you can do anything you put your mind to.