Joley Williams – Craigsville, West Virginia 

WHAT HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE ARE YOU GRADUATING FROM?
I graduated as a homeschool student this year! During my senior year, I took a few college courses to get some general credits out of the way. A lot of people have asked what it’s like to be homeschooled and if I wish I had gone to public school. While I really wish I could’ve been a part of the social side of public school, I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to experience so much diversity in my education.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOLLOWING GRADUATION?
I am planning on attending New River Community and Technical College in the fall. I haven’t fully committed to one program yet, but I would like to go into either Business Accounting or Medical Assisting! I plan to earn an Associates and then attended a university for my Bachelors and possibly even my Masters! And of course, I will keep training and showing my horses as much as I can!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY AND/OR HOW ARE YOU RELATED TO THE INDUSTRY?
My grandpa has played a big influence in my love for this breed. He has owned and bred Tennessee Walking Horses ever since I can remember. I first learned to ride on grade horses and was very convinced that I was going to barrel race or jump. In the past three years, I’ve really caught the walking horse bug and now I can’t see myself owning or showing another breed!

DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE HORSES IN TRAINING AND IF SO, WHO ARE THEY AND WHO IS YOUR TRAINER?
My family has had horses in training at several of the best names in the Industry. At the moment, we only have one horse in training. Our Dixie Lineman gelding, Dixie’s Houdini, is in training at Philip Trimble Stables and we hope to have him Celebration ready this year! The rest of our horses are at home with us in West Virginia getting ready for our 2020 season!

TELL US ABOUT A SPECIAL HORSE RELATED MEMORY WHETHER IN THE RING, ON THE TRAIL OR AT THE BARN?
One of my most treasured memories was from last year. We were showing at the State Fair of West Virginia, one of the biggest shows in our state. I’m Roberto Clementé and I won the Youth All Day Pleasure division! It was my first sanctioned show win! I’ll never forget that victory pass! I was so excited, I almost forgot to go back to the DQP for inspection!

HOW HAVE HORSES HELPED YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE?
Owning, riding and training horses is an immense responsibility, especially for a teenager. I feel like horses have
shaped not only my work ethic, but also my way of thinking. Training horses has reminded me to never give up in what I’m passionate about, whether it’s hard or not. Giving up doesn’t take much discipline, but sticking by something makes you stronger. Horses have not only given me an outlet for stress, but they have taught me to be a better person.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PERSONAL WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO PASS ALONG TO FELLOW SENIORS DURING THIS TIME?
Keep your chin up everyone! A whole new chapter of our lives is starting, and we should look ahead! Keep your focus on one day at a time and live each day like it’s the best one yet!