Despite a tumultuous few weeks in the walking horse business, numbers were released today indicating positive trends within the industry. The official numbers for the 2019 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration have been released, and the total is 2047, which is up slightly from 2018.
Insiders within the industry say entry numbers are right in line with registry numbers, the normal comparison point to entry comparisons.
“The entries are in and it’s time for the excitement to begin and even better, entries continue slight upticks from recent years, which is great,” said Celebration CEO Mike Inman. “But what is even better is the dramatic talent we are expecting in the show ring. This year’s competition and depth will continue to impress and we are hoping the local community will enjoy that as well. We are all trying to work together to showcase the amazing good that this industry brings to our area in a way of which we are all proud.”
This is keeping in line with registries since 2013, which have been relatively flat, but certainly positive. This year’s entries are up seven numbers from last year.
“We are very pleased with this number, which is what we hoped for and anticipated. We are excited for a great show,” Inman said.
Though the numbers are only slightly up from last year, overall, the trend in numbers is a significant direction in the positive direction upward. The Celebration will have more horses competing at the 81th Annual Celebration than it has had, by the hundreds, in several years.
In 2018, 1,179 different horses entered versus 1,138 in 2017.
“All disciplines are not only exhibiting astounding athleticism, but they are also demanding the crowd’s attention,” Inman said. “Another great thing is horses are selling and prices of horses are higher than they have been in 15 years.” Inman said the industry is seeing prices that are more demanding than it has seen in two decades.
“We are all feeling very confident right now as we rally for our horse and prepare for our coveted event,” he said.
The 81th annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration will be held Aug. 21 through 31 and more information will be posted at
walkinghorsereport.com in the days to come.