NASHVILLE, Tenn. –  The Tennessee House of Representatives this week presented a resolution honoring Justified Honors, the first Tennessee Walking Horse in history to win the World Grand Championship four times at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville.

House Joint Resolution 912, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Pat Marsh, R-Shelbyville, recognizes the historic achievement and the team behind the stallion’s remarkable success. For nearly nine decades, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has crowned a World Grand Champion, but no horse had ever won the title four times until Justified Honors. The prized stallion has also become the first horse to win four World Grand Championships by a unanimous decision of judges, highlighting his consistent excellence, athleticism and presence.

“This is truly a historic achievement,” said Marsh. “I was a board of director for 27 years, and I never thought we would have a horse win the World Grand Championship four times. This achievement represents not only the talent and heart of a truly special horse, but also the dedication of the team behind him. Justified Honors represents the very best of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, and we are proud to recognize the horse, the owners and the entire team whose dedication made this remarkable accomplishment possible.” 

Marsh welcomed members of the team who contributed to Justified Honors’ unique success to the House chamber during the presentation, including the proud owners of Justified Honors, Dr. Jim Baum and his wife Lisa, John and John Allen Callaway of Callaway Stables, and Jeffrey Howard, chairman of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Board.

The Tennessee Walking Horse industry remains a significant part of the state’s agricultural heritage, with the Celebration serving as the premier global showcase for the breed and a source of pride for Tennessee.

Justified Honors will make a special appearance on March 17 at the Tennessee State Capitol as part of the legislator's Agriculture Day on The Hill, an annual celebration to honor the Volunteer State’s top industry.