(Editor’s Note: A Q&A between Walking Horse Report editorial director Sadie Fowler and Kasey Kesselring follows. Kesselring is the president of FAST.)
Fowler: How would you describe your role in the horse industry?
Kesselring: I have been involved in the industry since 1995 while serving as the Assistant Headmaster at The Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. I am an owner, exhibitor and breeder of TWHs and own Christmas Creek Farm, currently home to Joe Lester Stables. In addition, I have served multiple terms on the TWHBEA Board of Directors and Executive Committee. For the past several years, I have served as President of FAST, the Foundation for the Advancement and Support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse.
Fowler: When was the first Celebration you attended and is there any specific moment that stands out from that first visit?
Kesselring: I first attended in 1995 to present the trophy sponsored by The Webb School. I was in awe of the support and enthusiasm for the walking horse.
Fowler: Who is your favorite WGC (one you have not owned) and why?
Kesselring: José José. He was not only an accomplished show horse but a very popular breeding stallion of both flat shod and performance horses. Some of my most successful show horses have been by José José.
Fowler: How do you spend your down time when in Shelbyville for the horse show? What are some unique qualities of the area you enjoy?
Kesselring: I enjoy just working on my farm or at our home in Wartrace.
Fowler: What is something you tell your non-horse friends about Shelbyville they find interesting?
Kesselring: Going to horse shows and having a meal at one of the popular country family owned restaurants.
Fowler: What’s your favorite junk food on the show grounds?
Kesselring: Donuts of course.
Fowler: What’s a normal day like for you during your non-horse life?
Kesselring: As the Headmaster/CEO of a PK-12/PG boarding school, work is a lifestyle that goes from early morning to late evening. Academics during the day and athletics in the afternoon and evenings. We have 90 percent of our boarding population in residence on most weekends so there is always something happening on the campus.
Fowler: If you could have dinner with any famous person who would it be and why? What would you serve or where would you go?
Kesselring: I am a long- time opera fan, so I would enjoy dinner with Luciano Pavarotti or Placido Domingo. Would go to Charley’s Steakhouse in Orlando, Florida
Fowler: What’s your favorite book and why?
Kesselring: The Bible, a guide to life.
Fowler: What is one motto or phrase you live by and why?
Kesselring: A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others. As a business man, I don’t fear competition, it only motivates me to achieve and think outside the box.
Fowler: What are your overall thoughts going into this year’s Celebration?
Kesselring: Optimism. For the first time in several years, I finally feel the industry has achieved some reasonable success in garnering equity in the inspection process which has led to more successful horse shows this season than we have seen in several years; I hope that it translates into higher entry numbers at the Celebration and a great show for everyone to enjoy.