(Editor’s Note: The following interview took place between horse owner Detha Yoder and Walking Horse Report’s Sadie Fowler)

Fowler: Let’s start by sharing with our readers a bit of your background. Tell us about yourself.

Yoder: I’m a mom and stepmom to five, grandmother to my one and only Lexi Grace, daughter of Bill and Joyce Broom whom I love to the moon and back. We live in Ooltewah, Tennessee and I’m a finance director for Toyota and Lexus in Chattanooga.

Fowler: How would you describe your role in the horse industry?

Yoder: My role in the horse industry? I’m an owner, exhibitor and horse alcoholic!

Fowler: When did you attend your first Celebration and what do you remember about the experience?

Yoder: My first Celebration was in 1972…my father fell in love with the Tennessee Walking Horse that night and said “I’ll be showing in this ring next year” and he did...

Fowler: Who is your favorite WGC?

Yoder: My favorite WGC?? Ebony’s Time Around. He was majestic and stunning. His bold head and bay color was, in my eyes, the dream horse.

Fowler: How often do you come to Shelbyville and what do you enjoy about the area?

Yoder: How often do I come to Shelbyville? Every week!! I can’t stay away. I need to ride and feed my horses peppermints, but most of all I need the hugs from my horse babies. I so enjoy spending time with barn friends, and family. 

Fowler: What stands out about the area as being unique or different from where you are from?

Yoder: Well, my home doesn’t have horses. Shelbyville is my therapy. Escape from reality of work and stress. It’s my happy place.

Fowler: What do you tell your non-horse friends about Shelbyville? 

Yoder: Everyone asks me why do you go so much? Wouldn’t you like just to stay at home one day and sleep in? I can honestly say no! Shelbyville feels like home to me. It’s a mini vacation with lots of fun and definitely laughter when we all get together. The horses are breathing on you and there is no words to describe it.

Fowler: What’s your favorite junk food at the Celebration?

Yoder: Italian Ice, fried pickles and ice cream w/ strawberries.

Fowler: Besides horses, do you have any other hobbies? 

Yoder: The horses take up all my down time and that’s my focus because I love them to my soul. No other hobbies except spending time with my family.

Fowler: If you could have dinner with any famous person who would it be and why? Where would you eat?

Yoder: Reba McIntyre. She is such a classy southern woman. We would go to Cracker Barrel and just have a girl talk, laugh, and then I would take her to the barn and we could go riding.

Fowler: What’s your favorite book and why?

Yoder: The Bible. It has every answer that I need in my life.

Fowler: Do you have a favorite motto or guiding principle you often use in your day-to-day life?

Yoder: I live by two mottos. First, if it’s going to matter in 30 days stress over it, if it’s not going to matter don’t worry. Second, GO TEAM! Everything in life requires a team to make anything happen.

Fowler: What are your overall thoughts going into this year’s Celebration? 

Yoder: I’m very encouraged with the shows this year. I believe attendance, atmosphere and excitement is in the air.

Fowler: Anything else you’d like to share with the readers of WHR?

Yoder: Charlie and I would like to wish every trainer, owner and exhibitor a safe and fun Celebration. God has allowed us to be blessed with this honor of showing and owning these beautiful horses. We wish everyone a lifetime of memories and good luck to all!