SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – After reviewing entry numbers and requests from owners, trainers and exhibitors, The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has released class schedules for the 34th Spring Fun Show and 66th Celebration.

Only four changes were made to the Fun Show schedule. They included the elimination of the Park Pleasure Walking Horse class due to a decline in entries and the addition of a Youth Western Trail Pleasure class.

Class 16, Owner-Amateur Youth Riders on Walking Mares and Geldings, was changed from ages 14 and under in 2003 to ages 12-17 in 2004. Class 32, Owner-Amateur Youth Riders on Walking Mares and Geldings was changed from ages15-17 in 2003 to ages 11 and under in 2004.

“We saw a nice increase in entries last year,” said Celebration CEO Ron Thomas. “We dropped a class that had declined in entries for several years and added one that we had received numerous requests for.”

For the first time in several years, no classes were added or subtracted from The Celebration class schedule. However, several classes were moved following input from the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association and The Celebration entry office as well as other factors.

The only champion class that was moved was the 15.2 and Under Walking Horse World Grand Championship. It was previously the first class on the final Thursday night and will now be the second class of the performance, following the Owner-Amateur Youth Riders on Walking Ponies, 60” and Under, World Grand Championship.

“Almost all of the moves were made to help our exhibitors,” continued Thomas. “We try to schedule classes that give the exhibitors the most opportunities to show their horses and we also try to free-up the trainers from having to show in back-to-back classes, unless absolutely necessary.”

There were very few instances of classes moving from day performances to night, and vice-versa. Otherwise, most of the changes were classes that were moved within the performance where they had previously been scheduled.

“Popularity of the classes by both the exhibitors and our fans means a great deal,” said Thomas. “We appreciate all of the input we receive from all circles regarding ways to fine tune and streamline our show schedule. Most of all, we want a schedule that is enticing to exhibitors and exciting for the fans.”

The full schedule of classes for both the Spring Fun Show and The Celebration can be found on www.twhnc.com.