WHR: Of all the trainers out there, which trainer do you most admire?
B.C.: Well, I gotta be honest. We’ve watched Link over the years and we’ve always liked the way he put his horses in the ring. So I guess Link would be my number one. And of course, where he took us plays a part too, but we liked him before we even put horses with him.
And little Knox, I’ve always admired him. I know Knox, and I would never, ever hesitate to go purchase another horse from him. We bought [Ebony’s Bad] Bubba through him. Bubba was everything Knox told us. He panned out very well for us. Knox was truly honest and upfront with everything. I’d go shopping at his barn any day!
J.C.: Link Webb. He was our first choice in trainers to move four of our show horses to in July 2002 in preparation for the 2002 Celebration. He exceeded our expectations in his knowledge, in his professionalism, in his character, and in his integrity.
WHR: When and/or where are you the happiest?
B.C.: At the barn. I laugh, cut up with those boys all the time. I’m happy down there. When you see them everyday and you’re with them everyday, you get close to them. I’m happy at home too. I’m really a homebody. It’s nice to go to horse shows and see everybody on the weekends too.
J.C.: Watching Betty exhibit our horses in the horse shows, especially the Celebration. I’m as elated when she wins a blue as she is. These times take me away from the daily concerns of my automobile dealerships and allow a form of relaxation.
WHR: Who and/or what is the greatest love of your life?
B.C.: I would have to say the greatest love of my life was my son, John, and James, he’s my main squeeze! He’s such a good person. James was good to my son, he’s good to me, spoils me, he’s just a super person. He would do anything in the world for anybody that he can...And of course the what is right out my back door. I just love the horses and the animals.
J.C.: Betty...She came into my life at a time when I had become stagnant in my personal and business life. She brought joy and happiness back, and challenged me to rebuild my lost drive in life, as well as accept the challenge only a nine year old stepson can bring.
Outside Betty and our horses, it has to be my automobile dealerships, Chevrolet-Cadillac-Oldsmobile in Clarksville, Tennessee and Ford in Columbia, South Carolina.
WHR: Do you have any other interests or hobbies?
B.C.: No, not really! I love Court TV!! Between the horses and showing, we don’t have time for much else.
J.C.: I used to play golf, before some surgery slowed down that interest in the early nineties. Now, outside my dealership activities and the horses, there is not a lot of time for hobbies.
WHR: What is your greatest fear?
B.C. : Falling off in the ring! I’ve always been scared of falling off, that would be so embarrassing...
J.C.: Betty and/or my children being kidnapped or harmed in any way.
WHR: What are your goals as far as Walking Horses are concerned?
J.C.: I would be less than frank if I did not admit that a win in the World Grand Championship is an objective for Betty and I, and Bowtie Stables. I want Bowtie Stables and our staff to develop into a very professional training and breeding facility, recognized for its character and integrity within the walking horse industry. Betty and I want to be an asset to this business and a contributor to its success.
WHR: As far as the show horses you own, who is your favorite?
B.C.: Fired Up is wonderful and a lot of fun to ride. Highway, he just, whatever I ask him to do bless his heart, he does it. He’s got just a great personality!
J.C.: Highway has been very good to Betty...but I would have to say Fired Up.
WHR: What is something that people don’t know about you all that you would like them to know?
J.C.: “We’re just average people from a small community who, though we are fairly newcomers to this business, love the Tennessee Walking Horse breed, and want to be part of its continual growth.”
B.C.: “We’re just us. We’re laid back people. I mean, no doubt, everybody wants to win, but I go in and I like to ride and make a good ride, you know if we win, it’s ok and if we don’t we’re happy too.”
More than likely, you’ll see the Corlews together at shows across the south for many years to come, James with their beloved little Yorkshire Terrier, Betsy, cradled in his arms and Betty dressed to nines and ready to show or holding a blue ribbon from the class she just won!