Jackie Dean – Shelbyville, Tennessee

TELL US YOUR NAME AND WHERE YOU ARE FROM?
My name is Jackie Dean and grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina and moved to Shelbyville in 2015.

WHERE DO YOU WORK?
I work at Tennova-Shelbyville.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL? TELL US ABOUT A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU.
Being a nurse on the front lines is hard no doubt, but more rewarding than anything. A typical day consists of direct patient care, directing flow of the patients in and out of the ER, team work with my colleagues and mitigating problems within the department. The ins and outs of the job are demanding both mentally and physically, but the generally rewarding nature of the job is worth it each time I clock out.

HOW HAS THE CORONAVIRUS AFFECTED YOUR JOB?
Every healthcare worker can say that their job and home life has been affected by COVID-19, but I can honestly say we have to make the best of the situation; we are all in this together. We have seen a decline in patients over the last few weeks, which means people are heeding the warnings of the CDC and staying at home, calling their primary care providers or calling the TN Department of Health for advice. As always, the hospital is here to serve the needs of the community and we will continue to do just that to the best of our abilities – our doors are never closed to those in need of care. Shelbyville is an amazing place full of people that ban together in times of need, not only for the Walking Horse industry, but for the community as a whole.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE HORSE BUSINESS AND/OR HOW ARE YOU RELATED TO THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY?
I have been involved in Walking Horses since I was about 12. I got my first TWH as my 4-H horse and it seemed to spiral from there. I was blessed to make the journey to Tennessee with my once in a lifetime horse, Spirit’s Pushy. As a frequent visitor of the winner's circle she has carried me to more blue ribbons than I could have imagined. I always say she’s nothing super special, but she’s super special to me.

DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE HORSES IN TRAINING AND IF SO WHO ARE THEY AND WHO IS YOUR TRAINER?
Ruby Sue resides at Stonewall Farm where she will probably live out her days as I couldn’t ask for better friends and caregivers for her! I am also excited about my two-year-old “Squiggy” who we were able to raise on the farm and watch grow up. I am hoping to show her this year at the International in Murfreesboro.

TELL US ABOUT A SPECIAL HORSE RELATED MEMORY WHETHER IN THE RING, ON THE TRAIL OR AT THE BARN?
My favorite memory so far would have to be winning the preliminary junior trail pleasure class on I’m Thunderstruck at the Celebration last year. Of course the world grand championship class was a dream come true, but the preliminary class brought the initial excitement and all of our friends to the side lines. All that we had been working towards all year had paid off. I can’t describe the anticipation waiting in the lineup and finally hearing your number called – maybe on the verge of passing out would be a good description!

DO YOU HAVE ANY PERSONAL WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO PASS ALONG TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN THE HORSE INDUSTRY?
From a front line health care worker, my words of advice are to listen to the medical professionals who are giving up to date advice and following CDC guidelines. Be an example for your family and friends during this time. Heed any advice about social distancing you hear and encourage others to do the same. Our country will return back to normal, but not without your help. You may feel you play a small part, but your role is bigger than that. Each day you stay at home, social distance or even self-quarantine if you feel you are sick, is another day we don’t have to conserve our resources and re-use protective equipment. Across the nation hospitals are conserving PPE and we have done the same. I am thankful to work in a facility and within a community that cherishes the front line worker and puts their efforts towards our safety.