By Jeffrey Howard

On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, The Tennessee Walking Horse industry took part at “Ag Day On The Hill” for the second consecutive year. Representing the Tennessee Walking Horse community were Warren Wells, Celebration CEO and Mark Farrar, TWHBEA CEO. State Representative Pat Marsh and State Senator Shane Reeves, who represent Shelbyville, were also present. Marsh is a past Director with the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.

In addition to Wells, Farrar and Marsh, Mr. True Blue, the 2022 Four-Year-Old World Grand Champion, was also on hand and was a big attraction to the attendees. Trainers Spencer Benedict and R.M Kellett, who rode Mr. True Blue to his spotlight ride at The Celebration, were also present and met with and discussed the Tennessee Walking Horse with legislators and community members. Owner Jake Jacobs also attended Ag Day on the Hill and has been a true ambassador for the breed allowing Mr. True Blue to make multiple exhibitions at non-Tennessee Walking Horse events including this year’s Ag Day and a Middle Tennessee State University football game.

The Ag Day on the Hill draws hundreds of community members from across the state including politicians, business leaders, students and of course livestock to celebrate the state’s agriculture industry. This event provided agricultural organizations the opportunity to showcase the great work happening in Tennessee Agriculture with lawmakers.  

“I have loved Ag Day on the Hill since I first attended it as an intern in 2008. I have attended this event as an intern, legislative staffer and I always accompanied Governor Haslam to the event my seven years with him. It is really fun to attend it in this capacity now representing the Tennessee Walking Horse community and my hometown,” said Wells.  

“We had a chance to meet with other Agriculture leaders from around the state as well as legislators, Governor Lee, The Department of Agriculture Commissioner and staff, and legislative staffers. Our world grand champions are always a big hit and Mr. True Blue was a crowd favorite for sure. A big thanks to Jake Jacobs, Spencer and R.M. for the day they gave us to show off our Four-Year-Old World Grand Champion. This was a great day for our wonderful breed,” concluded Wells.