Benjamin Bowen – Pontotoc, Mississippi
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY?
My grandparents have owned horses since about 1992, and I started showing in 2004 when I was nine years old.
WHAT HORSES DO YOU CURRENTLY OWN AND WHO ARE THEY IN TRAINING WITH?
Good Samaritan
The Comanche
Jose It Ain't So
Strong Stock
All of my family’s horses are in training at Wright Stables with Michael and Casey Wright.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PAST WORLD GRAND CHAMPION AND WHY?
It’s hard to choose only one. I would have to say Out On Parole and I Am José. Both are owned by some of my family’s very best friends in the walking horse industry. Randall and Sadie Baskin and Billy and Debbie Woods. In my opinion, one of the most integral parts of being the best horse is having the best owners to promote him. The owners must be ambassadors themselves, and these couples fulfill that role well.
IF THERE WAS ONE AREA OF THE INDUSTRY YOU COULD CHANGE OR RAMP UP, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I think our horses are better than ever and our industry is in such an incredible position. Some of the things I would change would be doing more to encourage youth participants and people new to the industry. Growing up in the industry, it’s been interesting to see how my involvement and interests in horses has evolved as well as how other people view our breed. We’ve got to collaboratively work to keep a positive, professional and fun image for our breed. I would love to see the prestige of our horse be celebrated for generations to come.
IF YOU WERE NOT AT THE BARN OR A HORSE SHOW, WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME?
All of my favorite times are spent with my friends and family. I love a weekend at the lake, waterfowl or turkey hunting, playing golf, traveling with friends, Ole Miss sporting events, fishing, or just being at home on my family’s farm in Mississippi.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TV SHOWS, MOVIES OR NETFLIX FEATURES HAVE YOU BEEN BINGE WATCHING DURING THE PANDEMIC?
I don’t watch a lot of TV, but with all of this free time I have been able to start taking guitar lessons, improve my golf game and shot my first turkey.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR SHOW CAREER THUS FAR?
As far as blue ribbons go, I would say winning a world championship on Sanman at my very first Celebration was one for the books. Also winning the Amateur Canter World Championship on Jose It Ain't So as well as multiple world championships and a world grand championship on The Land Shark. Although winning is something I love to do, I am most thankful for the relationship I have gotten to have with my grandparents through our involvement. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM CAN YOU GIVE TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY ON THE PANDEMIC?
If there is anything horse people are good at it’s holding on through the tough times. We have so much to look forward to in the show season to come. Having this extra time to slow down will make us all more grateful to be back together and enjoy our horses and each other soon. The best is yet to be.