Connie Hess – Harrisonburg, Virginia 

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY?
25 years

WHAT HORSES DO YOU CURRENTLY OWN AND WHO ARE THEY IN TRAINING WITH?
Kinfoke – Abernathy Stables
I’m Charlie Parker – Philip Trimble Stables
One Republic – Chad Williams Stables
Havana Gin – Baucom Stables
Stronger – Wright Stables
I Am Bold And Spicy Jose – Wright Stables

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PAST WORLD GRAND CHAMPION AND WHY?
Walk Time Charlie – Because Chad Baucom was the BEST horseman there ever was and it was good to see him win the stake on such a talented and beautiful horse.

IF THERE WAS ONE AREA OF THE INDUSTRY YOU COULD CHANGE OR RAMP UP, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I wish the small, one-night local horse shows would come back in our area. We have such a versatile, good natured breed – it would be nice to get more folks riding and showing Tennessee Walking Horses….that interest starts and grows in the small, one night backyard shows. 

IF YOU WERE NOT AT THE BARN OR A HORSE SHOW, WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Trail riding or working

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TV SHOWS, MOVIES OR NETFLIX FEATURES HAVE YOU BEEN BINGE WATCHING DURING THE PANDEMIC?
CM and I binged on Ozark – we loved it.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR SHOW CAREER THUS FAR?
My first victory pass at the Celebration on She’s Push In Command – I couldn’t believe I had won and remember the joy and gratitude I felt in that moment.

WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM CAN YOU GIVE TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY ON THE PANDEMIC?
When this thing breaks – we’re gonna have a heck of a horse show!