Donna Byard – Hamilton, Missouri 

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY?
I was born into it. I started showing at the age of three alone, no lead line classes then.

WHAT HORSES DO YOU CURRENTLY OWN AND WHO ARE THEY IN TRAINING WITH?
The Bouncer with Bobby Hugh that I co-owned with Shelli Mehaffay. I also own Miss Dixie Flyer with Jeff Laughlin and Ideal with Shelli Mehaffay.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PAST WORLD GRAND CHAMPION AND WHY?
Delight’s Bumming Around, he and Billy Gray were a beautiful example of our breed.

IF THERE WAS ONE AREA OF THE INDUSTRY YOU COULD CHANGE OR RAMP UP, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
We need to bring back the crowds. Everyone needs to work together, build each other up and not backstab.

IF YOU WERE NOT AT THE BARN OR A HORSE SHOW, WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Trying to place my puppies with great families.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TV SHOWS, MOVIES OR NETFLIX FEATURES HAVE YOU BEEN BINGE WATCHING DURING THE PANDEMIC?
I have been watching old horse show videos, the Hallmark channel and of course, The Price Is Right.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR SHOW CAREER THUS FAR?
It would have to be winning my first world championship and reserve world grand championship with Pushin Some Black Jazz, owned by Shelli Mehaffay. Also, winning a world championship with Miss Dixie Flyer and watching Jeff Laughlin win the world grand championship and Futurity with her.

WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM CAN YOU GIVE TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY ON THE PANDEMIC?
Keep your horses in training, the shows will happen sometime.