Bob Lawrence – Thomasville, Georgia

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY?
I have had horses all my life but started in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry in 1958 with a son of Midnight Sun. A slight detour in 1970 took me to Quarter Horses until 1990 and I started fox hunting and finally to field trials, bringing me back to Walking Horses in 1998.

WHAT HORSES DO YOU CURRENTLY OWN AND WHO ARE THEY IN TRAINING WITH?
I am showing a five-year-old mare, Zendaya and a three-year-old mare, Perfect Timing in the pleasure classes this year. Both are in training with Joe Lester Stables.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PAST WORLD GRAND CHAMPION AND WHY?
My first Celebration in 1957 and Sun’s Jet Parade was World Grand Champion. This will always be special as it was my first visit to Shelbyville and the Celebration.

IF THERE WAS ONE AREA OF THE INDUSTRY YOU COULD CHANGE OR RAMP UP, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Personally, it would be the pressure placed on the two-year-olds to do so much early before their legs and minds can handle the work asked of them.

IF YOU WERE NOT AT THE BARN OR A HORSE SHOW, WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME?
I work with an organization called, Hands and Hearts for Horses, a therapeutic riding school in Thomasville. I am a volunteer and also serve on the board and there is always something going on there or working with the quail hunting dogs.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TV SHOWS, MOVIES OR NETFLIX FEATURES HAVE YOU BEEN BINGE WATCHING DURING THE PANDEMIC?
Thank goodness for Horse TV, the Cowboy Channel and RFD TV.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR SHOW CAREER THUS FAR?
In 2001 I won my first world championship with Jose’ Quervo Gold followed by the World Grand Championship Park Pleasure with Jazz All Night in 2005. Those would be the two main highlights so far.

WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM CAN YOU GIVE TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY ON THE PANDEMIC?
Just sit tight and wait for that gate to open!!!