Brittany Baum – Shelbyville, Tennessee

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY?
I started showing in 2015, so I guess I would say since then. But being from Shelbyville, I’ve actually attended the Celebration every year since I was born.

WHAT HORSES DO YOU CURRENTLY OWN AND WHO ARE THEY IN TRAINING WITH?
Nine Carat Diamond, Popcorn Sutton and Gotcha Jose’ in training with Callaway Stables. Miss Belle Starr in training with Joe Lester Stables.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PAST WORLD GRAND CHAMPION AND WHY?
The Whole Nine Yards. Growing up, I had no clue how the horses were judged, so my sister and I would pick the prettiest horse and cheer for that one. The year Nine won, we had picked him, so we were very excited. Since then, he has been my favorite. And now I am lucky enough to get to own and show one of his babies.

IF THERE WAS ONE AREA OF THE INDUSTRY YOU COULD CHANGE OR RAMP UP, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Probably the connection with the Bedford County community. I’ve been on both sides of that now, so I understand how much the industry and community can benefit from one another. I would love to see that excitement of our beautiful horses and the horse shows celebrated within our community again.

IF YOU WERE NOT AT THE BARN OR A HORSE SHOW, WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Clogging with my clogging team, the Mid State Cloggers, visiting Disney World, or at the lake with my family.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TV SHOWS, MOVIES OR NETFLIX FEATURES HAVE YOU BEEN BINGE WATCHING DURING THE PANDEMIC?
There isn’t a lot of time to binge watch shows when you have a toddler. So most of my tv watching has included movies such as The Lion King, Coco, Toy Story 1, 2, 3, and 4, and shows like Thomas and Friends, Dinosaur Train, and Curious George, just to name a few. I’m pretty sure I can quote The Lion King at this point.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR SHOW CAREER THUS FAR?
Winning two world championships and a world grand championship my very first time showing at the Celebration. I had only started learning to ride nine months prior, so it was something special that I will never forget.

WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM CAN YOU GIVE TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY ON THE PANDEMIC?
Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” So I think we need to stay positive and look forward to the day we can enjoy our beautiful horses and each other’s company. And when that day comes, we should come together and have the best show season we have ever had!