Steve and Carol Shelton – Mason, Tennessee

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY?
Steve has been around horses all his life, showing at local saddle club shows in Fayette County. When we married, I decided I would like to have a horse, which is when he introduced me to this wonderful breed. We bought a country pleasure horse in the early part of 1991 and I started showing at that time, so I guess about 29 years. For my 40th birthday, I showed at the Celebration for the first time on a performance horse and have been hooked ever since.

WHAT HORSES DO YOU CURRENTLY OWN AND WHO ARE THEY IN TRAINING WITH?
Hawk’s Centerfold
Miss R & R
Trained by Abernathy Stables

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PAST WORLD GRAND CHAMPION AND WHY?
Probably Generator’s Santana, as we were customers in that barn and we got to know him up close and personal. He had such a show ring presence and great demeanor!

IF THERE WAS ONE AREA OF THE INDUSTRY YOU COULD CHANGE OR RAMP UP, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Too much emphasis is placed on the sponsors and benefactors. Until the normal people who love showing their horses are recognized, then nothing will change.

IF YOU WERE NOT AT THE BARN OR A HORSE SHOW, WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Spending time at our hunting cabin in the Mississippi Delta, or swinging on our back porch with our dogs and cats.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TV SHOWS, MOVIES OR NETFLIX FEATURES HAVE YOU BEEN BINGE WATCHING DURING THE PANDEMIC?

Blue Bloods and Last Man Standing, hands down!

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR SHOW CAREER THUS FAR?
The year that I showed Gen’s Impressive Lady at the Celebration when she was four, and every time she went in the ring, she came out with a ribbon!

WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM CAN YOU GIVE TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY ON THE PANDEMIC?
In the words of our sainted father; This too shall pass.