Jenny Funk – Middletown, Ohio

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY?
I have been involved with the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry since 1968. So that will be 52 years this coming 2020 Celebration!

WHAT HORSES DO YOU CURRENTLY OWN AND WHO ARE THEY IN TRAINING WITH?
The Bay Bomber is trained by Scott Beaty and Todd Claborn.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PAST WORLD GRAND CHAMPION AND WHY?
Another Masterpiece because he was owned by my dad’s (Jerry Wells) best friend in 1974.

IF THERE WAS ONE AREA OF THE INDUSTRY YOU COULD CHANGE OR RAMP UP, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
It would be nice to see more activity on the show grounds with more horses to watch the “workouts” in the mornings and the barns full again. It would be wonderful to have the stands at capacity. I believe you would see more participation if the cost would be less expensive. More activity during the day for different types of people is also an option.

IF YOU WERE NOT AT THE BARN OR A HORSE SHOW, WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME?
During COVID-19, you would see me spending more timeat home with my family. I also enjoy being outdoors walking or hanging with friends and family. But, I love taking a trip somewhere in the mountains or to a lake. I love sitting out on the porch enjoying a cup of coffee as well.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TV SHOWS, MOVIES OR NETFLIX FEATURES HAVE YOU BEEN BINGE WATCHING DURING THE PANDEMIC?
I enjoyed watching The Voice, different types of movies (Hitch, Something’s Gotta Give, Blind Side, Avatar, Pretty Woman and anything with Will Smith, Jack Nicholson or Sandra Bullock). Also watched Taken, Shooter and any action packed movie.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR SHOW CAREER THUS FAR?
My first horse show as a rider and getting a blue ribbon on my first owned Tennessee Walking Horse Prideful Intentions and getting my first ribbon at the 2013 Celebration on The Sky Guy!

WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM CAN YOU GIVE TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY ON THE PANDEMIC?
Stay connected as much as possible and lift each other up. This too shall pass and we will be together again one day soon. Stay strong, be safe and stay healthy.