Keith Hayes – Shelbyville, Tennessee

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY?
25 Years

WHAT HORSES DO YOU CURRENTLY OWN AND WHO ARE THEY IN TRAINING WITH?
Without A Warning, Jamaican Me Jealous with Leighanne Tibbs
Master Wilkes with 4 The Glory and Herbert Derickson

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PAST WORLD GRAND CHAMPION AND WHY?
The Golden Sovereign, I like the way he moves and his overall appearance.

IF THERE WAS ONE AREA OF THE INDUSTRY YOU COULD CHANGE OR RAMP UP, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I feel our industry has become relaxed due to past issues and I have a fear of putting the spotlight upon ourselves and to ever grow to the levels of the past we’re going to need a spotlight.

IF YOU WERE NOT AT THE BARN OR A HORSE SHOW, WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Hunting or trail riding

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

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR SHOW CAREER THUS FAR?
I think owning Without A Warning, even though he’s technically a spotted horse he’s registered walking and has won in all venues. I’m super excited about owning my first performance horse, Master Wilkes.

WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM CAN YOU GIVE TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY ON THE PANDEMIC?
It’s time to go, we have been way too conservative on horse shows, and our industry supports many great charities that are hurting.