Thom Meek – Nashville, Tennessee

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY?
Since I was 16 so 40 years.

WHAT HORSES DO YOU CURRENTLY OWN AND WHO ARE THEY IN TRAINING WITH?
Four-year-old Mister Lineman and three-year-old Just As I Am – both are with Baucom Stables

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PAST WORLD GRAND CHAMPION AND WHY?
This one is a difficult one. I have had personal connection with the wins of Dark Spirit's Rebel, Pride’s Jubilee Encore and Masquerading, but I am going to have to say Honors. The horse is to true representation of the breed, but the journey to the world grand championship was a challenge, but was faced in the true meaning of his name “Honor”.

IF THERE WAS ONE AREA OF THE INDUSTRY YOU COULD CHANGE OR RAMP UP, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
The mare is the foundation of this breed. We as an industry put so much focus on the world grand championship that has historically been a stallion. It would be great to see a mare world grand champion that has more celebration.

IF YOU WERE NOT AT THE BARN OR A HORSE SHOW, WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME?
I love building and for the last five years, we have been renovating a house/barn in Shelbyville. I love design and when I get to see it come together with my own hands it is truly rewarding.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TV SHOWS, MOVIES OR NETFLIX FEATURES YOU HAVE BEEN BINGE WATCHING DURING THE PANDEMIC?
Not a big TV watcher but have enjoyed Yellowstone and its evolution of characters.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR SHOW CAREER THUS FAR?
To own, love and show The Phantom Menace. He gave me more and truly showed me what the Tennessee Walking Horse is all about. Yes, it is showing, but there can be a connection words cannot describe.

WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM CAN YOU GIVE TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY ON THE PANDEMIC?
We have seen the world come to a stop and in this time we have had time to see what is important in life. Take this opportunity to appreciate our breed and the people that make it great. Move forward with caution and respect for your horse family.