In 2010, PRIDE was formed by a group of industry leaders who felt as though the Walking Horse Industry needed an organization that would oversee the Walking Horse Industry professionally and with integrity. PRIDE stands for Professional Regulation and Inspection for Dedicated Equestrians. PRIDE has worked along side other Walking Horse Industry organizations to promote the Tennessee Walking Horse in an honest and professional manner while also cooperating with the USDA to enforce the Horse Protection Act.

In 2010, a group of Tennessee Walking Horse supporters decided that it was in the best interest of the industry to form a Certified Horse Industry Organization that was made up of professional business leaders who were willing to put the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry’s interest before their own. As a result of that effort, PRIDE became a certified HIO on April 16, 2010. PRIDE’s mission is to ensure that horse lover’s around the world will continue to enjoy the Tennessee Walking Horse for many years to come. PRIDE’s leaders are dedicated to making sure that the inspection process is conducted fairly, objectively and consistently for every exhibitor. Five individuals that comprise the oversight committee oversee PRIDE.

For more information on affiliating shows with P.R.I.D.E, please contact Sam Hamilton at 859-393-4979.

PRIDE would like to thank all shows who have already affiliated and everyone who has supported them.

Sam Hamilton and wife Dana Singleton Hamilton reside in Mt Vernon, Ky. Both graduated from Rockcastle County High School and Eastern Kentucky University. In 1989 he received an Associate Degree in Computer Electronics and a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. Sam began his professional career as a computer programmer for Hyster Company in Berea, Ky. In 1992 Hamilton became the Manufacturing Information Systems manager for General Cable Corporation’s 18 manufacturing facilities and five distribution centers in three countries. In 1996 Sam began installing software in Fortune 500 companies in North and South America for Systems Software Associates; some of these companies included S C Johnson, Bosch, and Johnson & Johnson. In 2000 Sam became i2 Technologies’ Presales Manager for their Customer Relationship Management product for the western region of the US. In the first year he produced over $40 million in sales; Caterpillar, John Deer, Dell Computer and IBM were just a few of his customers. In 2003 he left the software industry to start his own expediting company. In the summer of 2004 Sam’s dream of owning his own company became a reality when Momentum Courier began operations in the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio area. Over the last six years Momentum has opened operations in Lexington, Paducah, Mt Vernon and Crossville, Tenn. Hamilton hopes to utilize his past business experience to manage PRIDE in a professional manner that will impact the Walking Horse industry today and for many years to come.

James (Linton) Griffith and wife Delores currently reside in Bowling Green, Ky. Both Griffith and his wife Delores were born and raised in Pikeville, Ky., and called Eastern Kentucky home until 1992. Griffith has been an owner/operator of his own coal companies in Eastern Kentucky for 52 years, and has worked under the Government Agency M.S.H.A (Mine Safety and Health Administration) since its inception in 1969.   Griffith served on the Board of Directors for Community Trust Bank, and is a past advisory Board Member to former Governor of Kentucky Paul E. Patton. Griffith is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Coal Producers Insurance Company. Griffith has high hopes for PRIDE and believes that it will be an organization that will serve everyone in the horse business with pride and dignity. 

Sharon Curry was born and raised in Laurel County, Ky., has resided in Green County, Ky. for the last 10 years. Curry was married to the late Harold Curry who trained and shown Tennessee Walking Horses for years, until he lost his battle with cancer. Curry is a licensed funeral director and embalmer, and is the owner of the Foster-Toler-Curry Funeral Home in Greensburg, Ky.  Curry has worked in the funeral industry for 28 years.  She is the proud mother of two daughters and has two grandsons. 

Charles Mosley has lived in Bowling Green, Ky., all of his life. In 1975 he started M&L Electrical, Inc., an electrical design build contracting corporation, which he is currently the CEO. In 2000 Mosley built Highland Stables, a Tennessee Walking Horse Training Facility. For several years, his wife, son and two grandsons have all shown walking horses. Mosley says his family has really enjoyed raising and exhibiting.

Duane Rector