State Honors 2010 World Grand Champion
Portrait of horse on display at Ellington Agricultural Center


Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Julius Johnson (L to R), dam owners Raymond and Diana Popp of Knoxville, sire owners Cena and Joe Martin of Shelbyville and state Representative Pat Marsh pose with a portrait of The Coach, the reigning World Grand Champion Walking Horse.


NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson, recently honored 2010 Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion owners Robert Kilgore of Tuscaloosa, Ala. , Neal Holland Jr. of Decatur, Ala. and Joe Barnes of Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Also honored was trainer Billy Gray of Shelbyville, Tenn.

Johnson recognized the owners and trainer during a reception of industry leaders and supporters at Ellington Agricultural Center. Johnson represented Governor Bill Haslam at the event which has become a tradition to recognize the contributions of the Walking Horse industry to the state.

“The Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration is a wonderful event that draws thousands to the state each year and has a significant impact to the local economy,” said Johnson. “Tennessee is fortunate to have this event and industry in our state.”

Marty Irby, President of the Tennessee Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association, presented the official portrait of World Grand Champion The Coach to Johnson. The portrait, by photographer Jack Greene will be on display in the Moss Administration Building at Ellington Agricultural Center.

“I am honored on behalf of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association to present this portrait of the 2010 World Grand Champion “The Coach,” said Irby at the event.

Representatives of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association and the National Celebration joined Johnson in recognizing the guests of honor.

The 73rd Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® is slated for Aug. 24 – Sept. 3. The Celebration® is the longest continuously-running event in the state of Tennessee. This year marks the 76th anniversary of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association.

For more information on the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association, visit http://www.twhbea.com/. For more information on the National Celebration®, visit http://www.twhnc.com/.