(Editor’s Note: The following Q&A took place between Walking Horse Report Editorial Director Sadie Fowler and Johnathon Lawwell, son of Beth and Josh Lawwell of Shelbyville, Tennessee.)

WHR: Tell me about yourself.

Lawwell: I’m Johnathon and I’m nine-years-old. 

WHR: What has riding taught you that you’ve been able to apply to your everyday life?

Lawwell: I’ve been riding my whole life. It has taught me to do my chores.

WHR: What do you like most about showing? 

Lawwell: I like to show against other people. I like to see my friends at shows, too.

WHR: Who is your favorite horse of all time?

Lawwell: Elmo, because he is short and he fits my size.

WHR: What do you like most about the horse world besides actually showing?

Lawwell: Watching the stake class and playing with my friends.

WHR: Who do you most admire as a trainer?

Lawwell: Papa Ron (Ronal Young). He tells me when I do wrong and when I do good. He is a nice person. I also admire Poppy (Tommy Lawwell) because he does a lot of things with me.

WHR: What is your life like outside of showing horses?

Lawwell: I enjoy deer and turkey hunting, fishing, sports, golf. I want to go to college and I want to be in the construction business. 

WHR: If you could have dinner with someone famous who would it be and where would you go?

Lawwell: Jack Owens — Sarges.

WHR: Who is your favorite American president and why?

Lawwell: Trump, because he makes liberals cry.

WHR: What is some advice you’d give to someone new to showing horses?

Lawwell: Don’t run in front of a horse going down the chute.

WHR: What are your goals for the near future?

Lawwell: Get more people in the stake class … and kill a bigger buck.