(Editor’s Note: The following Q&A took place between the Walking Horse Report’s editorial director Sadie Fowler and youth rider Will Cole.)

WHR: Tell us about yourself, and what the important highlights of your world are these days.

Cole: I am a freshman at Middle Tennessee State University where I am studying construction management. I am currently working at my family’s business, Holton Concrete Products, and I am also coaching football at MTCS. I love raising, working and showing horses, cows, and spending time with my friends. 

WHR: How did you get started in the horse world and what has riding taught you?

Cole: I was absolutely born into the walking horse industry. My parents have been showing since they were juveniles and the walking horse industry is how they met. Riding horses has taught me to have an abundance of patience.

WHR: What is it about the walking horse that attracts you the most?

Cole: I love our breed because of the horses’ dispositions and their willingness to learn and respond to what they are taught. Most Tennessee Walking Horses have a pleasant and pleasing personality.

WHR: Who is your favorite horse of all time? 

Cole: My favorite horse of all time is my pony, Ricky Ricardo. He loves what he does, which makes it a joy to show him. He’s a great show horse and has a funny personality. I just love to be around him.

WHR: What do you most enjoy about the industry in terms of the friendships you’ve made?

Cole: I enjoy the relationships I’ve formed with the old-timers. I love to hear about the past and how much our industry has evolved over the years. 

WHR: Who is your trainer and tell me what he or she is like?

Cole: I have been showing horses since I was three. I have been beyond blessed to have some great men as trainers. I have ridden for Ramsey Bullington, Dickie Scrivner, Danny Burks, and Frankie Roark. They are all more than a horse trainer. They are my friends and people that I have learned about horses from and also about life.

WHR: What has been your most special moment in the show ring?

Cole: I have won many blue ribbons, but my most memorable moment in the show ring was last year at the Celebration when I received second in the preliminary pony class. It’s not that I was reserve, but that the crowd went crazy when they called Ricky’s name. Ricky and I were so happy that the crowd loved our performance so much to cheer so loud for us.

WHR: What’s your life like outside of horses?

Cole: Two of my passions in life are horses and football. I played football for many years, but I made the decision to stop playing after high school. However, my high school coach offered me a coaching position, and I am now coaching at MTCS. I’m attending MTSU, where I plan to focus on residential development. 

WHR: What is one new thing you would love to learn?

Cole: I have always wanted to start colts and be a part of their progression. Over the past couple of years, I have bred, raised and started some colts. I hope to learn more about colts. 

WHR: Who is someone you admire and why?

Cole: I will always admire my two grandfathers, Thomas Holton and Jerry Cole. They are two of the best men I know. They are hard workers, they love and deeply support their families, and they don’t let their age define what they can do. 

WHR: If you could have dinner with someone famous, who would it be and what would you have for dinner? 

Cole: Donald Trump. We would eat filet mignon.

WHR: Who is your favorite American president and why? 

Cole: Donald Trump. He’s by far accomplished more than any president we’ve had since I’ve been alive. 

WHR: What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone brand new to the horse show world?

Cole: Even when you think you have great horses, you have to learn how to lose gracefully. It’s not always and easy thing to do. 

WHR: What is one of your goals for the upcoming year in regards to horses and beyond?

Cole: This is my last year in the juvenile division. I just want to have fun and be as successful as possible. Beyond that, I want to do well in college.