| Title / Summary |
Publication Date |
| SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The Monday before Labor Day has always been the last morning session of The Celebration in Cooper Steel Arena. A total of 15 classes, beginning and ending with Equitation championships, were on the program. Travis Olinger announced the judging panel and Brian Peery struck up the organ at precisely 9 o’clock. |
8/31/2026 |
| Every August, thousands of people make their way to The Celebration to watch champions crowned, hear the organ echo through the arenas and experience traditions that have been passed down for generations. Fans see the trophies presented, the spotlight rides celebrated and the victory passes that become lasting memories. What they don't see is the team working quietly behind the scenes to make every one of those moments possible. |
8/31/2026 |
| The Bible teaches that faith in God, and the stewardship of one's family come long before worldly wealth or work. Many entrepreneurs credit keeping faith and family before business leads to success. Herbert and Jill Derickson would agree. Their training and breeding facility, 4 The Glory Farms, has produced champion Tennessee Walking Horses by following that Golden Rule. It comes naturally to both of them and their family. |
8/30/2026 |
| Judge grants summary judgment, vacates No-Showback Rule, Scar Rule and USDA disqualification procedures nationwide |
8/30/2026 |
| The first Saturday night of the Celebration is often viewed as a preview of what is to come on the final Saturday evening. Many of the sport’s top aged stallions make their qualifying rides with hopes of returning for the Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Championship. |
8/30/2026 |
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8/30/2026 |
| SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. — The young stars of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry took center stage Saturday morning as the 88th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration continued in Cooper Steel Arena. The 13-class session got underway promptly at 9 a.m., with world championship honors on the line throughout the morning. |
8/29/2026 |
| SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – For the first Friday night at The Celebration, it is a relatively new Celebration tradition to have Wild West Night. Ladies don their fanciest cowgirl boots, and the gentlemen showcase their tallest cowboy hats. This Celebration Friday night was no different. The invocation was said by Rev. Jeannie Hunter of First Presbyterian Church of Shelbyville, and the national anthem was sung by Nicole Waggoner of Bell Buckle. |
8/29/2026 |
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8/29/2026 |
| As you approach the town of Shelbyville from any direction, one of the first things you see is the blue water tower on the grounds of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. It stands tall like a beacon, beckoning us to it, not unlike the magic and mystery of Jay Gatsby’s green light. It draws us all in, exhibitors and competitors, fans and friends, veterans and newcomers. |
8/29/2026 |
| SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The second evening of showing in the Celebration Big Oval started promptly at 7 o’clock. Organist J French Brantley and Mark Farrar announced the arrival of Fruit Jar Alley and Ronnie Spears back to the ring to present the nation’s colors. The invocation was given by Chris Rimes of Edgemont Baptist Church in Shelbyville, and the national anthem was sung by The Cavaliers quartet. |
8/28/2026 |
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8/28/2026 |
| SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. —Friday morning at the Celebration continued a longstanding tradition of putting youth competitors in the spotlight. Young exhibitors made up the majority of those coming through the gate, with riders and handlers ranging in age from 6 to 17. |
8/28/2026 |
| He may not have gotten the pony he wanted for Christmas as a kid, but what Ronnie Spears did get through hard work and determination resulted in a lifetime of winning rides and a legion of fans cheering him right into the winner’s circle. |
8/28/2026 |
| SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – Wednesday night marked the first 2026 session in the legendary Big Oval. The Celebration arena has long been the epicenter of hopes and dreams for trainers, grooms and owners alike. The 88th National Celebration promises to be no different. As horse show organist, J French Brantley played “Grand Old Flag,” Mark Farrar announced the debut of Fruit Jar Alley and Ronnie Spears who carried the nation’s flag for the opening ceremonies. |
8/27/2026 |