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Our News Archives

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Blessing Shower Down on The Big Oval For Faith and Family Night

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – Sunday evening has always been an exciting session at The Celebration grounds. After the traditional Sunday morning service in the Big Oval, Lunch with the Legends had been an afternoon highlight for young attendees of The Celebration, as well as the traditional Celebration Sunday Golf Game for the older participants. Everyone gathered back for Church Night, celebrating faith and family.
8/31/2026

Federal Court Hands Walking Horse Industry Landmark Victory Over USDA

Judge grants summary judgment, vacates No-Showback Rule, Scar Rule and USDA disqualification procedures nationwide
8/30/2026

Aged Stallion Splits Live Up to the Hype

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

Latest Issue 8/30/26

8/30/2026

Faith, family and a horse farm

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

Meet the 2026 Celebration Judges

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

27 Stallions Compete in Three-Year-Old Splits

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

Latest Issue 8/29/26

8/29/2026

Youth Take Center Stage During Saturday Morning

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

Double Dose of Success for Compton and Jacobs

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

Latest Issue 8/28/26

8/28/2026

Young Exhibitors Shine Friday Morning at the Celebration

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

The legacy of Ronnie Spears

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

Mother and Daughter win Three-Year-Old Splits

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

Learn More About the 2026 Yearling Gathering

Sugar Creek Farm has released a promotional video featuring information about the upcoming 2026 Yearling Gathering.
8/27/2026