Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' & Exhibitors' Association to Celebrate 90th Anniversary with Week of Festivities

LEWISBURG, Tenn. (April 21, 2025) — What began as a simple street corner conversation between former Tennessee Governor Jim Nance McCord and Burt Hunter in Lewisburg nearly a century ago, has grown into a global phenomenon. The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) is proud to celebrate its 90th anniversary with a full week of special events from May 11–17, 2025.

Founded on May 11, 1935, the organization—originally known as the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ Association of America—has since registered over half a million Tennessee Walking Horses worldwide. This milestone year is a tribute to nine decades of dedication to the breed, its breeders, exhibitors, and the broader equine community.

Festivities will include:

• Monday, May 12 – “Toast to TWHBEA” & Ribbon Cutting, 4:00 PM
Join us as we officially kick off our 90th Anniversary Celebration with a champagne toast and ribbon cutting. Local officials and members of the Chamber of Commerce will be in attendance—and of course, the public is warmly invited.

• Friday, May 16 – Anniversary Cookout & Luncheon, 11:00 AM
TWHBEA members are invited to gather for a celebratory luncheon with elected officials, past presidents, board members, local dignitaries, industry leaders, and the reigning World Grand Champion.

RSVPs are requested for both events and can be submitted through our website or by calling our office at 931-359-1574.

In honor of this landmark year, we are also launching our “90 for 90” sponsorship campaign, inviting 90 generous supporters to contribute at least $100 to help underwrite this special celebration. To contribute, please email [email protected] or click here.

Additionally, we’re calling on our community: If you have memorabilia from the past 90 years—photographs, artifacts, documents, or stories—that you’re willing to share, please contact Paige Liggett at 931-359-0592 or [email protected]. 

From its grassroots beginnings to a global presence, TWHBEA’s story is one of tradition, excellence, and a shared passion for the Tennessee Walking Horse. We can’t wait to celebrate this incredible milestone with you.