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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

Latest Issue 8/27/26

8/27/2026

Blacklist Captures 14th World Championship

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. - Spectators filed into Cooper Steel Arena for a Thursday morning full of competition at The Celebration. Brian Peery struck up the organ, and Travis Olinger announced the judges for the first of 14 classes on the program at precisely 9 o’clock. 
8/27/2026

From Churchill Downs to the Celebration Grounds

There are some people in our society who know at a young age exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives. As an example, say, become an attorney. They follow that up with good grades in high school, pre-law undergrad, a good enough LSAT score to get into an Ivy League law school, pass the bar on the first attempt, followed by a long and successful career as a well-paid attorney. How boring. These people should be ashamed of themselves. 
8/27/2026

Latest Issue 8/26/26

8/26/2026

First Session Lights Up a Cloudy Morning

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The 88th Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration officially began at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning, August 26, 2026. Ring masters were announced, and Brian Peery struck up the organ in Cooper Steel Arena, and classes were underway with 14 divisions on the program for this mild summer morning. The judges for this Celebration were escorted to center ring: Rollie Beard, Derek Bonner, Scotty Brooks, Sam Sorrell and Chad Williams.
8/26/2026

ReporTV Celebration Saturday Highlights

ReporTV Celebration Saturday Highlights.
8/26/2026

ReporTV Interviews 2026

8/26/2026

Equine Obituary – Pro V-1

With heavy hearts, the equine community mourns the loss of Pro V-1, a true athlete and accomplished show horse whose remarkable career was defined by championship performances, determination and an unmistakable will to give his all every time he entered the show ring.
8/26/2026

The Faces of Celebration: Meet the Staff

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration returns this year for its 88th annual show, a tradition woven into the fabric of Shelbyville and the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. For Shelbyville, Tennessee, The Celebration is much like the Kentucky Derby is to Louisville or the Super Bowl is to its host city. It is more than an event—it's a homecoming, an economic driver and 11 days when an entire community comes together around a shared tradition.
8/26/2026

Celebration Releases 2026 Events and Activities Schedule

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has released its 2026 Events and Activities At-A-Glance schedule, featuring special events and activities planned throughout the 88th annual Celebration.
8/25/2026

Watch the 2026 Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration Live

This year’s livestream will offer 4K viewing, along with 1080p HD for viewers with slower internet connections. Coverage will feature four camera angles, including two cinema-quality cameras and a camera positioned in the chute, giving viewers an even closer look at the action.
8/25/2026