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Walking Horse Trainers' Auxiliary

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Walking Horse Trainers' Auxiliary

Walking Horse Trainers' Ladies Auxiliary The Trainers' Wives Auxiliary was established on May 21, 1971 with 43 members.

The officers were: Mary Ruth Motes, president; Anita Crowder, vice-president; and Janet Mason, secretary-treasurer. The goal for 1971: raise money for the Trainers' Association. A brief timeline follows:

1974: "Get the Habit" was started.

1975: scholarship program began

1977: Auxiliary gained independence from Walking Horse Trainers' Association, thus creating a change in the bylaws to read, "To aid the Walking Horse Trainers' Association and promote the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry." Changing the name of this group to Walking Horse Trainers Auxiliary also allowed members who were not married to horse trainers. There were 63 active members.

1979: “Blue Ribbon Cookbook” was published

1981: WHTAux held its first Roast in honor of Mr. Vic Thompson

1982: WHTAux were given a class of their own at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. The ladies also purchased a storage barn, “The Auxiliary Barn”, which was placed on the Celebration grounds.

1984: Auxiliary Equitation was initiated to promote excellence in riding

1985: Money Tree Classic became a major fund raiser for the Auxiliary.

1988: Walking Horses Overcoming Obstacles (WHOO) was established to promote and the donation of funds and animals to organizations wish to use the Tennessee Walking Horse in therapeutic riding programs.

1989: Darcy Gallagar Newman became the first Auxiliary Hi-Point Member Award

1990: Dr. Dee Cantrell received the first Member of the Year recognition

Also in 1990, TWHNC dedicated the last Friday night of that event to WHTAux, starting a long honored tradition of “Auxiliary Night

1992: Auxiliary published a second cookbook entitled "Something Special." "Women at Work" was started this same year.

1993: Auxiliary co-sponsored, with the Celebration, the Hall of Fame and the grand opening of the Walking Horse Museum.

1997: Auxiliary began a building fund for the Trainers' Association.

1999: Celebration Auxiliary Class Winner recognition given at the December Convention of Walking Horse Trainers. Auxiliary also developed and printed a stylish brochure, outlining our mission, projects, etc.

2000: the first Equitation Hi-Point Awards were presented in the youth and adult categories. Each year Walking Horse Trainers Auxiliary has continued to move forward in terms of accomplishments, commitment to industry and to community.

11/02/2026

Looking for a great, holiday night out? Enjoy Walking in a Winter Wonderland at the beautiful Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration grounds. Tickets are on sale now!

11/01/2026

TOMORROW TICKETS GO ON SALE! But first, take a look at some of the fun waiting inside Champions Arena!
Here’s a glimpse of what’s waiting for you!

⛳ Miniature Golf – A little friendly competition with a festive holiday twist!

🎉 Family Fun Zone – A colorful world of family-friendly fun and excitement for the kids!

🎶 Community Stage – Live performances, music, and entertainment bringing the sounds of the season to life!

Pictures with Santa – A festive gathering place offering opportunities to capture Christmas memories that families will treasure for years to come!

Four experiences. Countless smiles. One place to make memories…and there’s more!

🎟️ TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE NOVEMBER 1, 2026!

The Celebration Grounds | Shelbyville, TN
November 21, 2026 – January 2, 2027

We can’t wait to welcome you to Middle Tennessee’s newest holiday tradition!
Ticket Link in the comments:

10/30/2026

View Dave Roberts's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

10/08/2026

10/01/2026

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲!

Did you know Dolly Parton has a special connection to the Tennessee Walking Horse industry?

While filming the musical comedy Rhinestone with Sylvester Stallone in the fall of 1983, portions of the movie were shot in Leipers Fork, Tennessee. During filming, the Tennessee Film Commission contacted J.W. Cross III of Franklin, Tennessee, to arrange a day for the stars to experience Tennessee Walking Horses.

Mr. Cross and his daughter, Amy, brought one of their pleasure horses to Bryant Fly's barn in Franklin, where Dolly posed for the photo featured. She rode the horse Mr. Cross had brought for the occasion, while Sylvester Stallone rode THE PUSHOVER, a talented four-year-old fresh off a reserve finish in the Junior World Grand Championship with Bryant Fly.

THE PUSHOVER's story was just getting started. Seven years later, as an 11-year-old, he and Ronnie Spears captured the 1990 Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Championship title.

From one Tennessee icon to another, we're proud to celebrate this fun connection between Dolly Parton and the Tennessee Walking Horse on her day, 9/25!

Thank you to Amy Cross Nance for sharing this family photo with us!

09/08/2026

Walking Horse Trainers' Auxiliary Merit Award

Each year the Walking Horse Trainers' Auxiliary presents a merit award to someone who is actively supporting the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry and the State of Tennessee. This year, the Auxiliary presents this award to State Representative Pat Marsh.

Pat is a proud native of Tennessee. He was born in Fayetteville Tennessee and a current resident of Shelbyville, Tennessee. He is happily married to his wife of many years, Mary. They have raised two sons, Rob and John. Pat and Mary are the proud grandparents of seven grand children.

Pat is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in transportation. He founded and built Big G Express into one of the region's most successful trucking companies. He was honored by the Tennessee Trucking Association with its highest lifetime achievement honor. Becoming only the 13th recipient in the award's history.

Bringing that private-sector experience to public office, Pat was first elected in a 2009 special election to represent House District 62, serving Bedford, Moore, and parts of Lincoln counties. He was selected by his House colleagues in 2020, to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Tennessee State House of Representative. He continues this role today. This position is one of the body's highest leadership positions.

Pat's committee service has included commerce, transportation, government operations and ethics. Beyond the Capital, Representative Marsh has remained active in numerous civic and community organizations, including the Rotary Club, the Tennessee Trucking Association, the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, and the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. Pat is well known for his monumental 25+ years for his service on the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Board of Directors, including serving as Chairman. He has been instrumental in securing critical state support for regional growth, including recent funding allocations for local infrastructure and the Tennessee National Walking Horse National Celebration show grounds.

Whether, Pat is advocating for agriculture and local families under the Golden Dome in Nashville, or welcoming visitors from across the nation to Bedford County, Pat embodies the integrity, passion and hospitality of our sport.

Please join the Walking Horse Trainers' Auxiliary in the recognition of Representative Pat Marsh for his continued dedicated service to the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry and the State of Tennessee. Susan Coleman & Allison Baucom present this prestigious award.

09/03/2026

Come by the museum and see some amazing memories of Betty Sain! Then come see the legend in person at the Big Oval Thursday night! Making history 60 years ago as the first woman to win, Betty Sain returns to the Celebration!

09/02/2026

Lunch with Legends on our industry! What a great treat!

08/31/2026

We hope everyone enjoyed our annual dog show as much as we did! Thank you to everyone who came to support the Auxiliary! WE WANT TO SEE YOUR DOG SHOW SMILES!
🐾 Drop your pictures in the comments!

Address

PO Box 1821
Shelbyville, TN
37162

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