By Britney Brown

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – Friday night has long been Patriotic Night at The Celebration, where everyone dons their red, white and blue. It is a celebration of freedom and those who fought hard to maintain that freedom. This year was especially poignant as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence was commemorated earlier this year. Mark Farrar announced the flag bearers, Fruit Jar Alley and Ronnie Spears, at precisely 7 o’clock. J French Brantley played the “Grand Old Flag” as they parked in on the north side. Dr. Joshua Huston of Fairlane Church of Christ said the invocation, followed by Jody McBrayer of Franklin singing the national anthem. Then, Coach Cantrell spun the wheel to determine the call judge, while Steve Buttleman announced the first of 13 classes on the bugle.

Owner-Amateur All Day Pleasure, class 179, was the first World Grand Championship division of Friday evening. The 12 entries found a good spot on the rail, and Rollie Beard called the class. Intense competition ensued, but in the end Just A Steel Magnolia and Rhiannon Barker took home the tricolor ribbon by unanimous choice to Christiana for Dr. H Grey Barker. A three-time world champion and now three-time World Grand Champion in this division, Just A Steel Magnolia had wins in 2026 at Walking In The Smokies, Spring Fun Show and the Money Tree Classic, including winning their preliminary on Wednesday morning. She was bred by Theresa Williams, sired by Lined With Cash and out of a Jose’ Jose’ mare. Reserve on the cards was two-time World Champion Luchador, with owner Theresa Williams in the irons. They had a successful show season winning at WHTA Fireworks & Freedom. Walking out of the lineup to receive the third award was three-time World Champion and World Grand Champion Miss Belle Starr W. and owner Brittany Baum for Jacob and Dr. Brittany Baum. In the interim between classes, rider back number 920, belonging to the 2025 World Grand Champion Justified Honors and John Allan Callaway, was retired, as per long-standing Celebration tradition. 

Class 180 brought Owner-Amateur Country Pleasure Three & Under down the hill. Judge Brooks called the class of six entries. J Brantley played “Ghost Riders in the Sky” as they made their way around the second direction. The decision was difficult, but after much deliberation, Red Clay Stray and Dr. Shana Hughes wore the floral horseshoe back to Russell Springs, Kentucky, for Jason and Dr. Shana Hughes. With wins this year at WHTA Fireworks & Freedom and the Owner-Amateur Three-Year-Old Country Pleasure preliminary class on Thursday morning, Red Clay Stray adds this win to two world championship titles. Earning the reserve position was World Champion Fight Knight with Catherine Cornwell, the owner and rider. Their accomplishments this year include wins at the PWHAT Fun Show, the Shelbyville Tennis Club, the International Grand Championship and their preliminary class on Monday Morning. Wearing the yellow streamer was Oohrah with owner Hunter Morgan riding.

Next was a tribute to the United States military branches. First, the Bedford County Fire Department presented the U.S. Army’s flag. The United States Marine Corp was presented by the Shelbyville Fire Department. The U.S. Navy was represented by the Emergency Management Agency. Next, the United States Air Force was celebrated; the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office carried the flag. The Shelbyville Police Department carried the flag for the United States Coast Guard. The Bedford County EMS celebrated the first responders of the community. Finally, the VFW presented the POW MIA flag to represent those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The crowd gave a standing ovation to show their appreciation for those who fight for freedom in this country.

The Walking Weanlings World Grand Championship was next, class 181. Melvin Keebler spun the wheel to determine the call judge. Sam Sorrell called the class as 12 foal-and-handler teams made their way around the Big Oval both directions. They parked out along the west rail. Walking in the spotlight all the way around to the winner’s circle was two-time 2026 World Champion Chips N Salsa and Amanda Wright at the head for the George Wright Family of Mt. Juliet. Bred by Bryan Wright, sired by Jalapeño and out of Miss Razzle N Dazzle, Chips N Salsa won on Wednesday night in the National Futurity Spring Weanling Colt World Championship, and on Monday morning in the Weanling Colts World Championship. Reserve in the class was awarded to Jalapeño’s Diamond Braclet and Robert Nelms, handling the Perry and Kimberly Walden entry. Jalapeño’s Diamond Braclet had wins at the WHOA Spring Extravaganza, Woodbury Lions Club, the International Grand Championship, as well as winning her two preliminary classes Wednesday night and Monday morning, making her a two-time world champion already. She was bred by Kimberly Walden, sired by Jalapeño and out of Diamond At The Ritz. Wearing the yellow streamer for Mona McMillan and Ian Smith was Eutaw and Karen McGee at the halter.

The bugle call came for class 182, the Two-Year-Old Mares World Grand Championship. The wheel determined that Judge Brooks would call the class. Spectators cheered as they chose favorites of the 16 entries. Out of the lineup and into the winner’s circle rode Hope Of Roses THF and Sam Martin for Aimee Hale and Dr. Shannon Harr of McMinnville, Tennessee, and Olive Hill, Kentucky. A winner at the FAST Spring Showcase, the Spring Fun Show, Heart Of A Champion and their preliminary world championship class on Thursday evening, Hope Of Roses THF was sired by Kobe 24, out of Hope THF and bred by Travis Hale. Reserve honors were presented to Cinderella’s Honor and Tim Smith for owners Darrell and Danny Oliver. They duo had a successful year at the Spring Fun Show, Columbia Spring Jubilee and WHTA Fireworks & Freedom, as well as a world championship in their qualifying class on Thursday night. Cinderella’s Honor was sired by Honors out of Cinderella Jose. Finishing out with the third award was Justa Lil Lady with Drew Graves riding for Janson Patterson and Heritage Farms.

Class 183 brought Owner-Amateur Ponies into the ring for fierce competition. After the bugle call, Dr. Blake Everett spun the wheel to determine the call judge. The nine entries got underway at a flat walk under the direction of Judge Beard. Riding out of the lineup and around the ring to make the spotlight ride was Slim And Hot and Sister Milligan. The entry owned and bred by Sister Milligan of Panama City, Florida, Slim And Hot is a four-time world champion and two-time world grand champion and won in 2026 at Walking In The Smokies. Wearing the crimson streamer in the good class was World Champion Bouje and Dr. Lynda Brogdon, the owner and up. Their 2026 victories included blues at the FAST Spring Showcase, Spring Fun Show and WHTA Fireworks & Freedom. Walking their way to the third award was three-time World Champion and two-time World Grand Champion I’m Charlie Black CFF and Dalia Smith-Harr up for Kenny Smith. 

The Owner-Amateur World Grand Championship, class 184, was next on the program. Veteran world champions went head-to-head for the roses in this exciting class. Judge Brooks called the 10 entries as each found a good spot on the rail. Once the cards were tied, it was three-time World Champion Jurist that made his first spotlight ride with Jeff Smith, the owner of Greer, South Carolina, riding. Their 2026 wins were at the Spring Fun Show and WHTA Fireworks & Freedom, as well as winning their qualifier on Thursday. Reserve in the class was presented to three-time World Champion and two-time World Grand Champion Glory JC with Rae Abernathy up for Sandy Shumate. They won at the FAST Spring Showcase, Spring Fun Show and Money Tree Classic, as well as winning their qualifier on Sunday. Third in the class was presented to four-time World Champion and two-time World Grand Champion Good Samaritan, with Benjamin Bowen up for Larry and Pam Russell.

Class 185 brought Owner-Amateur Youth 6-11 on Mares & Geldings. Charles MacDonald spun the wheel to determine the call judge. Sixteen entries answered the gate call in this large class that was called by Derek Bonner. These young riders showcased exceptional horsemanship as they found good spots along the rail in this deep class. I’m Shady and Bentlee Baum wore the floral horseshoe back to Shelbyville for Jacob Baum. With wins this year at The Spring Extravaganza and Heart Of A Champion, I’m Shady adds this first world grand championship ride to a world championship title. Earning the reserve position was World Champion Cheatin’ On Charlie with Otis Hughes in the irons for Kaitlyn Rippy and Otis Hughes. Their accomplishments this year include wins at the Spring Extravaganza and the Marshall County Horseman’s Association. Two-time World Champion I Sang Dixie with Ally Jo Jacobs wore the yellow streamer out for the Jacobs Family.

Next came a trick horse exhibition with Brutus and Emma Jo Eversole. Brutus is a draft and racking horse cross. Emma Jo Eversole demonstrated the great connection horse and rider can have in both mind and body as she made her way around the ring. Christian singer and songwriter, Jody McBrayer, Dove award winner and Grammy nominee, sang a medley of “America, the Beautiful” and “God Bless America.” Meanwhile, RM Kellett and Thomas Derickson both presented the U.S. flag aboard Von Miller and 8 Mile SWF.
Owner-Amateur Show Pleasure World Grand Championship was next on the program for the evening, class 186. Twelve entries answered the gate call. The wheel was spun by Jimmy Burton and Scotty Brooks was chosen to call the class. After the cards were in, Broadway Honors and Meghan Hammond were called to make the victory pass all the way around under the spotlight and into the winner’s circle. Broadway Honors is a three-time world champion and now a two-time world grand champion and had wins this year at the FAST Spring Showcase, Columbia Spring Jubilee, WHTA Fireworks & Freedom and the Woodbury Lions Club. He is the entry of the Shamrock Farms of Shelbyville. Second in the class, wearing the crimson streamer, was five-time World Champion and four-time World Grand Champion The Honor Code and Lisa Baum, the owner and rider. They had wins at the Spring Extravaganza, the Spring Fun Show and their qualifying class on Friday evening. Finishing in third was the team of three-time World Champion Cash Agenda, with Jimbo Conner up for himself and Kyle Hicks.

Class 187 brought Three & Under Trail Pleasure into the ring. This open class saw four entries come down the hill. Judge Bonner called the gaits in the class. The competition heated with these talented young horses. Wearing the tricolor ribbon out by unanimous selection for Wayne and Debbie Simons of Shelbyville was two-time World Champion and now two-time World Grand Champion Raylan Givens, with BJ Richards riding. After winning this class a year ago, they had wins in 2026 at the PWHAT Fun Show, the Spring Fun Show and WHTA Fireworks & Freedom. Since becoming the 2025 Maiden Champion, Raylan Givens is undefeated in the show ring. He’s A Cobra and Hannah Pulvers walked their way to a reserve finish for Joyce Hofstee, Dustin Smith and Katy Granus. Their 2026 victories include a win at the International Grand Championship. In third on the cards was Never Forget Choo and Laurie Toone, riding for herself and Margo Urad.

Class 188 saw Owner-Amateur 15.2 & Under contenders enter the ring for an extremely competitive world grand championship class. The wheel was spun by Steve Buttleman, determining that Rollie Beard would be the call judge for the eight entries. Riders took a deep seat and showed at a running walk, delighting fans around the ring. In the end, I Will Honor Thy Father and Kenny Compton wore the floral horseshoe for Della Gay Compton of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, by unanimous choice. I Will Honor Thy Father is a three-time world champion and now three-time world grand champion, with wins this year at the Palmetto Saddle Club and the Money Tree Classic, as well as wining his qualifier on Thursday night. Coming to a reserve finish was two-time World Champion and two-time World Grand Champion Form A Line and Carole Baxter, the owner and rider. Form A Line had a successful year with wins at the Heart O’ Dixie Spring Showcase, FAST Spring Showcase and the Spring Fun Show. World Champion He’s Hot and Jason Joseph wore the gold ribbon for Sister Milligan. 

Owner-Amateur Youth Trail Pleasure, class 189, came down the chute to contend for the world grand championship honors next. Judge Bonner was selected to call the class of six entries. Intense competition ensued, but in the end Imagine Dragons and Alayna Arnold took home the tricolor ribbon to Shelbyville unanimously for Dr. Jana Anderson, Hannah Pulvers and Casey Callaway. A five-time world champion and now three-time world grand champion, Imagine Dragons had wins in 2026 at the WHTA National Trainers’ Show, WHOA Spring Extravaganza, Shelbyville Tennis Club and Friday morning in their qualifier. Reserve on the cards was World Champion Daddy’s Dreamcatcher with Aubrey Singleton in the irons for WERCO Equine LLC, LeAnn Werner-Osborn and Aubrey Singleton. They had a successful show season with victories at the PWHAT Fun Show, WHOA Spring Extravaganza, Spring Fun Show, WHOA Show Series, and their qualifying class on Monday morning. Walking out of the lineup to receive the third award was four-time World Champion Jazz & Everything with Shane Smith in the irons for Raymond Darrell Collins.

The bugle call came for class 190, the Walking Horse Specialty World Grand Championship. Jacob Byram of Jack Daniel’s spun the wheel. Chad Williams was selected to call this second-to-last class of the evening. A total of 11 entries answered the gate call and found good spots on the rail to be seen by the judging panel. Among these horses were many veteran world champions and world grand champions. These talented riders and their seasoned mounts made an excellent show. Riding out of the lineup and around the ring to make the spotlight ride was Longing For Honors and Blaise Broccard. Owned by Pia Broccard of Shelbyville, Longing For Honors is a first-time world champion this year and won earlier in 2026 at the Spring Fun Show. He won his first world grand championship last night and made his second spotlight ride tonight. He is sired by Honors and out of Eva Longoria. Wearing the crimson streamer in the good class was four-time World Champion and three-time World Grand Champion All About Jose and Jeff Laughlin, up for owner Jacqueline Whatley. Walking their way to the third award was two-time World Champion and two-time World Grand Champion Millionaire’s Row and Bill Callaway up for Jackie Luttrell-Greenwalt.

Class 191 was the last class of the night. Everyone had been waiting for the class with bated breath: the Four-Year-Old World Grand Championship (Canter). Lilly Riddley spun the wheel, and the call judge was Chad Williams. Four entries came down the hill as J French Brantley played “Rocky Top.” The best of the best four-year-olds were exhibited in this fine class, as the whole crowd cheered in excitement. In the end, wearing the roses back to Munfordville, Kentucky, for Ronnie Logsdon was Shoulda Been A Cowboy and Tyler Baucom. Winning in 2026 at the FAST Spring Showcase, WHTA Fireworks & Freedom and the Red Carpet Show of the South, Shoulda Been A Cowboy is already a three-time world champion and now two-time World Grand Champion. He was sired by Gen A’Mighty, out of Maybe I’m Maybelline, and was bred by Dr. Roger Richards. Finishing in reserve was two-time World Champion and World Grand Champion Hurrah! with Sam Martin in the irons for Floyd and Caryl Sherman. World Champion Paraiso THF and Casey Wright walked their way to a third award for Rick Ferguson. 

With the night of stars, stripes and world grand champions concluded, everyone went home to prepare for the last day of the 2026 Celebration. The red, white and blue attire faded out of the stands as the crowd left to get donuts and exhibitors took pictures out on the bricks. The next night would see the 2026 World Grand Champion walking horse of the world crowned and another Celebration year going into the history books.