SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. — On Sunday, May 10, World Champion He's A Rebel celebrated his 32nd birthday surrounded by friends, memories and the people who loved him most.

To mark the occasion, owner Joyce Myers, 76, climbed back in the saddle for the first time in nearly four years to ride the legendary champion one more time. Myers hosted a small gathering at the barn to celebrate the remarkable life and career of the horse she and her late husband, Dick Myers, bred, raised, trained and loved throughout his storied career.

Over the years, He’s A Rebel earned world championship acclaim both under saddle and in fine harness while creating lasting memories for countless owners, riders and fans. In his later years, Dick Myers also used the talented horse to teach many amateur riders how to canter, further extending the horse’s impact on the Tennessee Walking Horse industry.

His final show season was enjoyed by Channing Brogdon, granddaughter of Dr. Lynda and Ben Brogdon, adding yet another chapter to the horse’s celebrated legacy.

Today, He’s A Rebel enjoys retirement next door to Myers at Link Webb’s barn, where he continues to receive exceptional care and attention. Although retirement from the show ring came years ago, those closest to him say the champion never truly stopped loving the spotlight.

Once each week, the veteran champion is turned loose to roam the barn freely, visiting horses in their stalls and grazing on fresh grass. While many horses transition comfortably to pasture life, He’s A Rebel never fully adapted to life in the field and instead still resides in the training barn — always keeping an eye on the trailer as though he hopes for one more trip to a horse show.

Those who know him best say he still carries himself like the champion he has always been.
“He loved his job as a show horse,” said Myers. “And he provided many wonderful memories to many wonderful people.”