Shelbyville, TN - Traveling down US 231-South, it's around 20-miles from the 'Boro to get to the National Walking Horse Celebration in Shelbyville. That community is buzzing with anticipation as the 87th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration kicks off August 20–30, 2025. Once the crown jewel of Southern equestrian events, the Celebration used to pack hotels in both Shelbyville to Murfreesboro. After years of controversy and federal scrutiny, many wondered if the magic would ever return. This year, it just might.

The show spans eleven days, with each evening featuring different classes—from Novice Youth Riders to elite Park Performance divisions. The schedule is packed with specialty events, culminating in the World Grand Championship on August 30. Shelbyville is bracing for a crowd that could rival the glory days, and local businesses are rolling out the red carpet.

The Tennessee Walking Horse industry has weathered a storm of federal intervention, particularly around the Horse Protection Act. In early 2025, a federal judge struck down parts of the USDA’s new rules, giving trainers and owners a reprieve from bans on pads and action devices. However, as of April 2, the USDA’s new Horse Protection Inspectors (HPIs) resumed inspections. The industry is cautiously optimistic, hoping this marks a turning point toward fairer oversight and a return to tradition.

And yes, the horses still “step high.” Trainers say the signature gait—the proud, rhythmic strut—is alive and well, achieved through ethical training and care. Investors and riders are still drawn by prestige and prize money, though the industry’s focus has shifted more toward preservation and pride than pure profit.

As for the pomp? It’s making a comeback. While the legendary organist Jimmy Richardson, who passed in 2013, no longer fills the arena with his iconic live music, his legacy still echoes through the Celebration. Shelbyville proudly holds onto its title as the “Walking Horse Capital,” and this year’s event proves that it still means something.

Big contenders this year include elite stallions in the Park Performance and Show Pleasure divisions, with young trainers and seasoned riders alike vying for top honors. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, Shelbyville’s Celebration promises eleven days of high-stepping heritage, community pride, and a whole lot of heart.

MORE INFORMATION/TICKET PURCHASES

To purchase Celebration tickets, phone Missy Eakin at (931) 684-5915 ext. 104 or email missyeakin@twhnc.com. Here is the website for the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration: https://twhnc.com/