The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) has announced this year’s recipients of its two most prestigious awards. Seven horses will be inducted into this year’s class of the Hall of Fame and three individuals will be recognized as Master Breeders. To be inducted into the TWHBEA Hall of Fame, horses must qualify in at least one of three categories: Breeding, Show Ring Accomplishment and Ambassadorship of the breed. The TWHBEA Master Breeder Award recognizes breeders who have had a significant impact on the Tennessee Walking Horse. Honorees are voted on by the standing Executive Committee, past TWHBEA Presidents, past Master Breeders and two TWHBEA members-at-large. This year’s honorees will be recognized at the TWHBEA Awards Banquet on Friday, December 6, 2024 at the TWHBEA Auditorium in Lewisburg, Tennessee. For more information about the Awards Banquet and to purchase tickets call 931-359-1574 or visit www.TWHBEA.com/awards.

STONEWALL ALLEN (a.k.a. Champion Jr.) 360159

STONEWALL ALLEN, also known as Champion Jr. or Champion the Wonder Horse of the World, was a celebrated Tennessee Walking Horse gelding made famous by legendary entertainer Gene Autry. Known for his striking flaxen mane and tail and four white stockings, the horse became an iconic figure in the world of Western films.

GENERATORS ELEGANCE (860650)

GENERATORS ELEGANCE boasted an incredible record of 87 blue ribbons in 89 shows, including 15 World Championships. She was crowned the Plantation Pleasure World Grand Champion in 1990, 1991, and 1992. As a broodmare, she continued her legacy, producing World Champions such as TO DIE FOR!, IN EXCESS, and MISS SPECTACULAR.

EBONY GO BOY’S DREAM (764671)

Ebony Go Goy’s Dream’s show career spanned an impressive 16 years. She made a name for herself as a great show mare, carrying youth riders to several top honors. In 1984, Candace Wulff became the youngest rider to win a World Grand Championship, riding the mare in the 11 & Under class at the age of four. Kelly Gordon won back-to-back World Grand Championships in that same division in 1990 and 1991.  In 1985, EBONY GO BOY’S DREAM also claimed the 15.2 and Under World Grand Championship with rider Jimmy McConnell.

A VICTORIA SECRET (20311462)

A Victoria’s Secret was undefeated in her two-year-old year, securing both the World Championship and the TWHBEA National Futurity Championship.  Her career continued with multiple world championships and World Grand Championships in open, youth and amateur classes.  She was Reserve World Grand Champion in 2009.

A JAZZ MAN (912833)

A JAZZ MAN became a highly influential sire in the breed, despite never winning a World Grand Championship title himself.  During his breeding career, he sired an impressive 1,070 registered foals with winners from 126 different broodmare sires. Most notably, he is the sire of MASTER OF JAZZ, the 2007 World Grand Champion, and the grandsire of the 2020 World Grand Champion, MASTER’S RAZZLE AND JAZZ.

MY MAGIC MARKER (814762)

MY MAGIC MARKER began his show career in 1984 by winning the TWHBEA National Futurity Three-Year-Old Stallion title, the Three-Year-Old Stallion World Championship, and a top three finish in the Three-Year-Old World Grand Championship. He claimed the Four-Year-Old World Grand Championship title in 1985, solidifying his reputation as one of the breed’s top competitors. Perhaps MY MAGIC MARKER’S greatest legacy comes from his offspring, his most notable being the Hall of Fame mare MY MAGIC DREAM (HOF), who produced several World Grand Champions, including SWEEPSTAKES, THE LOTTERY, THE SUPER BOWL, and THE STANLEY CUP.

HUNTER’S ALLEN F-10

HUNTER’S ALLEN was a striking chestnut stallion who is regarded as one of the most influential horses in the breed’s history. It has been said that, with the exception of ROAN ALLEN F-38, no individual stallion did more to establish the Tennessee Walking Horse. He was a four-time winner of the prestigious Walking Horse Championship at the Tennessee State Fair, with his final victory coming at the age of 15. HUNTER’S ALLEN produced 215 foals throughout his career, including famous progeny such as LAST CHANCE, WALKER’S ALLEN, and BROWN ALLEN.

Daniels Farm, the Harry Daniels Family

In the 1930’s and 40’s R.J. Daniels farmed with mules near Dermott, Arkansas. In 1942 he bought his first Walking Horse, and they have been “in the family” ever since! Following his father’s death in 1946 Harry Daniels took over the farming interests that included cotton, cattle and Tennessee Walking Horses. In the mid-60’s Harry and his sons David and Dale pivoted to raising colts for the yearling market. They sold their first yearling at the Shelbyville sales in 1967; this year marked their 58th consecutive consignment to the Celebration sales!

John C. Miller (posthumous)

Originally from Morristown, Tennessee, Miller made his fortune as a heavy construction contractor in Alaska. He was an avid supporter of the Walking Horse Owners’ Association (WHOA) and the International Grand Championship Horse Show. Thanks to a generous bequest of over $20 million from Miller and his wife Mary to Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, the Tennessee Miller Coliseum was opened in 2003. They were owners of 10-Tucky Stables in Lewisburg, Tennessee and owners of the 1973 World Grand Champion, DELIGHT BUMIN AROUND (HOF). “Bum” sired 512 foals during his breeding career.

John Victor “Vic” Thompson (posthumous)

Vic started his career as a trainer in Cedar Hill, Texas, followed by some time in Michigan City, Indiana, before moving his family to Shelbyville, Tennessee in 1951 establishing Vic Thompson Stables. He founded the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association in 1968 and served as the first president. He experienced great success as a trainer, winning the 1957 World Grand Championship aboard SUN’S JET PARADE, but his success as a breeder also made a lasting impact on the breed. He managed the breeding careers of three World Grand Champions, including SUN’S JET PARADE (1957 WGC), RODGERS’ PERFECTION (HOF) (1959 WGC), and EBONY’S SENATOR (HOF) (1969 WGC).