The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) and The Celebration have been in communication for the last two months regarding combining and merging classes into one comprehensive schedule, which would eliminate the TWHBEA National Futurity as a separate show on the first Wednesday evening of The Celebration.

For the past several years, TWHBEA has included jackpot classes, and, at the 2021 Futurity, had a schedule of 28 classes. TWHBEA and The Celebration are both interested in once again promoting a true Futurity with classes that qualify entries for the World Grand Championship classes at The Celebration.

David Sisk, TWHBEA Vice President and Chair of the Breeders’ Committee, said his committee had several goals they wanted to achieve this year – to return to a true Futurity, bring two- and three-year-olds back into the program, make sure there are classes in every division for nominated entries and build excitement and greater recognition that will start making the Futurity prestigious again.

“I am extremely excited about these changes to our show and I look forward to the excitement they will bring to this amazing breed’s Futurity program. TWHBEA has been a great collaborative partner as we have worked through the details,” said Celebration CEO Warren Wells.

Sisk echoed Wells’ excitement and added, “We’re excited to be adding two- and three-year-olds back to the Futurity program and appreciate The Celebration’s working with us to add more excitement and provide additional recognition of Tennessee Walking Horse breeders.”

The entry deadline for Futurity nominations will be the same as The Celebration entry deadline on August 2, 2022.

The nomination fees are as follows:

  • Sire – $200 plus on stud fee donated to auction
  • Dam – $50
  • A $200 fee can be paid for a foal as a weanling for that foal (and mare) to be included in the Futurity for all four years.
  • Weanlings – $50
  • Yearlings (previously nominated) – $50
  • Two and Three-Year-Olds (previously nominated) – $50
  • Two and Three-Year-Olds (not previously nominated) – $250

An online nomination form and more information about the TWHBEA National Futurity can be found at www.TWHBEA.com/futurity.