Winter Tournament Championship Announced for March 28, 2026
The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) is pleased to announce that its Youth Committee has voted to relaunch the TWHBEA Academy Program, a comprehensive, education-focused pathway for developing riders. The plan received final approval from the Executive Committee, paving the way for implementation beginning with the 2026 show season.
The updated Academy Program introduces a tiered advancement system, clear eligibility guidelines, and a standardized point structure to ensure fairness, transparency, and consistent rider development across all participating academies. New Walk-Only and Walk/Flat Walk bridge divisions will give true beginners a safe and confidence-building introduction to the show ring before progressing into the Academy tiers.
To support early engagement and instructor readiness, TWHBEA encourages lesson programs and state/regional associations to work together to host Winter Academy Tournaments over the next several months. These shows will help riders and instructors become familiar with the new tier structure, class list, and scoring system ahead of the program’s full 2026 launch.
Thanks to the support of the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association, the season will culminate with the Winter Tournament Championship, set for Saturday morning, March 28, 2026, during the National Walking Horse Trainers’ Show at Cooper Steel Arena in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
“The relaunch of this program strengthens TWHBEA’s commitment to youth education and the future of our breed,” TWHBEA Youth Vice-President Nicole Tolle shared. “This unified national format gives riders and instructors a clear, supportive, and professional path into Tennessee Walking Horse competition.”
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Full program guidelines, rulebook materials, and class templates will be released to instructors and show managers in the coming weeks.
