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…