SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has stood the test of time. 

“It’s a Tennessee tradition. It’s made it through world wars; we’ve been going on for 88 years straight,” said Warren Wells, a Shelbyville native. “I tell people all the time, it’s like you can be in 2026 and you can step back into 1940.” 

Wells said the event transforms the city each year, with attendance swelling far beyond its normal population during celebration week. 

“Celebration Arena, it’s our outdoor arena, that’s where the world grand champion walking horse is crowned every year, and it holds about 30,000 people in a town that has about 25,000 people in it,” he added.

The competition draws riders of all ages. 

“You’ll see a six-year-old riding a horse for a world grand champion, and you’ll see an 86-year-old or 96-year-old,” Wells said.

Hannah Pulvers explained what makes the breed unique is its smooth, natural gait. 

“The Tennessee Walking Horse doesn’t trot like normal horses, they’re smooth gated. They even have competitions where you carry a water glass and if you don’t spill it, you win the class,” she said.

Longtime attendees say they’ve witnessed every world grand champion crowned, marking decades of tradition carried forward. 

The celebration also brings an estimated $50 million impact to Bedford County and surrounding areas, while supporting Shelbyville’s growth as national chains and longtime local businesses continue to coexist. 

“We’re growing and the celebration has helped that all through the years,” Wells expressed.

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