LEWISBURG, Tenn. — The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) has announced the 2026 inductees into its prestigious Hall of Fame and Master Breeder programs. Four exceptional horses and three influential breeders will be recognized during the annual TWHBEA Awards Banquet on Friday, December 4, 2026, at the TWHBEA Auditorium in Lewisburg, Tennessee.
To be inducted into the TWHBEA Hall of Fame, horses must demonstrate outstanding merit in at least one of three categories - Breeding, Show Ring Accomplishment, or Ambassadorship of the Breed. The Master Breeder Award honors individuals whose lifelong breeding programs have profoundly advanced the Tennessee Walking Horse. Honorees are selected by the Executive Committee, past TWHBEA Presidents, past Master Breeders, and two members-at-large.
2026 MASTER BREEDER INDUCTEES
Dr. Roger D. Richards – Bell Buckle, TN
Veterinarian, horseman, and breeder, Dr. Roger Richards has produced an impressive roster of successful performers led by SHOULDA BEEN A COWBOY, ZEE, A TOUCHE', MISS ARMANI, and SUMMA CUM LAUDE. His breeding program has consistently combined quality, versatility, and longevity, resulting in a lasting influence on the Tennessee Walking Horse breed.
Gene "Smokey" Carswell – Morehead, KY (posthumous)
For decades, Smokey Carswell helped shape the Tennessee Walking Horse breed through innovative breeding practices, influential stallion management, and the development of countless champions and champion-producing bloodlines. A pioneer in equine reproduction and longtime manager of the Morehead State University breeding program, his impact continues to be felt throughout the industry today.
Larry Pickhardt – Shelbyville, TN (posthumous)
Larry Pickhardt's eye for talent and breeding potential helped shape some of the most influential bloodlines in Tennessee Walking Horse history. Most notably, he saw and purchased THE PUSHER C.G. as a two-year-old, recognizing the talent of a stallion that would change the industry. His breeding program produced World Grand Champion THE PUSHOVER, whose impact as a sire and progenitor of successful descendants continues to resonate throughout the breed today.
2026 HALL OF FAME MARES
COUNT'S SILVER LINING (856040)
Sire: DELIGHT’S COUNSELOR • Dam: COUNTS SMOOTH SAILIN
Owner: Margaret Anne Beech Alias, Oxford, MS • Breeder: Ray Beech, Belfast, TN
One of the most influential broodmares of the modern era, COUNT’S SILVER LINING produced an extraordinary list of champions, including World Grand Champions JFK, MY JACKIE O, and COTTONWOOD GIN. Through generations of elite offspring and descendants that continue to win at the highest levels, her influence remains deeply embedded in today's Tennessee Walking Horse bloodlines.
MERRY WILSON (391278)
Sire: WILSON’S ALLEN (HOF) • Dam: LADY CHANCE
Owner: C&S Coal & Clay Co. • Breeder: Albert Dement, Wartrace, TN
Widely regarded as one of the greatest show mares in Tennessee Walking Horse history, MERRY WILSON won five consecutive World Champion Aged Mare titles, a record that still stands today. Her remarkable show ring career, including consecutive Reserve World Grand Champion honors, established a standard of excellence that has endured for nearly a century.
2026 HALL OF FAME STALLIONS & GELDINGS
I AM JOSE' (20806071)
Sire: JOSE’ JOSE’ (HOF) • Dam: PRIDES ANGELIQUE
Owner: Deborah Woods, Lexington, TN • Breeder: Robert W. Rollins, Franklin, NC
Few horses have dominated the show ring like I AM JOSE’, becoming the first stallion ever to win three consecutive World Grand Championships. His early success as a sire, coupled with his historic show ring accomplishments, has established him as one of the defining Tennessee Walking Horses of the modern era.
THE TITLEIST (20003306)
Sire: HE’S PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ (HOF) • Dam: COINS LADY BEAM
Owner: Five Star Stallions, Wartrace, TN • Breeder: Jimmy Joe Hackett, Carthage, TN
Among the most successful sires of the modern generation, THE TITLEIST produced an extraordinary number of World and Reserve World Champions, including World Grand Champions PRO V-1 and HONORS. Through his ability to consistently produce elite performers across multiple divisions, he has left an indelible mark on the Tennessee Walking Horse breed.
For more information about the TWHBEA Awards Banquet or to purchase tickets, call (931) 359-1574.