SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is pleased to announce the release of the tentative class sheet for the 2026 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, scheduled for August 26 through September 5, 2026, in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

Earlier this year, the Celebration released a tentative schedule and invited exhibitors, trainers, owners, and fans to submit requests for class additions and removals. Following a thorough review process, the Celebration and its Class Schedule Committee have finalized the tentative class sheet and are now asking participants to submit only session movement requests, if necessary. The Celebration will not be accepting any additional requests for class additions or removals. Requests for movement of specific classes to a different session must be received by Monday June 15, 2026.

The 2026 tentative class sheet reflects extensive feedback received from the industry and includes several class additions, class consolidations, and schedule adjustments designed to enhance competition while improving the overall fan experience.

Classes removed from the 2025 schedule include:
• Owner-Amateur Riders on Flat Shod Walking Horses, Canter, Optional Tack (shoe size not to exceed 3/8 x 3/4)

• Trail Pleasure Walking Horses, Four & Five Years Old, Optional Tack

• Walking Horses (Canter)

• Owner-Amateur Novice Riders on Novice Trail Pleasure Walking Horses, World Grand Championship®, Optional Tack

• Owner-Amateur Riders on Four & Five-Year-Old Trail Pleasure Walking Horses World Grand Championship®, Optional Tack

• Trail Pleasure Walking Horses, World Grand Championship®, Optional Tack

Several classes have been combined and renamed, while others have been moved to different days and sessions. In addition, multiple new classes have been added to the 2026 schedule to create new opportunities for exhibitors and strengthen participation across divisions.

Classes added to the 2026 schedule include (Highlighted in Green on the Class Sheet):

• Owner-Amateur Novice Riders on Novice Trail Pleasure Walking Horses, Five Years & Under, Optional Tack

• Owner-Amateur Novice Youth Riders 6-17 Years on Novice All Day Pleasure Walking Mares or Geldings, Optional Tack

• Owner-Amateur Novice Riders on Novice All Day Pleasure Walking Horses, Five Years & Under, Optional Tack

• Owner-Amateur Novice Riders on Novice Trail Pleasure Walking Horses, Optional Tack 

• Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Mares or Geldings, Riders 70 & Over

• Owner-Amateur Riders on Country Pleasure Walking Horses, Five Years & Under, World Grand Championship®, Optional Tack

• Amateur Owned and Trained Walking Horses World Grand Championship, No Professional Training Within 90 Days

• *Walking Mares or Geldings Specialty, World Grand Championship®

• Owner-Amateur Riders on Show Pleasure Walking Horses, Five Years & Under, World Grand Championship®

One notable adjustment includes moving several championship classes to the second half of the second Wednesday (9/2) evening performance. The change was made with the goal of creating a more exciting championship atmosphere while helping other championship nights conclude at a more fan-friendly time. 
All classes highlighted in yellow on the Class sheets had a session change from 2025 Class Schedule, and all classes highlighted in orange were combined with another class from the 2025 Class Schedule. 

“Our goal throughout this process has been to listen to the industry and make thoughtful adjustments that strengthen our show while enhancing the experience for our fans,” said Celebration CEO Warren Wells. “We appreciate everyone who took the time to submit feedback and recommendations. The level of participation in this process demonstrates the passion our exhibitors, owners, trainers, and supporters have for the Tennessee Walking Horse.”

The Celebration extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who submitted recommendations and feedback during the review period. The organization also thanks the members of the Class Schedule Committee for the countless hours they dedicated to evaluating requests and carefully reviewing every aspect of the schedule.
The tentative class sheet is being released to allow participants an opportunity to review session placements and identify any necessary movement requests. Following that review period, the Celebration will finalize the official 2026 class schedule.

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration remains committed to continually improving its premier event while showcasing the best horses, riders, and exhibitors in the industry. Organizers believe the adjustments made for 2026 will help create additional excitement, improve the flow of competition, and provide an enhanced experience for both participants and spectators.

Highlighted in Green – classes added to the 2026 Celebration

Highlighted in Yellow – classes with a session change from 2025 Celebration

Highlighted in Orange – classes combined from the 2025 Celebration

Click here for the schedule.