SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. — The young stars of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry took center stage Saturday morning as the 88th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration continued in Cooper Steel Arena. The 13-class session got underway promptly at 9 a.m., with world championship honors on the line throughout the morning.

Judges Rollie Beard, Derek Bonner, Scotty Brooks, Sam Sorrell and Chad Williams returned to the ring, ready to evaluate a talented lineup of youth exhibitors and their equine partners. Known as Youth Day at The Celebration, the Saturday morning session shines a spotlight on the next generation of exhibitors. From halter classes to equitation, pleasure and performance competition, the young riders and handlers brought plenty of talent and determination to the ring.

The first world championship of the morning was awarded in Class 80, Youth Model Pleasure Mares & Geldings. Earning his second world title of the show was Promise Keeper with Finley Reed at the lead. Ally Jo Jacobs and My Miranda Lambert claimed the reserve world championship. My Miranda Lambert previously captured the Model Pleasure Mares World Championship on Wednesday morning with Laurie Toone.

The action continued with Class 81, TWHBEA Youth 6-17 Medallion Performance, where Ally Jo Jacobs and Finley Reed were right back in the ring. This time, Jacobs guided El’s Predicted Storm to the World Championship title. The victory marked the duo’s fourth consecutive win in Medallion competition this season. Finley Reed rode Cash Reaction to the reserve world championship.

Three talented entries answered the call in Class 82, TWHBEA Youth 6-17 Medallion Pleasure, showcasing their three-gait skills. Checkpoint Charlie and Caroline Ensey topped the class to earn the coveted World Championship title, while Cashes Ritzy Lady and Kara Brooke Adams were named reserve world champions.

Class 83, Youth 6-17 Weanlings, brought a ring full of young talent to the spotlight. Out of 12 entries, Night Force and Emery Sims walked their way to victory for owners Kyle, Shanelle and Bryleigh Gray. Sired by I Am Mighty Jose and out of Me And Mrs. Honors, Night Force added another major victory to his young record after winning just a few weeks ago at the Petersburg Colt Show. Eutaw and Conlee Bobo earned the reserve world championship. Eutaw is by Jimmy Choo and out of Armed Eye Candy.

Ally Jo Jacobs continued her winning ways in Class 84E, Auxiliary Equitation Youth 6-11. Jacobs and her beloved equine partner, Ain’t He Grande, captured the World Championship title. The victory continued a remarkable streak for Jacobs, who has won this title every year since 2021. It also marked her second Equitation World Championship of this year’s Celebration.

Five entries competed for top honors in Class 85, Owner-Amateur Youth 12-17 Country Pleasure. Repeating his 2024 victory was Shameless SF with Finley New for Janet Howell and Finley New. Habanero Picante and Shane Smith earned the reserve world championship, marking the second reserve world title for duo this week.

Class 86, the Owner-Amateur Youth 6-11 All Day Pleasure class followed with 10 entries competing for the title. Trend Setter, who captured a win earlier in the week with Emily Woodruff, returned to the ring with Vivian Woodruff and carried the young rider to the winner’s circle. The team made its season debut with a victory at the Shelbyville Tennis Club Horse Show in June. Azulita and Ally Jo Jacobs claimed the reserve world championship.

In Class 87, Western Lite-Shod, Space Cowboy SN and Jonathan Baskin once again proved they are a winning combination, capturing their third consecutive World Championship for Skylar Nipper. The team previously claimed the title in 2024 and 2025. The team’s successful season began with a win at the National Trainers’ Show. Big Time Bandit and Patrick Thomas earned reserve world championship honors for Lisa Baum. The Celebration marked the team’s season debut, while Big Time Bandit has already carried Baum to the winner’s circle twice this year.

The youngsters took over the ring for Class 88, Owner-Amateur Weanlings, with 13 entries competing for the world championship. Caliente W and Amanda Wright topped the class to claim the title. Caliente W is sired by Jalapeño and out of My Hopes And Dreams, who is sired by Master Of Jazz. Eutaw continued a successful morning by earning another reserve world title, this time with Maria Bobo at the lead.

Two former world champions met in Class 89, Owner-Amateur Youth 6-11 Trail Pleasure, creating a highly competitive showdown. After working both ways of the ring, Diva By Daddy and Nathan Thomas emerged from the lineup as World Champions. Second Line and Macon White claimed the reserve world championship. 

Owner-Amateur Youth 6-17 Park Pleasure welcomed six talented contenders in Class 90. Boston Bay and Jocelyn Laughlin continued their impressive Celebration run by capturing their third consecutive World Championship. The duo previously claimed the title in 2024 and 2025. Just Jose It and Jacalyn Gardner earned reserve world championship honors. Just Jose It previously carried Jamie Gardner to the winner’s circle earlier in the show.

Class 91, Owner-Amateur Youth 6-11 Country Pleasure was next to make their way into Cooper Steel Arena, where another talented group battled for the Celebration blue. Shipwrecked and Otis Hughes emerged victorious, continuing their undefeated season. The team has already collected wins at the National Trainers’ Show, Spring Fun Show and WHTA Fireworks & Freedom. Bentlee Baum and The Tiger Lily earned the reserve world championship.

The final class of the morning, Class 92, Owner-Amateur Novice Youth 6-17 All Day Pleasure, brought the Saturday morning session to a close. Kaylee Smith and Aleena’s Dixie Shockwave rode out of the novice division to capture the World Championship title. Elena De La Vega DS and Jalynn Evans earned the red streamer.

With the final world championship presented, the Saturday morning session of the 88th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration was officially in the history books. The Celebration action will resume tonight at 7 p.m. in Celebration Arena, with the Lead Line World Grand Championship set to open the evening’s program.