Horse industry in Tennessee

Horse breeder James Brantley began his program in the early 1900s, using the foundation stallion Black Allan,[10] who had a smooth running walk and a calm disposition, which he passed on to his offspring.

[11] Though Black Allan died in 1910 shortly after being sold to another breeder, Albert Dement, he sired 40 known foals whose bloodlines became well-known in the region.

[12][self-published source] One of his offspring, Roan Allen, carried on the bloodline, and is estimated by breeding experts to be the ancestor of 100% of living Tennessee Walking Horses.

[13][self-published source] Brantley's and Dement's farms were both located just outside Wartrace, a town nicknamed "The cradle of the Tennessee Walking Horse".

[14] The breed's main registry, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA), was founded in 1935 in nearby Lewisburg.

[15] In 1939, Henry Davis and a group of fellow horsemen held the inaugural Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration;[10] it lasted three days, and ended with Strolling Jim, trained by Floyd Carothers, being crowned as the first World Grand Champion.

Trainers who became notable during this period include Winston Wiser, Fred Walker, and Steve Hill.

The town of Shelbyville is called "the Tennessee Walking Horse Capital of the World",[17] and has hosted the Celebration for most of its history.

[19][20] The area is home to many farms and training stables which specialize in the breed,[9] with Bedford, Rutherford, Coffee and Cannon counties having the largest populations.

[21] The breed also brings in large amounts of revenue to the state; the Celebration annually generates $41 million in income to Shelbyville alone, and champion show horses command high sales prices.

[44] Road to the Horse, a colt-starting competition for professional trainers, was held at Murfreesboro's Tennessee Miller Coliseum from 2002 to 2011.

Early races were held on public roads, including a notable match in 1806 between Andrew Jackson's horse, Truxton, and Erwin's Plowboy.

Truxton, who won the race, was a son of Diomed, a Thoroughbred racehorse imported from England to Virginia in 1798.

"[46] The Standardbred Little Brown Jug, who had a premier pacing race named after him, was foaled in Middle Tennessee.