Blake Johnson
heading into
the big ring.
Laurie Toone
and Dixie
Special.
Walking
Machine with
trainer Mandy
Motes.
Justus Carter
aboard I’m
Pennywise.
2020 International Dedication
Charlie Howard
The 2020 International
Grand Championship was
posthumously dedicated to
Charlie Howard. A longtime
Tennessee Walking Horse
enthusiast, Charlie left us
in November of last year. It
was a tremendous loss to our
industy, our horse, and our
community.
A school teacher by profession,
Charlie taught at Hindman High School in
Hindman, Kentucky, Lebanon High School in Lebanon,
Tennessee, and Blackman High School in Murfreesboro,
Tennessee. During his tenure as a teacher,
he went above and beyond leading horse judging
teams, maintaining school greenhouses, and mentoring
FFA students.
A longtime Tennessee Walking Horse enthusiast
and accomplished amateur owner trainer, Charlie
loved the show ring. He made his first trips to Tennessee
in 1970 and attended 41 years of the International
Grand Championships. He was also a regular at the
Celebration. He was a tough competitor that took his
greatest joy from developing a horse to its full potential.
Charlie loved his horses and became attached to
each and every one of them.
Following his retirement, he extended his support
of the Walking Horse industry by serving on the Walking
Horse Owners’ Association board of directors and
as Secretary for the Association. At the International,
he filled the role of official greeter, serving coffee and
doughnuts to the exhibitors each morning. Additionally,
he was instrumental in the success of the show’s
silent auction.
A great teacher, a great horseman, a great friend,
Charlie Howard is deeply missed by all who knew
him, whether human or equine.
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