Honor Of The Ritz was humanely laid to rest on February 12, 2026. Bred by Lavon Tyson, Honor Of The Ritz was first owned by the partnership of Riddley and Tyson before being purchased as a three-year-old by Chavigney Beasley. His early career began under the direction of Michael and Casey Wright at Wright Stables,
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WHOA is pleased to announce, Ms. Gayle Lampe, an equestrian name that needs no introduction, will mark the cards for the 2026 Equiskill Challenge Cup Equitation Championship class at The International Grand Championship this July at the TN Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, TN. The Equiskill Challenge Cup class is a 3 gait equitation class open
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Our hearts are heavy as we share that one of our own has suffered a devastating loss due to a barn fire on February 15, 2026— a disaster resulting in the loss of 36 horses, tack, and more. The Callicutt family has given so much to the Walking Horse industry over the years, always supporting
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The Southern Belle, will take place April 2–4 in Cleveland, Tennessee. Judging panel for the 2026 event will be Jason Bachert, Brad Gregory, and Justin Miller. Marking the cards at the National Trainers’ Show will be Amber Zahnd, Ryne Parker and Johnny Puckett. The 58th Annual National Trainers’ Show, hosted by the Walking Horse Trainers’
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Robert Wayne “Bud” Moore, 86, of Seagrove Beach, FL passed away at his Bit and Spur farm in Lynnville, TN on February 2, 2026. He was dedicated, working 12 hour days, 7 days a week for the first 40 years of his adult life. He was extraordinarily generous, gracious, and thoughtful. He was loving and
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Mary Ann Blessing, age 67, went home to be with the Lord on February 12, 2026, in Bristol, Tennessee. Born in Rockville, Maryland, Mary Ann lived a life marked by unwavering faith, quiet strength, and tireless service to others. Mary Ann was married for 43 years to her devoted husband, Herschel Blessing, with whom she
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The Nominating Committee of the Walking Horse Owners’ Association has nominated the following people for the 2026 Board of Directors. Nominations for WHOA Board of Directors – 3 year term DeeDee Miller Bacon-Tennessee Kim Bennett-Kentucky Jodi DeDecker Bubar-Illinois Ken Estes-Tennessee Dickie Gardner-Tennessee Darden Gladney-Louisiana Keegan Meadows-Tennessee Sis Osborne-Tennessee Nominee for 2026 WHOA President – 1
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On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the Lord called Jack Pirkle home after a battle with cancer. A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Trinity United Methodist Church. Reverend Chris Hester officiated the service. The family received friends at the funeral home on Friday, October 31, 2025, and on Saturday, November 1,
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The Scoop congratulates Thomas Derickson and Destiny Barnett on their recent engagement. Thomas proposed to Destiny on October 26, 2025, at the pavilion at the top of Pleasant Valley Farm in Shelbyville, TN. The couple will exchange vows in June of next year.
Alex Blackburn and Jake Langston were united in marriage on September 20, 2025 before a large number of guests. The vows were exchanged at the home of the groom’s parents, John and Melissa Langston in Columbia, Tennessee. The bride is the daughter of Knox and Stacy Blackburn. The couple will reside in Columbia.
