The Nelms Tradition

By Sarah Gee
©Voice, June 2007

Go Boy’s Silver Queen, the Weanling World Grand Champion in 1959 and the Yearling Fillies World Champion in 1960, was owned by J.T. and shown by Paul.

If you’ve been to a walking horse show in the southeast in the past nearly 50 years, chances are you know the name Nelms. Since 1940, the Nelms family has been breeding, raising, training, and showing top-quality Tennessee Walking Horses.

Brothers J.T. and Paul Nelms, two of the greatest horsemen our industry has ever seen, passed away within two weeks of each other earlier this year. Each had experienced tremendous success in the walking horse industry and each had contributed hugely to the betterment of our breed. Involved in the industry almost from its beginning, the horses were always a family affair for the Nelms.

Both brothers were well-versed breeders and both possessed a fine eye for good colts. J.T., a past president of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association, was a leader in the industry. He was also a family patriarch, passing on his love of horses to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Paul was a showman, often leading his and his brother’s colts to victory. He was also a mentor, passing on his show ring skills to J.T.’s son Bob and countless other young horsemen.

Always a family affair, here J.T. (far left) presents an award to Paul (right) and Bob in a Mare and Foal class.


Both brothers owned and/or exhibited their share of great horses. Some of the well known horses that have benefited from the Nelms’ expert guidance include World Champions Chief’s Glamour Girl, Go Boy’s Silver Queen, Shadow’s Sun Tan and Sun Tan’s Delight, Lady’s Sunflower and Captain Mack, Senator’s Regal Lady and Just An Empire, My Lady Darling, and Stormy’s Silky Sue.