By Sarah Gee
©Voice, August 2006

For the past year or so, Tennessee Walking Horses have played a major part in meeting and greeting guests at Nashville’s acclaimed Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. A prime destination for Music City visitors, Opryland attracts approximately four million travelers a year. That’s four million people that otherwise may never have been exposed to our tremendous breed.

The horses’ presence at Opryland is made possible by a long-term partnership between the resort, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association^SM (TWHBEA^SM) and the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC). These three groups are extremely committed to promoting the Tennessee Walking Horse at this world-class facility.

To that end, a press conference was held Monday, June 26, to detail the ever-expanding presence of our breed at Opryland. Representatives from Opryland, TWHBEA^SM and TWHNC were on hand to answer questions. Crews from Nashville’s ABC and NBC affiliates and our own What-A-Horse came out to shoot footage and conduct interviews. The print media was also well represented at the event.

Currently, five horses reside in the pastures on either side of Opryland’s main entrance, Magnolia Drive. Displaying the calm and friendly disposition that the walking horse is known for, each is eager to interact with the guests as they walk to and from the resort. Especially engaging is Opryland’s newest arrival, a chestnut filly, by Royal Label and out of Generator’s Mystique, born May 31, 2006. It was announced at the press conference that starting this summer a local 4-H group will be visiting the Opryland horses regularly to groom the horses and learn about proper horse care.

In addition to the horses that reside in the pastures on either side of Opryland’s main entrance, several times a year Opryland guests are treated to special clinics conducted by TWHBEA’s National Clinician Nicole Carswell. Carswell’s “Walk This Way” Tour makes approximately four stops per year at Opryland. During the clinics, Carswell informs visitors about the unique history and versatility of the Tennessee Walking Horse, discusses gait recognition, and provides tips on riding and proper turnout. Each of her clinics also features several horse and rider teams demonstrating the various divisions of our breed. The clinics always end with a question and answer session and ample opportunities for the visitors to pet the horses. One of her recent Opryland clinics, held Saturday, June 24, attracted close to 150 spectators. Upcoming “Walk This Way” Tour dates at Opryland include August 19 and October 7.

Adding to the walking horse experience at Opryland is the newly opened Tennessee Walking Horse Museum adjacent to the walking horse viewing areas. The museum features artifacts, awards and photographs representing the history of the Tennessee Walking Horse and a very informative timeline depicting the progression of the Tennessee Walking Horse over the past 70 years. Admission is free and the museum is open daily.