Six-year-old Greyson Green never leaves the house — or his grandfather’s barn at Jeff Green Stables — without clutching at least one miniature horse in each hand. Horses are practically part of Greyson’s DNA. For five generations on his mother Corey’s side, the Greens and Johnsons have bred, trained, advocated for, and invested — physically, financially, and wholeheartedly — in Tennessee’s favorite breed, the Tennessee walking horse.
Jeff Green, Greyson’s maternal grandfather, said, “My grandfather, Toby Green, owned the first spotted Tennessee walking horse; my dad, Ron Green, Sr., trained walking horses; my brother, Charlie Green, trains walking horses; and my brother, Ronnie Green, sells, trades, and breeds horses. Both of my daughters, Samantha and Corey, show or have shown them. In fact, Samantha began showing when she was about 3 years old. Now, my grandson, Greyson, is horse crazy.”
Jeff continued, “I didn’t really choose this breed. It chose me, so I followed in my dad’s footsteps. What I love most about Tennessee walking horses is how gentle and docile they are. They truly make the perfect horse for riders of all ages — from 5 to 75.”
In 2010, during the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC), Greyson’s mom, Corey, won World Champion in the Novice Youth Park Pleasure while riding Gens I Love Lucy. Over the years, her sister, Samantha, placed in the top three multiple times while riding Regal’s Lady of Royalty, Score Card, and Doral.
Their dad rode Straight Line in 2006 and took home the world championship trophy in the 4-and-under division. He also won several reserve world championships and earned Reserve World Grand Champion honors in different classes. His brother, Charlie Green, was voted Trainer of the Year at the TWHNC in 2007, 2013, and 2014. Though each of these wins is special to the Greens, the year Charlie handed his brother the Trainer of the Year trophy is a memory everyone cherishes.
Corey said, “This was a very special moment, but it was made even more special because my grandfather, Ron Green Sr., passed away in November 2008. In August, he got to see his son, Charlie, pass the Trainer of the Year award to my dad. Right after the TWHNC, in September, he was diagnosed with lymphoma and passed away on Nov. 10, 2008.”
Not only is Greyson’s grandfather’s family in the Tennessee walking horse industry, but his grandmother’s family has deep roots as well. His mom’s maternal grandfather, Benny Johnson, was a lifelong trainer and a charter member of the Walking Horse Trainers Association (WHTA), which was founded in 1968. For 30 years, Johnson managed the WHTA National Trainers Show. He also founded the WHTA Youth Council in 1995.
The goal of this organization is to teach the younger generation how to be versatile competitors in several classes, such as trail riding. Today, the youth council has a thriving membership of more than 150. Young riders involved have hosted toy drives for Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and a tack box giveaway.
Corey said, “Greyson just joined the WHTA Youth Council that my grandfather founded. In fact, Greyson adores horses so much that when his daycare requested that graduates dress as what they hope to be when they grow up, Greyson dressed as a mounted patrol police officer.”
Greyson’s grandmother, Joyce, also grew up riding Tennessee walking horses since her dad, Benny, trained them. She won a world grand championship in the Juvenile Show Pleasure division at the TWHNC in 1988 while riding Go Boys Red Sails. And Joyce’s mother, Sherry Johnson, was the first to win a World Champion title in the Western class while riding Bum’s Drum Major. She also won the Ladies Plantation division while riding a horse named The Solid Gold.
As you can tell, the Greens are a tight-knit family, so when the TWHNC rolls around every August, excitement fills the barn at Jeff Green Stables. Jeff said, “For our family, the TWHNC is a time of hard work, dedication, and preparation as we strive to present our horses at their very best.”
Just as Jeff did when he was a young boy, Greyson is learning to care for the horses at his grandfather’s barn, which now includes one of his own. After the 2025 TWHNC, longtime family friend Frankie Roark gifted Greyson a Tennessee walking horse named Bobby Boucher.
Corey said, “There have been many horses that have impacted my dad’s career. Though we can’t name them all, a few of them are Pride’s Painted Rose, Heir’s Rolling Stone, Go Boys Dark Spirit, He’s Cash’s Masterpiece, Straight Line, Black Hawks, Boogieman, and Gens I Love Lucy.”
Not only is the barn at Jeff Green Stables packed with activity, but so is the barn near the Celebration Arena. Jeff said, “Once the decorating of our barn begins, it’s a sure sign that the busiest and most exciting time of the year is quickly approaching. Each of our customers signs up for a night to bring food. Before the show begins, we gather together to eat and fellowship. In the middle of such a busy and exciting time, this gives us a chance each night to slow down and enjoy the company of family, friends, and customers.”
Jeff enjoys the flexibility of staying close to his horses without missing a moment of the action. He said, “You can usually find me watching the show from the TV on the porch of our barn. Having the TV at the barn is nice because even while preparing our horses for the ring, we are able to keep up with the show.”
As Greyson follows in the footsteps of the generations before him, one thing is certain — the Green family’s love for the Tennessee walking horse will always be “Let ‘Em Walk On.” GN
