EVERY EYE was on the center ring. The floodlights overhead, which had previously illuminated the arena for dozens of Tennessee walking horses (TWH) and their riders, switched off. A subtle hush fell over the crowd as a single spotlight zeroed in on Cavender and his trainer, Tim Smith. This wasn’t Cavender’s first ride beneath the spotlight reserved for winners, but this time, he had earned the title of World Grand Champion at the 86th annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC).
When the judges wrapped the garland around Cavender’s muscular neck, he raised his head proudly, and Smith, donning his green satin tie, straightened in the saddle, inhaling a victorious breath. The aroma of red roses filled their nostrils. As Cavender made his way around the perimeter of the show ring, a gentle August wind roused his dark, silky mane, and the tri-colored ribbon hanging from his brow-band fluttered.
Was it the luck of the Irish, the blood of champions flowing through the stallion’s veins, or the perfect balance of knowledge and dedication from his rider, who had been voted Trainer of the Year twice? Perhaps it was the combination of all three.
Smith recalled his first impression of the chestnut colt, sired by the legendary 2016 World Grand Champion Honors and out of Jose’s Cafe Au-Lait. Smith and Knox Blackburn were in Mississippi for the Abernathy Stables Colt Preview in February 2021 and admired the “high-headed colt.”
“I called Bruce MacDonald and said, ‘If you want him, you’ve got to buy him now,’” Smith said. “The youngster was under the direction of Cottonwood Farm in Kentucky and was raised by Brenda Corey with the help of Martin Cox.”
Over the last 30 years, Bruce and Robin MacDonald have been the proud owners of several horses who have left their mark on the TWH industry, including John F.K.’s Pusher, The Titleist, Prime Poison, It’s Taboo, Busted At Pebble Beach, and Georgia Florida Line. Robin and Bruce have both successfully shown Uptight Jose and Mr. Heisman, as well as others. So when Smith contacted them about the colt, they knew he’d chosen another winner.
Robin named him Cavender, which is Irish and means bold and brave. Later that year, Cavender won blue ribbons at ThorSport Spring Fling in Murfreesboro, and as a 2-year-old, he won another at the Spring Fun Show in Shelbyville.
“The more I rode him, the better he got,” recalled Smith. Each time Cavender entered the Celebration show ring, the audience and judges adored him. “As a 3 and 4-year-old, his World Championships and World Grand Championship wins were unanimous.”
Several more wins included the Money Tree Classic, Division C World Championship, and the unanimous choice as the 4-year-old World Grand Champion. The team also won the Money Tree Classic and the Marshall County Horseman’s Association.
During the first Saturday night of the TWHNC, they topped the A division of the Aged Stallions class, which features stallions age 5 and older. They also won the Canter class unanimously. Their top recognition came on Aug. 31, when they were named World Grand Champion — also by unanimous decision.
When Cavender isn’t showing off, he has a sweet tooth like many of us. He loves to nibble on apple oat horse cookies, vanilla wafers, carrots, and even peppermints.
Smith grew up outside of Birmingham, Alabama. When he turned 18, he applied for his trainer’s license. “I grew up around horses as my dad, Tex Smith, was a trainer, and I really began my love for horses with my first pony, Domino. In high school, I played football and trained horses with my dad after school. At that time, we owned the horses that I showed on the Alabama circuit, and we had a few outside customers.”
He credits his love of the TWH breed to his dad, but says his mom, Joan, supported both of their dreams. “My dad doesn’t miss watching a show online now. My in-laws, Becky and Walter Nichols, and a lot of my wife’s family come to the shows to cheer me on. And, although we compete on the weekends, many of my fellow trainers are good friends. We bounce things off each other and really lean on each other. And then, there are the great customers that I have, and have had, over the years. Their trust in me with their horses really means a lot and keeps me wanting to do the best job I can all the time.”
Tim’s wife, Sarah, is a Shelbyville native. “In 2002, thanks to a mutual horse industry friend, I met my wife. I moved to Tennessee in the spring of 2003, and we married the next October.”
The Smiths have three children: Abi, Lexi, and Andy. “My wife, as well as our girls, have also won World Grand Championships at the Celebration. Andy loves horses and going to the shows, but he is really into basketball, so his focus is on that.”
When it comes to Cavender, Tim said, “Cavender has been special since day one. He has the best personality. He just wants to please. He is truly a talented animal.” GN
