Walking On Volume 2, Issue 7, July 2015 | Page 11

Association and the International Grand Championship Walking Horse Show. Following Mary’s death, this generous donation was used to construct the state of the art facility known as Tennessee Miller Coliseum in memory of her late husband who died in 1984. The 2003 edition of the International not only celebrated its 25th Anniversary but also the culmination of a long awaited home for the International. The Miller Coliseum  and the accompanying buildings are an unparalleled venue for equine competition. Over the years the format of the show has varied in several ways. For several years the owners who participated in the International Horse Show had an opportunity to select the judges who officiated the following year. Prospective judges were contracted to determine their availability and were then placed on the official judge’s ballot and voted on. This method of selecting judges proved popular over the years. In recent years the show has included several extracurricular activities for exhibitors and spectators alike. The International Dog Show is a must see event with dogs competing in a variety of classes ranging from ‘I Look Like My Master’ to the ‘Trick Class’. The yearly Progressive Barn is also a popular event held each year during the show. A service horse competition was added in 2014. New in 2015, the show will include a free Field Day and Open House. During this special time, visitors will have the opportunity to test ride a Tennessee Walking Horse, enjoy a complimentary ice cream social, and shop at a consignment tack sale. Always growing and adapting, the International is one of our breed’s greatest events. It is a show to look forward to and a show to remember. 11