SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is proud to announce the judging panel for the 55th Annual Spring Fun Show, set to take place May 22–24, 2025, at Cooper Steel Arena on the historic show grounds in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

This year’s panel includes Bill Cantrell, Robert Cortner, and Brent Grider—three respected professionals with a wide range of experience at some of the walking horse industry’s most iconic and competitive venues.
Bill Cantrell returns to a Celebration event for the first time since the 2002 Spring Fun Show. He recently judged the 2024 Kentucky Celebration and United Fall Finale, as well as this year’s National Trainers’ Show. Cantrell brings a wealth of experience from prominent shows such as the Trainers’ Show, Mississippi Charity, International, Woodbury, and the Money Tree Classic.

Robert Cortner will judge his third Celebration-affiliated event, having previously officiated at the 2021 Spring Fun Show and 2022 Celebration Fall Classic. His judging background also includes the Columbia Spring Jubilee (2020 and 2023), the Trainers’ Show, and the Money Tree. In accordance with SHOW HIO guidelines—which recommends events with multiple judges to include at least one who has not judged earlier in the year—Cortner qualifies, with his most recent assignment being the 2024 Belfast Show.

Brent Grider brings extensive Celebration experience, having judged The Celebration in 2012 and 2021, as well as the 2019 Spring Fun Show. His resume also includes judging assignments at the Columbia Spring Jubilee, Gulf Coast Charity, Alabama Jubilee, Trainers’ Show, Lewisburg, Pulaski, and North Carolina Championships. Grider has not judged within the past 12 months, with his last appearance being at the 2024 National Trainers’ Show in March.

The Spring Fun Show serves as a premier lead-in to the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration and continues to spotlight the talent and tradition of the walking horse industry.

For more information on the 55th Annual Spring Fun Show, including the forthcoming class sheet and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.TWHNC.com.