A legacy lives on through 5th annual Walking Horse Classic

Delaine Freeman Smith was honored when the Wilson County Fair Board approached her with a request following her mother's death in 2007.

"They came to us the year Moma passed away and said they wanted to name the Walking Horse show in her memory," Smith said, adding that she believes that the Betty B. Freeman Walking Horse Classic was appropriately named.

Smith's mother, Betty Bradford Freeman, was a longtime supporter of Tennessee Walking Horses and was heavily involved in both breeding and showing. "Her daddy raised Walking Horses and she developed a love of the breed from him. She grew up in Walking Horse country – in Lewisburg, Tennessee – and carried on the tradition," Smith, a third generation breeder, said.

During her career, Freeman raised Generator's Santana, a World Grand Champion and several other world champions.

"Most everyone that knew Moma knew how much she loved horses. They knew how much she supported the breed," Smith said. "When people moved to town and needed help with their horses – even if they weren't Walking Horses – it was Moma who helped them."

This Friday night, Freeman's legacy will live on at the fifth annual Walking Horse Classic during the Wilson County Fair.

The show begins at 5:30 p.m.

"You can sign-up that afternoon. We encourage everybody to come out," Smith said.

In past years, proceeds raised from the event have benefitted organizations like the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association and Hearthside Assisted Living, she continued.

Smith hopes the 2012 event will raise even more money, to be designated to local education and scholarships like the Hale Moss Youth Scholarship Fund.

Staff writer Sabrina Garrett may be reached at 444-3952, ext. 15 or via email at sgarrett@lebanondemocrat.com

Photo: Submitted

Delaine Smith with her mother Betty B. Freeman