NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A portrait of the reigning World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse, JUSTIFIED HONORS, was recently presented to Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, home of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
The official World Grand Champion portrait, captured by photographer Shane Shiflet, was unveiled in December during the TWHBEA Awards Banquet and is now proudly displayed at the Ellington Agricultural Center as part of the Tennessee Walking Horse’s rich legacy and continued recognition as the official state horse of Tennessee.
Present for the presentation were (pictured from left to right) Mark Farrar, TWHBEA CEO; Amanda Wright, TWHBEA President; Dr. Jim Baum; John Allan Callaway; Lisa Baum; Jeffrey Howard, Celebration Chairman; Warren Wells, Celebration CEO; Commissioner Andy Holt; Deputy Commissioner Ryan King; Allan Callaway; and Bill Callaway.
JUSTIFIED HONORS has secured his place in Tennessee Walking Horse history as the first horse ever to win the World Grand Championship title four times, earning victories in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025. His celebrated show career has been guided by owners Dr. Jim and Lisa Baum and he has been presented throughout his career by John Allan Callaway, the only rider ever to show him.
The portrait itself is historic in both style and setting. For the first time in the tradition of World Grand Champion portraits, the image was captured at night under the spotlight in the famed Big Oval on the Celebration grounds - Justified Honors’ championship stage. In the photograph, he stands draped in a striking blanket of 300 red roses, made in Louisville, Kentucky, symbolizing the strength, elegance, and enduring legacy of champions.
In addition to its display at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, the portrait is also displayed in the Gallery of World Grand Champions at TWHBEA headquarters, at the Celebration main office, and in five welcome centers and rest areas along Tennessee’s interstate highways, where travelers will be greeted by the official state horse of the Volunteer State.
“This portrait captures more than a champion, it captures a moment in history,” said Mark Farrar, CEO of TWHBEA. “Justified Honors represents excellence at the highest level, and we are proud to see his legacy displayed in such prominent locations across our state.”