(Editor’s Note: The following Q&A took place between Sadie Fowler of the Walking Horse Report and Kyle Bush of Baxter, Tennessee.)

Fowler: Let’s start by sharing a bit of your background with our readers? Tell us about yourself.

Bush: I was born and raised in Baxter, Tennessee and live there on our family farm with Trevor Bauman. My parents are David and Lisa Bush and I have one brother, Justin Bush and his wife Kayla and a nephew Bryson and a niece Josie. I graduated Tennessee Tech University with my Bachelor’s Degree in 2009. I currently work for our family business, Bush Construction Co. Inc. which, specializes in Natural Gas Distribution. My grandfather started the company and next year we will celebrate 50 years of being Incorporated. I serve as the Junior VP of Purchasing. 

Fowler: How would you describe your role in the walking horse industry?

Bush: I have two horses currently in training — a two-year-old NRA colt with Carrie Martin and Walk With Me, a three-year-old mare in training with Beaty Stables. We also have several broodmares and two trail horses. I serve as a board member for FAST and the Upper Cumberland Walking Horse Association.

Fowler: When did you first attend the Celebration and what do you remember most?  

Bush: I attended my first Celebration in 1996. My fondest memory of that Celebration was seeing He’s Puttin’ on the Ritz crowned WGC. He was one of the best horses I had ever seen. 

Fowler: Who is your favorite WGC and why?

Bush: Walk Time Charlie is my favorite WGC. I was able to ride him at White Pine one morning during the workouts after he won the Celebration that year. It was an awesome experience and he was a dream to ride! I am fortunate enough now to have a filly by him, thanks to Robert Deautch and the Baucoms. 

Fowler: Besides horses, what would you say is your favorite aspect of Bedford County?

Bush: Besides horses, I would have to say my favorite thing about Bedford County is Farrar Farms. My friend Mark Farrar is always welcoming and it is a joy to come down and visit with friends. We also enjoy bringing our boat down and heading to Tim’s Ford Lake. 

Fowler: Do you have other hobbies?

Bush: I love to sing, especially old country songs. 

Fowler: How to you describe Shelbyville and the Celebration to your non-horse friends?

Bush: That it is home of the TWH Celebration, which is where the WGC walking horse is crowned and that it is one of the best places to be during show season! 

Fowler: What is your favorite junk food from the Civic Clubs?

Bush: Definitely the donuts!

Fowler: If you could have dinner with any famous person who would it be and why? Where would you go?

Bush: I would want to have dinner with Dolly Parton. She is a great example to all. She helps so many and is so humble We would have dinner at my mother’s house and probably serve some fried chicken. 

Fowler: What’s your favorite book and why? 

Bush: The Bible. No other book compares to the word of God! 

Fowler: Do you have any guiding principles or mottos that guide your day-to-day life?

Bush: Be Strong and Courageous. Do not be afraid; Do Not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 

Fowler: What are your thoughts going into this year’s Celebration? 

Bush: I am confident that our industry is headed in the right direction. We still have many challenges ahead and I know that we will continue to hold strong but only if we continue with our legal efforts. Please continue to give to the legal fund. We must continue to fight for our breed. 

Fowler: Any closing thoughts? 

Bush: Good luck to everyone this year!