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HJR 288

Memorials, Recognition - Bruce MacDonald and Cavender, 2024 Tennessee Walking Horse national Celebration World Grand Champion -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Pat Marsh

Ceremonial recognition of Cavender’s 2024 World Grand Championship win, trainer Tim Smith, and the MacDonald family for meritorious service to Tennessee’s Walking Horse industry.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 288

Summary: House Joint Resolution 288 (HJR 288)

Overview

  • Type: House Joint Resolution (memorial, ceremonial recognition)
  • Title: Memorials, Recognition – Bruce MacDonald and Cavender, 2024 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration World Grand Champion
  • Purpose: Honor and congratulate Bruce MacDonald and his horse Cavender for winning the 2024 World Grand Championship at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration; recognize trainer Tim Smith and the broader contributions of the MacDonald family to the Walking Horse industry and the State of Tennessee.
  • Status: Signed by the Governor (ceremonial resolution)
  • Introduced: February 26, 2025
  • Version content: Recites achievements of MacDonald, Cavender, and Tim Smith; notes Cavender’s background and prior victories; expresses best wishes and commendation.

What the bill does

  • ceremonial recognition only; no new laws, funding, or regulatory changes
  • declares pride in the MacDonalds, Cavender, and Tim Smith for meritorious service to the Walking Horse industry and Tennessee
  • requests that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation
  • includes customary language to omit certain text from the final copy printed with the State seal

Key facts and provisions

  • Event and title recognized: Cavender (trained and ridden by Tim Smith) won the 2024 World Grand Championship at the 86th Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville
  • People highlighted:
    • Bruce MacDonald: owner of Cavender; long-time businessperson with Cummins diesel engines and Carrier Transicold franchises
    • Robin MacDonald: Bruce’s wife; named Cavender
    • Tim Smith: trainer and rider who guided Cavender to victory; first identified Cavender at the Abernathy Colt Preview (Mississippi) in 2021
    • Cavender: a colt initially highlighted for its movement and temperament; later named “Cavender” (Irish meaning bold/brave)
  • Additional background: Cavender achieved multiple prior blue ribbons (e.g., ThorSport Spring Fling in Murfreesboro; Spring Fun Show in Shelbyville) prior to the national championship
  • Message: expresses pride for the families, community, and state; extends best wishes for future success

Affected parties

  • Individuals: Bruce and Robin MacDonald; Tim Smith (trainer/rider)
  • Horse: Cavender
  • Industry/community: Tennessee Walking Horse community and participants; stakeholders in the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration

Procedural history and timeline

  • 2025-02-26: Introduced
  • 2025-02-27: Placed on House consent calendar (3/3)
  • 2025-03-03: Adopted in the House (Ayes 90–0)
  • 2025-03-04: Engrossed; transmitted to Senate
  • 2025-03-06 to 03-12: Senate actions; completed concurrence
  • 2025-03-11: Enrolled; ready for governor’s signature
  • 2025-03-12: Signed by Senate Speaker; transmitted to Governor
  • 2025-03-19: Signed by Governor

Implications and impact

  • The resolution serves as a formal ceremonial honor, recognizing exemplary achievement in a state industry and highlighting pride in state residents’ accomplishments
  • No fiscal impact or regulatory changes are associated with the measure
  • Serves as an official archival record of the 2024 World Grand Champion and related individuals’ contributions to Tennessee’s cultural and agricultural heritage

If you’d like, I can pare this down to a shorter 1-paragraph summary or expand any section with additional context on Tennessee Walking Horse traditions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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