Mikayla Jennings overcame multiple physical disabilities to secure her first world championship title with her horse at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville.
Jennings said she has competed at the annual event since 2017 but had never reached the top of the podium until this year. Jennings said the victory followed years of intensive training and preparation with her horse, Clarabelle Chug-A-Chug.
“She just lights up when there’s a camera she knows where it is,” Jennings said. “She’s always there for somebody to come and love on her or give her the attention and she just she loves it. Loves the whistles, loves the crowd, loves everything, the spotlight.”
Jennings said she felt significant nerves during the event because she represents a small town. Jennings said she was born four months early weighing only one pound and three ounces. Jennings said she lives with cerebral palsy and is both blind and deaf on her left side.
“Growing up with disability and all that it’s been rough rough but it’s just just never quit and just keep going,” Jennings said.
Jennings said the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration serves as the premier event for the industry and attracts competitors from across the country. Jennings said the competition is comparable to the Super Bowl for horse owners.
“It’s the biggest horse show of the year and people from all over come to it and show and try to win a world championship,” Jennings said. “Like really, like oh my gosh they really called my number just like it’s still like it’s not real.”
Jennings said the championship provides valuable advertising and exposure for the local sponsors in Jamestown who supported her journey.
“Just basically because like we’re from a small town and we’re just small folk basically, I guess you could say,” Jennings said.
Jennings said her passion for riding began in early childhood and noted that horse culture is a vital part of the economy and tourism in Fentress County. Jennings said her horse, Clarabelle Chug-A-Chug, thrives in the competitive environment and enjoys the attention of the crowds and cameras.
Jennings said she intends to continue competing with the goal of maintaining a high standard of excellence in her breeding and showing.
“Just never give up,” Jennings said. “Just keep going and even though you’ll have your bad days your good days are coming pretty soon. You just gotta keep believing and you’ll do it.”
