World Grand Champion, Reserve World Grand Champion and 11-time World Champion All American Ritz was humanely laid to rest on May 13, 2025, at Southern Serenity Ranch in Cedar Grove, Tennessee. Ritz was bred and raised by Steve and Denise Smith, and was foaled on October 11, 2000. As a colt, Ritz was handled by Marty Warren and together they won the Walking Yearling World Grand Championship in 2002 for the Smith family.  

Cynthia Wright of Jackson, Tennessee, acquired All American Ritz at the age of four, and under the direction of Howard Hamilton, All American Ritz went on to claim 10 more world championship titles with Howard Hamilton, Cynthia Wright and Marian Wright riding. Cynthia shared, “It was under Howard’s kind hands and love that Ritz blossomed.” Ritz is most notable for making history for the Tennessee Walking Horse by being crowned the very FIRST Park Performance World Champion!  

Ritz was a unique talent and competitor, “being far before his time” often quoted from Howard, but he was gentle, loving and kind on the ground. Ritz left a mark on each person he met and was devotedly loved and cared for by Cynthia and the Hamilton Family. “A lifetime would have never been enough….We are grateful God shared him with us.”

Cynthia Wright, Marian Wright, and the Howard Hamilton Family