When you ask a University of Tennessee football fan about homecoming traditions, one might hear several responses ranging from The Hill, Torchbearer, Rocky Top and more will probably be named. The tradition of a Tennessee Walking Horse being exhibited before the game will most likely also be mentioned.

For decades, a Tennessee Walking Horse going around Shields-Watkins Field at Neyland Stadium has been a popular tradition. Each year, a Tennessee 4-H Horse Project member has been selected for the unique and prestigious opportunity to exhibit their Tennessee Walking Horse during the University of Tennessee homecoming football game. In years past, the current World Grand Champion was usually selected to exhibit, but beginning in 2012, the University of Tennessee Athletic Department partnered with Tennessee 4-H to give one of the youth exhibitors the ride of a lifetime in front of a 100,000 plus crowd. In order to be selected for this opportunity, potential 4-H members must go through an application process. The chosen youth must be well rounded in all aspects of the Tennessee 4-H Horse project. They consider not only their performances and wins at the Regional and State Championship 4-H Horse shows, but also their participation in horse related 4-H educational contest such as horse judging, hippology, horse bowl and communications. 

This year, 14-year-old Katherine Vaughn and her equine partner, Front Nine were selected to exhibit at the University of Tennessee homecoming on November 9, 2024. “Nine” is a 12-year-old gelding sired by World Grand Champion The Titleist out of a Generator’s Santana mare. He is owned by the Christen Lovvorn family of Bell Buckle, Tennessee. Nine has had an extensive show career over the past decade which includes three Reserve World Championships at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, as well as more than 25 career wins in the Country Pleasure division. Included in his five victories this year are the titles of both Tennessee 4-H Central Region and Tennessee 4-H State Championship winner in the Western Country Pleasure division with Katherine aboard. 

When asked about her years of participating on the Tennessee 4-H Horse project, Katherine said, “The 4-H program has given me the opportunity to learn so much more about horses and has given me an outlet to have even more fun with them. The horse judging, for instance, has taught me about different breeds. The Regional and State Championship 4-H shows have helped me learn that competition is a good way to drive me to work harder and become a better rider, and I have met so many great people through showing and judging.”
During her time in the 4-H Horse program, Katherine has won several titles, some as an individual and some as part of a team including four High Point Awards, two championship belt buckles and two 4-H directors chairs. “I have gained experience in many different styles of riding during my time as a 4-H member. I am thankful for all that I have learned and hope to use this knowledge in my future career.”

Also, special thanks to Dr. Meggan Graves of the UT Veterinary Hospital for her knowledge, hospitality and all she did in helping a dream come true. It was greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.