Returning competitor Tommy Garland will compete against Road to the Horse newcomers John Lyons and Richard Winters. Although they are both newcomers to the competition, they are by no means newcomers to the worlds of horsemanship and training. Lyons, who is known as “America’s Most Trusted Horseman” is a sought after trainer and clinician and has a professional trainer certification program in Colorado. The newly announced competitor, Winters, has dedicated himself to teaching his horsemanship knowledge and experience to others for nearly three decades. All three competitors have hosted their own horsemanship television shows and there is no doubt that the 2009 event will not only be dynamic and action-packed, but full of excitement and emotion.
Franklin is known as the “Hollywood of country music” and promises to be an excellent home for the competition. Williamson County Mayor, Rogers Anderson, welcomes Road to the Horse, its competitors and audience with open arms. Franklin is only ten minutes from downtown Nashville, so entertainment and activity possibilities are endless.
Making return appearances in 2009 will be the amazing Cowgirl Chicks, trick riding team out of Ft. Worth, TX, the Extreme Mustang Makeover, and Tommy Garland with his colt Spirit from the 2008 Road to the Horse competition.
Although the competition does not start until Saturday the doors will open on Friday for the shopping extravaganza.
“We’ll be having the shopping extravaganza again this year from 3-7 p.m. and it will be open to the public. We’re expecting it to be bigger than ever with around 150 vendors. People will also get to meet the clinicians and get autographs and photos,” said Tootie Bailey-Bland, Ride the Remuda Productions Producer.
Tickets for the groundbreaking event, in its new location, will go on sale Monday, May 12 at 9 a.m. CDT. Seating is based on ticket purchase and will sell fast, so please purchase tickets early to ensure your attendance for this amazing event. For more information and to purchase tickets for the 2009 Road to the Horse competition, please visit the website at www.roadtothehorse.com, or call (325)736-5000.