The first annual Shelbyville Central High School Tennis Team Horse Show will be 6 p.m. Friday, May 6, at the Bedford County Ag Center.  

According to Head Coach Allison Smith, the tennis team does their own fundraising. They hope with this fundraiser they can raise enough money to buy a van to go to matches, as well as uniforms and various equipment like ball machines in addition to providing players with a scholarship. Admission is $5.  

Smith works at Parents’ Day out at Presbyterian Church in addition to teaching the boys and girls tennis team. She said she has been playing tennis since she was 9 years old and is now in her sixth year of coaching SCHS’s team. “It’s one of my loves,” she said.  

“I think getting the kids involved in something that is so big here is a good thing,” said Smith. Smith said even though Shelbyville is Tennessee Walking Horse Capital, many of the kids are not familiar with the industry.  

This will be Smith’s 10th year to put one a horse show fundraiser but the first year for SCHS’s tennis team. In the past, Smith and her brother, Ricky Richardson, did their first horse show fundraiser for the SCHS band, raising $40,000 for new uniforms.  

Smith said they still need a few sponsorships but the community as well as the students have responded well to the fundraiser.  

“It’s a good little fundraiser but I really don’t consider it a fundraiser. I really consider it to be a part of something bigger because it does good for our community, for the kids, and for the Walking Horse industry,” she said.  

Entry fee will be $70 for all classes except Riders Cup classes, which are $80. Last class 29, Walking Horse Championship, will have an entry fee of $95. Cash prizes will range from $20 to $125 for the first five winners.  

Those attending can expect to have a good time and enjoy delicious food like smoked bologna sandwiches and “wonderful” desserts, according to Smith.