Education

Carl Bledsoe and his wife, Tammy, reside in Talking Rock, Ga. where they train horses and teach horse owners. Although Carl works with all breeds of horses, gaited horses are his passion. Carl grew up in the Tennessee Walking Horse show world. For years, he trained and showed the incredible breed – many of them champion and world champion horses. Over time, he realized just how much the horses had to sacrifice for these titles which prompted him to make a fundamental change in his approach to horses and he hopes to compel others to make a change as well. Rather than shortcuts, gimmicks and subjugation, he believes in classical training with a true understanding of the biomechanics of the horse as well as the rider and is an advocate of purity of gait for the long-term health of the horse both physically and mentally. Carl believes in education and understanding by having compassion and empathy for the horse and approaches each horse as an individual by asking himself, “What’s in this for the horse?” This has taught him how to become a better trainer and teacher for the horses but it has also taught him to be a better husband, father and friend. For this, he is eternally grateful to what he feels is one of God’s greatest creations, the HORSE.

Carl & Tammy conduct clinics and attend expos sharing his story of his progression from the show ring to now teaching and training with the best interest of the horse as his primary focus. They hope to prove just how wonderful, versatile and extremely talented the Tennessee Walking Horse, as well as the other gaited breeds, truly are.

Carl has been a guest speaker at the Sound Horse Conference, a guest speaker representing the Tennessee Walking Horse at the Equus Film Festival, the featured gaited clinician at Equifest New York, Horse World Expo, Georgia Horse Fair, Southern Equine Expo as well as Equine Affaire Ohio and Massachusetts. Carl has also been a guest judge at the Appalachian Trainer Face-Off and was featured in the 2023 July edition of Horse Illustrated.

Carl’s proudest achievement was being awarded Humane Horseman of the Year by the Humane Society of the United States for his work in advocating for the sound, humane training of Tennessee Walking Horses and other gaited breeds. This annual award honors individuals who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to protecting America’s equines.

Carl & Tammy are, above all, advocates for the horse and are looking forward to continuing to educate fellow horse lovers and encourage you to always ask yourself, “What’s in it for the horse?”