Monticello — When the 7 year old horse The White Mask earned first place in the 71st

annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, owner Karen Bethel was

ecstatic.

This was a major win that Bethel had been working toward for some time.

The Celebration is an 11-day event in Shelbyville, Tenn., that is the

premier event for the Tenn. walking horse, during which the breed's World

Grand Champion and some 20 World Champions are named.

This year there was over 2600 horses entering and 126,685 spectators in

attendance.

The White Mask is owned by Karen Bethel of Monticello, Ky.

The horse and rider Alana Copas (age 11) from Bowling Green, Ky.,

achieved first place or World Champion in the 11 and Under Novice Mare

class. They competed again and received reserve World Grand Champion in the

11 and under Championship class.

Karen Bethel owns and operates KB Farms in the Stop community of Wayne

County. Her farming operation includes 4 poultry layer houses, beef cattle,

and Tenn. walking horses.

The White Mask was born to a mare owned by Bethel.