Jenson's Diplomat Tina Measures 20 Hands Tall

At the Springbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast there was a thunder on the morning of July 28th, 2007. That was the morning that Tina was being presented to the public in the small, quiet town of Niota, Tennessee. This day was planned to bring out the community, media, well wishers, and generally anyone who would like to see the contender for the title of the World's largest living horse. The crowd of 600 to 1000 people moved in and out of the 25 acre farm throughout the day.

There were many things to do including: blacksmith demonstrations, musical entertainment, Equine health workshops, pony rides, and the measuring of Tina. At 2:30 PM The arena was cleared for the gentle giant to be brought in for her official measurement. The officials on site to witness the measurement were:
Mayor:Martha Walden, Veterinarians: Dr. Moss and Dr. McCampbell, Ferrier: Jeremy Davis as well as 300-600 more well wishers that were anxiously standing and watching the measurement.

Then the words came through.

She is at 20 hands tall unshod, and that is as tall as the horse tape can measure. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.

Tina took her victory walk around the arena, posing for pictures as she had been doing this her entire life. Her owners were ecstatic.

Jim Williams came out with a 25 pound bag of carrots for Tina as her reward for winning. Her other owner, Marge Williams was smiling and giving Tina a big hug. Her handler and trainer, Jessica Barnette was overwhelmed at how well Tina did with the crowd and different sights and sounds.

There was another special guest in the crowd.

It was Mr. Clark Jenson, Tina's original breeder and the owner of her father. He was very happy that Tina had broken the record. When he was asked if he knew she would be this big he remarked that both her parents were over 19 hands tall, but you can never tell how large or strong a horse will grow. He stated that a loving and caring family is one of the major factors to her size and temperament. As you can imagine everyone on the farm was on cloud nine by the end of the day.

Tina was taken inside to get her custom made shoes put on so she could complete the measurements. The veterinarians measured her with her new shoes and she came out to 20.1 hands with the new longer horse tape. Tina is unofficially the worlds tallest horse until the Guinness Book of World Records reviews all the video, photographs, witness documentation, and other paperwork that is required. According to the paperwork, the official word should be coming in four to six weeks.

Tina is only 3 years old and is expected to continue growing for the next 2-3 years. According to her handler, Tina is a very gentle giant that does not realize how big she is. "She will follow you around like a small puppy. " When asked what they intend to do with Tina, everyone answered they are just going to love her and keep her as happy as they can, they have no intentions of selling her at this time.

Contact Us:
Springbrook Inn for room information
Jim or Marge Williams
(423) 568-3092

Springbrook Riding Academy Jessica Barnette
(423) 790-0199
www.Springbrook-Inn.com
307 North Burn Road
Niota, Tennessee
37826

Fast Facts:
Breed: Shire Horse
Age: 3 Years Old (2-3 More Years to grow)
Height (Shoulder): Unshod-80 Inches
Shod-81 Inches
Weight: 1600 Pounds
Daily Hay: 40-60 Pounds
Daily Grain: 16-20 Cups
Water: 15-20 Gallons