Key Figure In Walking Horse Scandal Set To Plead Guilty In Chattanooga On Tuesday

  • Saturday, May 19, 2012

A key figure in the Tennessee Walking Horse scandal aimed at trainers involved in "horse soring" is set to plead guilty in Chattanooga on Tuesday morning.

Jackie McConnell is due to appear before Federal Magistrate Court Judge Bill Carter.

According to papers filed in Federal Court, he will plead guilty to one count and all other charges will be dismissed. A 52-county indictment had been issued against him, Jeff Dockery, John Mays and Joseph R. Abernathy. Abernathy and Mays are also set to appear in court Tuesday.

McConnell was in the news this week when the Humane Society of the United States released a video showing him repeatedly hitting a horse in the face - allegedly to teach the horse not to flinch when he was being checked for signs of soring.

McConnell, who is from Collierville in West Tennessee, but is a big part of the walking horse industry centered at Shelbyville, had his license revoked by the association there.

McConnell had a grand champion at Shelbyville in the late 1990s.  

Breaking News
Rep. Howell Says State Relying On Variety Of Approaches For Funding Transportation Needs
Rep. Howell Says State Relying On Variety Of Approaches For Funding Transportation Needs
  • 7/14/2025

State Rep. Dan Howell told members of the Pachyderm Club on Monday that the days have passed when the state could just rely on the gasoline tax for its transportation needs. Rep. Howell, who ... more

County Schools Names Hixson High Principal, Fills Other Positions
  • 7/14/2025

Hamilton County Schools has announced new leadership appointments for the 2025–26 school year. These updates re?ect the district’s continued focus on academic success, student well-being, and ... more

Local Scholars Get National Merit College-Sponsored Scholarships
  • 7/14/2025

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) on Monday announced nearly 800 additional winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by colleges and universities. These Merit Scholar ... more