The Tennessee Walking Horse is a popular breed known for its unique gait, smooth ride, and gentle temperament. Originating in the state of Tennessee in the late 18th century, this breed was developed from Standardbred, Morgan, Thoroughbred, and American Saddlebred bloodlines. Today, the Tennessee Walking Horse is one of the most prominent horse breeds in the United States.
Some key characteristics that set the Tennessee Walker apart from other breeds include:
Distinctive Gaits
The Tennessee Walking Horse is best known for its unique intermediate gait called the “running walk.” This four-beat gait is faster than a regular walk but slower than a trot or canter. The running walk provides an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride for the rider. Here are some details on the signature gaits of the Tennessee Walker:
| Gait | Description |
|---|---|
| Flat Walk | A brisk, marching four-beat gait with each foot hitting the ground separately. The flat walk provides a smooth, gliding ride. |
| Running Walk | A faster version of the flat walk reaching speeds of 10-20 mph. Feels like gliding as the hind feet overstep the imprints of the forefeet. |
| Canter | A three-beat gait that is smooth, collected, and rocking. |
| Trot | Bouncier two-beat gait used less often than other gaits. |
The running walk allows the Tennessee Walker to cover ground quickly and smoothly. This comfortable riding gait along with its willing personality made this breed popular for riding long distances.
Conformation
Tennessee Walkers have a sturdy build with powerful hindquarters that allow them to excel at their signature gait. Here are some typical conformational traits:
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | 15 to 17 hands (60 to 68 inches) tall on average |
| Weight | 900 to 1200 pounds |
| Head | Refined head with small ears and expressive eyes |
| Neck | Gently arched neck of medium length |
| Shoulders | Long, sloping shoulders |
| Back | Strong, short back |
| Hindquarters | Powerful hindquarters with a high-carried tail |
| Legs | Straight, correct legs with flat bone |
| Hooves | Well-shaped hooves with thick, dense hoof walls |
This conformation allows the Tennessee Walker to engage its strong hind end for propulsion and lift its front end naturally for its special gaits.
Unique Shoeing and Gait Training
To enhance the natural gaits of the Tennessee Walking Horse, specialized shoeing and training methods were developed. Key techniques include:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Pads and Wedges | Pads raise the horse’s hooves off the ground and wedges alter the angle of the foot. This encourages the horse to step farther underneath itself and engage the powerful hindquarters. |
| Action Devices | Weighted shoes or boots that encourage the horse to lift its legs higher and snap them down quicker for dramatic, high-stepping action. |
| Soring | Painful practices like applying caustic chemicals that provoke an exaggerated gait. This abusive technique is condemned but still persists. |
| Long-lining | Training technique that develops balance and cadence by working the horse in harness from the ground. |
These specialized shoeing and training methods enabled Tennessee Walkers to perform their signature “big lick” gait in the show ring. However, some practices like soring are unethical and banned.
Colors and Markings
Tennessee Walkers come in a variety of color patterns:
| Common Colors | Less Common Colors |
|---|---|
| Chestnut | Buckskin |
| Black | Palomino |
| Bay | Grey |
| Brown | Roan |
| Sorrel | Cremello |
| Champagne | Dun |
Common facial and leg markings include blazes, strips, socks, and stockings. The variety of colors and patterns is another appealing characteristic of this breed.
Gentle Temperament
In addition to its smooth ride, the Tennessee Walker is highly regarded for its mild temperament and sensible nature. They are people-oriented horses that bond closely with their owners. Key temperament traits include:
| Temperament Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Willing | Eager to please and highly trainable |
| People-oriented | Seeks human interaction and companionship |
| Intelligent | Quick learning ability |
| Even-tempered | Typically calm, patient, and gentle |
| Confident | Courageous and self-assured disposition |
This combination of traits makes the Tennessee Walker an excellent horse for many equestrian disciplines and riders with varying experience levels. They are responsive partners that many owners describe as loving and kind.
Origins in Tennessee
As the name implies, this breed originated in the state of Tennessee in the southeastern United States. The Tennessee Walker developed from Standardbred, Morgan, American Saddlebred, and Thoroughbred bloodlines in the late 18th century.
Some key facts about the origins of this breed:
– Developed by settlers moving west and south through Tennessee who needed hardy, smooth-riding horses.
– Primarily developed from Standardbreds, Morgans, Thoroughbreds, and American Saddlebreds.
– The foundation sire was the Standardbred stallion Allan F-1, foaled in 1886.
– The breed took hold in Middle Tennessee counties like Maury, Bedford, and Rutherford.
– Originally known as the Tennessee Pacer until the 1950s.
– Breed registry established in 1935 as the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association.
– Gained nationwide prominence in the 1940s and 1950s.
Today, Tennessee is still home to the largest population of Tennessee Walking Horses in the United States. The breed remains closely associated with the state where it originated.
Show Ring Popularity
The Tennessee Walking Horse became especially popular as a show horse beginning in the 1950s. Some key facts about the breed’s show ring history:
– Originally shown in “plantation horse” classes as a comfortable riding horse.
– Later morphed into the “performance” division focused on exaggerated animated gaits.
– Two main categories of competition emerged: flat-shod pleasure divisions and performance “big lick” classes.
– The high-stepping “big lick” performance style provokes controversy due to harsh training and shoeing methods.
– In the 2000s, new regulations sought to crack down on the abusive practice of “soring” aimed at exaggerating the big lick gait.
– Despite regulations, pressure to produce a flamboyant gait for ribbons still promotes unethical training techniques.
– Breed registries and organizations now promote sound flat-shod classes that demonstrate the natural abilities of this talented breed.
The Tennessee Walker still has a strong show ring presence today. However, there is a growing emphasis on its abilities as a trail, pleasure, and family horse outside the show world.
Trail and Pleasure Popularity
While the “big lick” performance horses generate attention in the show ring, most Tennessee Walkers excel as steady trail and pleasure mounts. Reasons for the breed’s popularity as a trail and pleasure horse include:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Smooth gaits | Comfortable riding gait allows riders to cover ground easily |
| Sure-footedness | Agility and sturdy build allows them to traverse rugged, uneven terrain |
| Endurance | Stamina allows them to travel long distances |
| Strong but responsive | Willing to work eagerly but also receptive to rider’s cues |
| People-oriented | Bond closely with riders and seek interaction |
For these reasons, the Tennessee Walker excels as a steady mount out on the trails. Their pleasant nature also makes them an ideal family horse.
Other Uses
While best known as a riding horse, Tennessee Walkers can be found performing various functions because of their versatility:
| Use | Description |
|---|---|
| Show horses | Compete in flat shod and performance divisions |
| Trail riding | Prized as reliable trail horses |
| Pleasure riding | Provide a smooth ride for leisurely riding |
| Western events | Suitable for western riding disciplines like reining |
| Driving | Some are trained for pulling carts and carriages |
| Work horses | Used for ranch work and farming |
| Therapy horses | Calm temperament makes them suitable for therapeutic riding programs |
| Police horses | Serve some mounted police units |
The Tennessee Walker is a versatile breed that adapts well to different disciplines and uses outside of the breed show scene.
Health and Conformation Issues
Tennessee Walkers are generally robust, healthy horses but certain issues can affect some individuals:
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Navicular disease | Degenerative condition affecting the navicular bone and bursa in the heel |
| Degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) | Progressive ligament condition causing lameness |
| Chronic progressive lymphedema (CPL) | Swelling in the lower legs that can interfere with movement |
| Lordosis | Exaggerated swayback due to overly weak core muscles |
| Polygenic obesity | Tendency to become overweight due to genetic components |
Responsible breeding practices, proper nutrition, and regular veterinary care can help reduce health problems. Providing well-balanced exercise while avoiding excessive concussion from artificial gaits also keeps Tennessee Walkers sounder.
Fun Facts
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| State horse of Tennessee | Named official state horse in 2000 |
| Double registered | Eligible for registration with both the TWHBEA and Racking Horse Breeders’ Association |
| Featured in movies | Appeared in various films and TV shows like “Mr. Ed” |
| Famous riders | Owned and promoted by notables like Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, and Queen Elizabeth II |
| Logo horse | Used in the logo for Animal Planet television network |
| State symbols | Seen in the Tennessee state quarter and Franklin, TN city emblem |
The Tennessee Walker has become an icon deeply linked to the state of Tennessee and its culture.
Conclusion
From its smooth intermediate gait to its gentle temperament, the Tennessee Walking Horse is a special breed favored for its rideability and willing nature. Originating in Tennessee, this popular American breed is known for trail riding but also appears in show rings and other disciplines. While some controversial training practices persist, there is growing emphasis on protecting the welfare of this horse. When trained responsibly using natural methods, the Tennessee Walker lives up to its reputation as an outstanding saddle horse with a relaxed disposition and signature gliding gait.