Tennessee Walking Horse Information
Tennessee Walking Horses are a popular mount for pleasure riders and show riders alike. They come in a wide variety of colors, patterns and sizes and are prized for their smooth comfortable gaits. Walking horses adapt to both English and Western tack and function in a wide variety of environments.
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History
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Originally bred as a utility horse, the Tennessee Walker was first developed in the middle of Tennessee. The breed comes from elective combined breeding of Standardbred, Thoroughbred, Morgan, American Saddlebred, Narragansett and Canadian Pacer stock.
Temperament
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Although they are popularly utilized as a show horse, Tennessee Walking horses are prized by pleasure riders. Known for dependability and companionship and bred for a calm and docile temperament, these horses are ideal for the weekend trail rider or beginner enthusiast.
Gaits
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The Tennessee Walking horse's gaits were developed for their smoothness for long hours working on a ranch or trail riding. The Walking horse has three distinctive gaits: the flat foot walk, the running walk and the canter. While the Walking horse can perform other variations, these three gaits are what make the breed famous.
Special Shoes
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Performance Tennessee Walking horses are typically shown with double-nailed and triple-nailed pads, which elevate the hoof and give it added dimension. These pads also accentuate the gaits of the show horse. Pleasure horses require no special shoeing.
Tack
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Tennessee Walking horses are ridden in both English and Western tack and attire. The performance Tennessee Walking horse shows in English attire and tack.
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