The Tennessee Walking Horse

Hello readers!

This week we will talk about another breed of gaited horse, the Tennessee Walking Horse. Like the Paso Fino, the Tennessee Walking Horse will exhibit its natural gaits at birth and beyond. While professional training helps refine these movements for show and riding, a newborn will be naturally gaiting within a few hours of birth. This breed exhibits several unique gaits: the running walk, the flat walk, and a super-smooth, "rocking horse" canter. Walking horses may exhibit other gaits, such as the fox trot or rack, but these are not recognized in shows because they are not viewed as a true Walking Horse gait.

The Tennessee Walking Horse generally stands between 15 and 17 hands high, with a short, strong back and a sloping shoulder. They are known to have large heads set on a long neck, but are well-refined with short ears on top. They usually will carry their tail a little high (especially when gaiting) and are very smart and willing animals. Tennessee Walking Horses are rarely shown outside of the show ring, but have been shown in some Western and English events. They are most popular on the trails because of their comfortable gaits and have proven to be hardy and stong. These horses were bred to be the perfect pleasure animal-- their main purpose was to serve the plantation owner and allow for a lot of riding without the rider growing weary or sore.

For more information about this breed, check out the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeder's and Exhibitor's Association at http://www.twhbea.com/. See y'all next week!

Happy trails,
Mary Helen