About the Tennessee Walking Horse

The Tennessee Walking Horse (the Walker for short) was developed from the Thoroughbreds, Morgans, Standardbreds, Saddlebreds and Narragansett Pacers owned by the Tennessee settlers in the 18th century. Crosses of these led to the foundation stock of the modern breed and the establishment of a registry in 1935, now called the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeder’s and Exhibitors’ Association.

In the beginning the Walker was intended as a general–purpose working horse, but its extreme comfort as a riding horse made it very popular with the owners of the vast southern plantations, preachers, doctors and mail carriers that rode long distances.

The Walker’s conformation is unique. It has a compact and powerful frame. Its forelegs are slightly apart, and its hind legs are set with the hocks well away from its body. Its gaits- the flat walk, running walk and canter- have been developed specifically to produce a smooth ride, and cannot be taught to any other breed. The flat walk consists of a smooth, gliding action as the horse floats over the ground, its hind feed over striding the front by 12-20 inches or more. The running walk is a faster version of this gait, in which the horse achieves great elevation with strides as long as 16 feet recorded for performance walkers and a sustained speed of up to 15 mph. In the canter it elevates its forehand with a rolling motion while its hindquarters remain almost level. The running walk is now inbred; foals are seen performing it soon after birth.  

Main Characteristics

• Color: Black, chestnut, bay, roan and grays common. Palominos, Buckskins, Cremellos and Champagnes less so.

• Height: 15-16 hands

• Physique: straight profile, long powerful neck, sloping shoulders and broad chest, short back, strong sloping hindquarters, legs fine, long tail carried high.

• Character: docile, willing

• Principle uses: riding and showing
   

For more information visit:
 The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitor's Association

Brad Woodruff
18875 Atterberry Street
Petersburg, IL 62675
217-632-2096