Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why would I want to own and ride a Tennessee Walking Horse?
The Tennessee Walking Horses' smooth easy gaits, gentle disposition, calm willing attitude, and athletic ability makes them an excellent and versatile mount for all riding disciplines and levels.
2. What kind of riding suits Tennessee Walking Horses?
Tennessee Walking Horses are the perfect horse for any activity an equine enthusiast might enjoy. They are commonly seen in the show ring as English and Western pleasure mounts, and Tennessee Walking Horses also excel out on the trails. Since their smooth gaits are easy for them to perform, trail riders can enjoy many tireless hours of riding in comfort. Their athleticism also makes them a competitive choice for riders who enjoy dressage, jumping, reining and driving.
3. What size and color are Tennessee Walking Horses?
Tennessee Walking Horses generally range from 14.3 to 17 hands and weigh 900 to 1200 pounds. Walking horses come in many diverse colors and color patterns, including palomino, grey, roans, and yes, even spotted. The variety of colors is sure to please any horse lover. Today's Tennessee Walking Horses have pretty heads with small, well placed ears and large bold eyes. The horse has a long sloping shoulder and hip, a fairly short back, and short strong coupling. The bottom line is longer than the top line, allowing for a longer stride.
4. How is the Tennessee Walking Horse different from other gaited breeds?
Tennessee Walking Horses perform three distinct gaits; the flat walk, the running walk, and the canter. Tennessee Walking Horses are well known for these three gaits with the running walk being an inherited, natural gait unique to this breed. Many Tennessee Walking Horses are also able to perform the rack, stepping pace, fox trot, single foot, and other variations of the running walk. Although not desirable for the show ring, these gaits are smooth easy gaits for the trail riding enthusiast.
5. Why do Tennessee Walking Horses nod their heads when gaiting?
Tennessee Walking Horses, when performing the flat walk or running walk will nod their heads in rhythm with the cadence of their feet. Tennessee Walking Horses performing the running walk gait will continue nodding their heads; this feature is unique to the breed. Since their gaits are easy for them to perform, some Tennessee Walking Horses will relax certain muscles when running walking and may also flop their ears, pop their lips, or even click their teeth in rhythm.
6. What is a running walk gait?
The Tennessee Walking Horses inherited natural gait is the running walk. This smooth, four cornered gait has a 1-2-3-4 beat with each of the horse's feet hitting the ground separately at regular intervals; the left front, then the right rear, the right front, then the left rear. The horse will glide over the track of the front foot with the hind foot; right rear over right front and left rear over left front. This action is known as overstride, which is unique to the breed. The hock should show only forward motion; any vertical hock action is undesirable. Tennessee Walking Horses will also nod their heads in rhythm with the cadence of their feet. Tennessee Walkers can perform this gait at 10 to 20 miles per hour, and as their speed increases, the horses overstride will reach a distance of 6 to 18 inches--the longer the horse's overstride, the better the gait is considered. This unique motion gives the rider a feeling of gliding through the air on a fast moving cloud.
7. Why is the canter referred to as the "rocking chair" canter?
The canter is performed in much the same way as other breeds, but the Tennessee Walking horse seems to have a more relaxed way of performing this gait. The canter is a three beat gait also known as a collected gallop, and is perhaps the most distinctive of its gaits because of the rolling motion that is absent from other breeds. When performing the canter the horse lifts the front end giving an easy rise and fall motion much like a "rocking chair." When the rider matches his or her timing accurately with that of the horse, the rhythm will afford the rider a thrill like no other canter.
8. Does a Tennessee Walking Horse used for pleasure riding require special shoes or trimming?
No, Tennessee Walking Horses do not require special shoes or trimming. Your farrier, however, should understand the subtle conformational differences that set the Tennessee Walking Horse apart from other breeds. These differences will affect how the horse is trimmed in respect to the horse's angles and toe lengths. A farrier, knowledgeable and skilled with gaited horses, will recognize these differences and trim and balance the hoof according to that horse's individual needs and way of going.
9. Why are most Tennessee Walking Horses ridden in bits with shanks?
Tennessee Walking Horses are generally started in their bridle work with a full check snaffle bit. Once the young horse has mastered his bridle work skills and is performing under saddle successfully, the knowledgeable trainer may choose to move the Tennessee Walking Horse into a bit with shanks. This is usually done once the Tennessee Walking Horse is demonstrating proper gait with ample overstride and head nod. The shanks aid the skilled rider in obtaining proper head set while allowing the rider to keep his or her hands steady and quiet against the quick head nodding motion of the horse.
10. How can I obtain more information about the Tennessee Walking Horse?
We are glad you asked! Joining a local organization like Yankee Walkers, Gaited Horses of New England, will provide you with valuable resources of information and education about the great Tennessee Walking Horse. Membership will also enable you to contact breeders, trainers, and instructors in your area who share your desires and goals and can help you learn to ride together as a team. Best of all, Yankee Walkers, Gaited Horses of New England membership affords you the opportunity to meet others who share your same interest in this wonderful breed. For more information about club membership, club clinics, trail rides, shows, and other activities, please contact us.