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Tennessee Walking
Horses!
The Tennessee Walking Horse (TWH or "walker") is a part of the light breeds equine family and was originally breed in
the middle Tennessee bluegrass region as a utility animal for all types of farm (plantation) work,
family transportation and recreation. He gained wide popularity due to his ease of gait (the running walk
being the most famous - a fast, smooth four beat gait that will leave most of his trotting
counterparts in the dust) and due to his ability to navigate rocky hills and valleys.
The TWH evolved from a breeding program that included Narragansett Pacer, Canadian, Morgan, Standardbred,
Thoroughbred and American Saddlebred. The result was one of the greatest pleasure, show and trail riding
horses the world has ever known. Its gait is naturally inherited, like its kindly manner, making it a popular
choice for field trials, pleasure and endurance riding. Close to 500,000 Walkers are registered in North America making them the largest gaited horse registry.
For more information on the history of the breed, check our
links page.
TWHs generally range from 14.3 to 16 hands and weigh 900 to 1200 pounds. The modern walker has a pretty head with a fairly
short back, long sloping shoulder and hip, and a long bottom line, allowing for their long stride or "lick"
that provides the shock absorption and speed as they move. The walker comes in all colours and patterns.
They perform a minimum of three gaits: the flat foot walk, the running walk and the "rocking chair" canter.
The running walk is the naturally inherited gait for which it is famous and is unique to the breed.
Many walkers can perform the rack, stepping pace, fox trot and single-foot, although this is not
desirable in the show ring. Of these gaits, the running walk is the smoothest, making the horse seem to
glide at speeds ranging from 10 to 20 mph. TWHs relax certain muscles while performing this gait
which results in a rhythmical head nodding and occassionally ear swinging and teeth clacking. The
ease at which the walker performs this fast-gliding gait allows the horse and rider to continue for
many hours without tiring.
To see the running walk in motion, check out the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association
(TWHBEA)
site where videos of the gaits are available for download.
Farm Res.: 705-357-1456
Please feel free to contact me using the number
above or by email.
Email Jodi
Lougheed
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