{"id":1103,"date":"2010-08-09T14:58:19","date_gmt":"2010-08-09T14:58:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theequinest.com\/breeds\/?p=1103"},"modified":"2025-03-01T19:49:51","modified_gmt":"2025-03-01T19:49:51","slug":"tennessee-walking-horse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theequinest.com\/breeds\/tennessee-walking-horse","title":{"rendered":"Tennessee Walking Horse"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intro<\/h3>\n

Known for their distinctive gait, the Tennessee Walking horse plays an important part in the history of American gaited horses. Their bloodlines were influenced by the plantation economy and needs in the southern part of the US.
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Origins<\/h3>\n

Recognized as a an official breed in 1947, the Tennessee Walker is a newer North American breed. Mid 19th century settlers in the states of Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri needed horses to compliment their southern plantation lifestyle. They required endurance and the ability to withstand long hours under saddle from their mounts.<\/p>\n

The bloodlines of the Tennessee Walker contain Narragensett Pacer<\/a>, Thoroughbred<\/a>, Standardbred<\/a>, Morgan<\/a> and Saddlebred<\/a> blood.<\/p>\n

There are probably more gaited breeds in the US than any other country, a testament to their smooth ride and hardy constitution. Some come from Spanish Jennet<\/a> animals, while others get their interesting footwork from Irish Hobby Horses. The modern Walkers perform three gaits, flat foot walk, running walk and canter. While they can perform many varieties, the running walk is genetic and distinct to the breed. They can often perform several variations (rack, fox-trot, single-foot) but the running walk itself is genetic and distinct to the breed. <\/p>\n

Features<\/h3>\n

Average height 13-17 hands
\nSmooth, flowing gait
\nFree flowing movement
\nWhen in action, head bobs with body movement<\/p>\n

Physique<\/h3>\n

Large, plain head
\nShoulder is long and sloping
\nBack is relatively shirt
\nHip is sloped
\nClean, hard legs
\nHooves grown long
\nPowerful hind legs<\/p>\n

Traditional Colors<\/h3>\n

All colors<\/a><\/p>\n

Temperament<\/h3>\n

Kind and understanding<\/p>\n

Use<\/h3>\n

Pleasure \/ trail horse
\nShow horse<\/p>\n

Helpful Links<\/h3>\n

*All links open in a new window<\/small>
\nTennessee Walking Horse Breeder’s and Exhibitors’ Association<\/a><\/p>\n

More Images<\/h3>\n
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\n\"Tennessee\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Tennessee\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Video<\/h3>\n