The Tennessee Walker by its nature, is loyal and affectionate. They are highly intelligent, even tempered and kindly disposed. They tend to genuinely enjoy the company of their human companions and likewise make excellent companions for men, women, and children alike. When a Tennessee Walking Horse is old enough to be mounted for the first time, the usual reaction is that the horse just stands there looking back at its newly acquired load! The expression on the horse's face communicates, "Okay, now what?!" No bronco riding skills required!
The Tennessee Walking Horse's History is quite interesting. The breed was officially recognized by the US Department of Agriculture in 1947. The walking horse evolved in the state of Tennessee in the mid 19th century, after the first pioneers had crossed the Appalachian Mountains. In those days, the elite settlers began a quest to produce a stylish horse that would complement their lifestyle as well as perform the duties of a working horse. The goal was a horse that would possess endurance and stamina to carry the owners across the large plantations. Speed was not an issue. In the early days, those horses were known as Southern Plantation Walking Horses or Tennessee Pacers. Some even referred to them as Turn-row horses because they could turn easily between plantation rows without damaging young plants.
Like all American gaited breeds, the walking horse too descended from the old Narraganset Pacer with additional input from the Thoroughbred, Standardbred, Morgan, and Saddlebred breeds. The foundations sires which were classified as Standardbreds, were Black Allan, and his son Roan Allan. Black Allan had a peculiar walking pace that he transmitted to his offspring. In 1903, he was crossed with existing Tennessee Pacers to create the TWH foundation stock. A Saddlebred stallion named Giovanni was then introduced into the breed in 1914 which produced refinement and quality that ultimately created the walkers of today. The Walking Horse is a larger boned horse than the Saddlebred. It is deep bodied and short-coupled. Throughout the years, more focus has been placed on breeding for a more refined head.
The Tennessee Walking Horse is primarily a show and pleasure horse. It has a reputation as the most reassuring of horses for the novice or nervous rider. Its reputation has been earned on two counts: its most amiable disposition, and the famous running walk, a wonderfully soft, gliding gait that is bounce free. Both give great comfort and encouragement to reluctant or nervous riders. Tennessee Walking horses also do well in cross country competitions and believe it or not, barrel racing and roping events. They even make excellent hunter jumpers. Most people aren't aware of this fact. The Walking Horse performs every task or exercise from either the flat walk, running walk, or canter. About the only area they cannot compete in is on the race track! To learn more about the versatility of this breed, visit the
Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders Association.
The Tennessee Walker is a 3 gaited horse, performing: the flat walk, the running walk, and the famous rocking horse canter. Each walking gait is a 4 beat gait with the front foot striking the ground just before the opposite diagonal hind foot and the hind feet overstepping between 6-15 inches. The result is a remarkably smooth gliding motion accompanied by lots of head nodding. The Walker uses its powerful rear end to propel itself forward while reaching well under the body with his hind legs. The gaits are inherited and cannot be taught to other breeds. In the running walk, horses can reach and maintain a speed of between 6-9 mph. On shorter distances, the Walker can approach 15 mph. As the saying goes, "Ride one today, and you'll own one tomorrow!"
Marguerite Henry, Album of Horses
