Tennessee Walking Horse

The Tennessee Walking Horse, or the Tennessee Walker, developed in central Tennessee in the latter part of the 1800s. It is an original American horse breed. Its ancestry includes a mix of breeds that came to the Americas with the settlers. These include Canadian Horses, Morgans, and Narragansett Pacers. The resulting Tennessee Walking Horse breed had an original smooth gait. It was later referred to as a running walk. This gait did not have a bounce. Thus, this horse became popular with farmers, doctors, and deliverymen who would sit on a horse for hours for transportation purposes. The comfortable gait ensured that the ride would be easy. The Tennessee Walking Horse is shown in English and western. It is shown flat shod or with weighted shoes. It is a respected mount for leisure and trail riding. When it comes to appearance, this breed has a straight profile and a noble look. Its coat is available in sorrel, bay, black, chestnut, and white. During its popular running walk, each hoof of the Tennessee Walking Horse touches the ground at different times. Its smooth canter is also called the “rocking chair canter.” Its gait may be as fast as its canter.