Tennessee Walking Horses are gaited. Because it continuously keeps a foot on the ground, the horse travels smoothly. The footfall of a gaited horse is four beats with the feet hitting the ground in the following order: right rear, right front, left rear, left front. Each foot falls individually. The footfall should sound like , , , and be in rhythm. When watching a gaited horse travel, the legs on one side will move forward at the same time, and the rear foot hits the ground just before the forefoot.
However, a gaited horse continues with his smooth motion when his speed goes up a notch. A horse that is not gaited will move into a trot, a very rough bouncy ride. A gaited horse can pick up his speed and continue the same foot motion as a horse walking. Gaited horses can travel up to 20 miles per hour and keep this form, faster than most horses trot.
Gaited horses are natural; there is a genetic factor that creates the ability to travel in a gait. Gaits have different names: flat walk, rack, running walk, and saddle gait, to name a few. To read more about the gaited horses click here to read our article on the Paso Fino horse breed. The Tennessee Walking Horse is used in shows, trail-riding, and Endurance riding. The show competitions they excel in are English riding and the saddle seat.
English riding encompasses many equestrian disciplines. However, the common thread is that riders use both hands on the reins and ride a flat English saddle. The most popular forms of English riding competitions are dressage, show jumping, and horseracing. Saddle Seat competitions show off the high stepping and extravagant gaits of a horse.
It is a sub-category of English riding. The Tennessee Walkers exhibit in three groups of saddle seat competitions: Flat shod, Plantation Pleasure, and Performance. Each class asks for different variations of the gaits, extended gaits, and any specialized gaits. Endurance riding is a racing competition of horse and rider traveling over a long distance. The race involves the completion of phases of the total race distance. As a team completes a stage, the horse is checked to ensure it is physically fit to continue to the next step of the race.
The Tevis cup is one of the most prestigious endurance races. It is a mile race that follows the Western States Trail. Tennessee Walking Horses have proved to be competitive participants in endurance racing. Trail riding is a fun activity enjoyed throughout the world.
Or it can be a multi-day trip in a rugged National Forest with a group of friends. Whatever the extent of the trail ride, a Tennessee Walking Horse will be up for the task.
They are surefooted and can carry a rider with the best of horses. Tennessee Walking Horses evolved in the Southeastern U. To create this excellent breed took time and crossbreeding many different kinds of horses. It was a surefooted workhorse with a smooth gait. The following three breeds were crossbred to create the Tennessee Pacer:. The Narragansett pacer is the earliest breed developed in the United States. It became extinct in the 19th century. The cross used to create the breed is not known precisely but is believed to be a mix of English and Spanish breeds.
They were desired horses and owned by famous some people such as George Washington. The characteristics of the breed, gaited, sure-footed, and easy to work with. Canadian Pacers have balanced muscle, a high-set tail, and an arching neck. They are durable and easy to maintain. They also became very popular with Southern plantation owners who called them Plantation Walkers. These men needed horses with comfortable gaits that could carry them the many miles necessary for inspecting immense fields.
The Tennessee Walker's gaits were favored by country doctors who spent many hours on horseback. The traveling preachers, who rode from church to church practicing their sermons on the way, preferred these fast and steady walking horses.
The stallion who was chosen as the foundation sire of the Tennessee Walking Horse, when the registry was formed in , was Allan. This black stallion's ancestry was a mixture of Morgan and Hambletonian, who was the founding sire of the Standardbred. Allan was considered the greatest contributor to the Walking Horse breed. In Tennessee the water flows over limestone rocks and the soil is rich in minerals, yielding lush nutritious bluegrass.
This in turn produced the hardy Tennessee Walkers making them sound and free from disease. Typical Walkers are affectionate, gentle and intelligent animals. So what they'll do is put these incredibly high high-heels, or blocks on their front legs. Which can damage their body structure. And even grotesque, cruel and heavy bits. But the worst thing they will do, is sore the horse.
Meaning they will rub chemicals such as mustard oil, diesel fuel, and some cases had said there was lighter fluid and battery acid, on their legs! And then wrap it up in plastic wrap. After it "cooks" in, they will put chains on the open sores. And the worst part is that many of these people get away with these crimes, pass inspection, and are allowed to show at these shows. Mainly because "trainers" have found ways to hide the scars. Mainly by "stewarding" him, covering it up with beauty products and spray paint, or soring another part of the horses front legs.
These horse are truly one of the most beautiful, amazing creatures to ever walk the earth. And unfortunately, due to them being so sweet and docile, mixed with their beautiful gait, has caused so many horrible people to take advantage of them.
And ruin their gait. And I hope it can stop soon. These creatures deserve better. Your email address will not be published. Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy. Comments My 1st and best horse was a tennesse walker.. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published.
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