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A Brief History of the Tennessee Walking Horse
Acknowledgement. We thank Anita Howe of Howe They Walk Farm for providing these videos that represent the natural gaits of the pleasure Walker. Http://www.howetheywalk.com
200 years ago hearty pioneers in the Carolinas and other Eastern states rode over the moutnains into Tennessee. Their mounts were mostly sturdy Saddle Horses nd Thoroughbreds. Later the Morgans and Standardbreds filtered in and the ancesty of the Tennessee Walking horse was complete.
From the best brood lines of these four breeds "the greatest all-purpose horses of all-times" the Tennessee Walking horse emerged! Each of the four breeds contributed specific traits resulting in a breed with distinctive characteristics. Great strenght and stamina, quiet disposition and aptitude for the running walk and distinctive incomparable way of going tthat sets the Tennessee Walker apart from other breeds in the horse world.
The flat walk, running walk and cater are natural inherited gaits that can be easily recognized from the time a young foal starts to amble beside its mother. The rhythmic walk, coordination of legs, head and body movement enables this stylish and handsome horse to perfor the smooth, free and easy gait the versatile Plantation Tennessee Walker is so noted for!
For more history about this wonderful breed click on the links below:
Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Assoc
Walkers West
Gaits - The Tennessee Walking Horse has a distinct way of going
Rocking Canter: Video
Flat Walk is a four-geat gait. When the hind legs are at full step the fore legs are at half step. When the fore legs are at full step, the hind legs are at half step.
Running Walk: video
The running walk is a four-beat gait withh each of the horses feet hitting the ground separately at regular intervals. As the horse moves, the head will not rhythmically wth the regular raise and fall of the feet. He overstrides with his hind foot the track of the front foot. The hind almost tuching the fore foot on the same side before that foot is removed.