They were developed in the 19th century by Tennessee plantation owners who wanted a comfortable horse that could be ridden all day, yet agile enough to turn in the plantation rows without harming the crops.
Thoroughbred, Standardbred, Saddlebred and Morgan were used in the formation of this unusual breed. Black Allen a Standardbred foaled in 1886 was the most influential stallion used in making the Tennessee Walker what it is today.
A highly versatile athlete the Tennessee Walker can be ridden English, Western, Plantation style, used for pleasure or showing, dressage, jumping, can be driven, and many more uses. Many are used for challenged riders, and also the Vancouver Mounted Police, and horse back excursions.
It's docile temperament makes it normally easily trainable, and suitable for novice or timid riders as well as the experienced.
There are three gaits the Tennessee Walker is noted for. The flat foot walk, running walk and the rocking chair canter. All are natural to the breed and even the running walk can be seen by foals running in the field without training. It is unique to the breed. No other breed has mastered this gait.
The flat foot walk is a 1-2-3-4 beat with each foot hitting the ground at regular intervals With its right hindfoot, the horse glides over the track left by the right front foot, and the same with the left foot. This is called overstride.
The running walk is basically the same as the flat foot walk but with an increase in speed and overstride. It is a smooth gait in which the horse pulls with the front feet and pushes with the rear. The hindfeet can overstride by 12-20 or more inches, with a speed of 6 to 9 miles per hour.
The rocking chair canter is a high rolling collected movement. The rider is not jolted or jarred My mare Kari has the most comfortable canter I have ever ridden. For her it is her easiest gait, and she enjoys it.
Much has been said about the show horses whose front feet have been kept long and the use of heavy weights to obtain the high elevation. These horses can only be ridden in an arena. Many distasteful methods have been used in the past to obtain recognition. I personally feel this is wrong and should be stopped. A horse that is kept well and properly trimmed and barefoot is a happy horse and not Abused Horse.
Appearance of the Tennessee Walker they have well muscled hindquarters with a slightly sloping croup, the back is short and strong, the legs are solid. The head is often plain and large, and often nods in time with the gaits. They come in all colors and sizes normally from 14.2 to 16hh.
Famous Tennessee Walkers include Roy Rogers Trigger, Gene Autrys Champion, The Lone Rangers Silver. View Pictures.
No matter what breed of horse you own, they are all wonderful creatures who we as horse people love.
