Perhaps you're ready to switch from a stock horse to a smooth-gaited mount. Or, you're already a gaited-horse owner, and are thinking of adding a Tennessee Walking Horse to your stable.
Barefoot and plain-shod Walking Horses are sound, sane, smooth, and naturally gaited. This is the ultimate trail horse - both a comfortable mount and a willing, loving companion. But there are several key things you should know before you seal the deal. Here, we give you expert answers to frequently asked questions.
Q: I'm not getting any younger, and my knees are shot. I'm thinking about going gaited. Would you recommend a Tennessee Walking Horse?
A: I have horrible knees, too, so I can relate! Going gaited can be an ideal way to get more saddle time with much less pain. I'd definitely recommend a Walker for comfort, style, intelligence, soundness, beauty, and above all, the sheer niceness of the breed. A good Walker is a genuine family horse: strong, attractive, comfortable, gentle, and a confidence-builder, ready to take care of hubby, Grandma, and the youngest grandchild.
Q: What sets the Walker apart from other gaited breeds?
A: To begin with, there are lots of them. You'll have many horses to choose from, and you may find your Walker very close to home. No matter what state you live in, there's probably a Walker breeder or two within driving distance. You'll be able to make comparisons and decide that you prefer this type of build or that style of movement. And you're likely to find a good horse that you can afford.
Q: What are the Walker's gaits like? How do they feel under saddle?
A: Walker gaits feel lovely - to me, anyway - but let me make it very clear that I'm talking about natural gaits, trail gaits, real gaits, not the manmade show gaits that are created with the help of heavy shoes, huge stacks of pads, or soring.
When I say "Walker gaits," I mean the gaits they'll exhibit as foals at their mother's sides, when turned out in pasture, or when under saddle when they're comfortable and wearing ordinary tack.
Walkers are famous for their flatfoot walk, running walk, and canter, but they can and do offer lots of other gaits, such as the trot, pace, foxtrot, stepping pace, singlefoot, and rack.
Q: On the trail, will I have to ride with other gaited-horse owners, so we go at the same pace?
A: It's true: Other riders may become frustrated if their horses must trot or canter to keep up with your horse's walk. Similarly, you and your horse may become frustrated if you have to keep your horse's stride unnaturally short so that others can keep up.
Or, if your Walker is naturally slow and your trail-riding friends are mounted on speedy, long-strided Thoroughbreds and Appendix Quarter Horses, you might be the one pushing your horse to keep up.
If you always ride with the same trail partners, figure out just how fast their horses go at the various gaits, and make your plans accordingly. If there's a huge incompatibility, then you'll be happier if you and trail partners are riding horses with similar gaits.
There doesn't have to be a problem when you ride a gaited horse alongside or in file with a trotting horse, provided that their gaits have similar speeds. What can create a problem is pushing a horse to a faster speed at a given gait. For example, a Walker, if pushed past his natural running-walk speed, may become pacey - at which point his gait may become too rough for you to enjoy.
Walkers have so many gaits that you can usually find one that's compatible with another horse's trail gait. If you're a baby boomer like me, pay particular attention to how well the horses can stay together at the walk. Other gaits are great fun, but as you get older and have more "ouchy bits," you're likely to spend less time riding at speed and more time appreciating conversations and scenery at a slower pace.
