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. 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 10 frequently asked questions. Read on to increase your Walking Horse savvy.
Q. Why should you make a Tennessee Walking Horse your next trail horse?
A. Tennessee Walking Horse breeders use such phrases as "smooth-gaited," "glide-ride," and even "Cadillac ride." If you've never had the unforgettable experience of sitting easy in the saddle and floating down the trail, you might just shake your head and laugh at what sounds like advertising hype. But it's all true.
Tennessee Walking Horses have naturally smooth, easy gaits. Lots of gaits. In the show ring, you'll see only the flatfoot walk, the running walk, and the canter. On the trail, you'll find that a Walking Horse has more gaits than a semi has gears. Dogwalk, amble, stepping pace, hard pace, trot, singlefoot, and rack are some of the extra trail gaits you may acquire with your new horse. Whatever the gait, the Walking Horse will perform it with a long, easy stride. Note that some gaited horses have short strides. If you've never been entirely comfortable on a short-striding animal, a Walking Horse might be ideal for you.
But there's more. The Walking Horse also offers soundness and endurance, plus intelligence, docility, and a strong orientation toward people. And all these qualities come in an eye-catching package.
Q. Sounds like a great trail horse. Who else knows this?
A. Actually, a lot of people. Natural-gaited Walking Horses were bred for a comfortable ride and a cooperative temperament, so the breed is greatly appreciated by riders who spend long hours in the saddle and need to cover a lot of ground.
Fans include competitive trail riders, ranchers, park rangers, mounted police and patrol units, and people who participate in handicapped riding programs, field trials, and mounted Search And Rescue (SAR).
Walking Horses are ideal for new riders, casual riders, and riders who just want to get on the trails and enjoy the scenery without getting sore. Even retired baby boomers with bad backs can go on trails without becoming sore by the end of the ride.
Q. What should I look for in Walking Horse conformation?
A. A sound, natural-gaited Walking Horse will have a substantial yet elegant, functional build. He's a good weight carrier, with long, sloping, free-moving shoulders and hips, a short, straight back, a short, deep coupling, and a slightly sloping croup. His legs will be clean and dry, with solid, sound hooves-many go barefoot. His hocks will typically angle forward a bit more than those of other breeds.
A typical Walking Horse will also have an attractive head, large eyes, recurved (inward turning) ear tips, and a thick, wavy mane and tail.
Black is beautiful, but the Walking Horse comes in a variety of colors, including chestnut, roan, palomino, champagne, and spotted. Whatever you choose, remember the old saying, "A good horse is never a bad color." A good horse is also never a bad size. A Walking Horse ranges from 14.3 hands high and 900 pounds, to 17 hands and 1,200 pounds.
