The Tennessee Walking Horse is bred mainly from Standardbred, Morgan, and Thoroughbred stock. Bred for endurance and comfort of the rider, the Tennessee Walking Horse, after years of refinement, has become one of the smoothest riding horses in the world.

The Tennessee Walking Horse has three easy-riding gaits : the flat-foot walk, the running walk, and the canter. All three gaits are natural, inherited characteristics, and are easily recognized - even in a young foal as it walks alongside its mother.

The flat-foot walk involves the horse's feet hitting the ground one at a time, in a rhythmic fashion, while the head nods with each step. The running walk, a faster-paced gait, is basically an accelerated version of the flat-foot walk. The canter, also known as the rocking chair canter, is a high and rolling movement, involving tremendous form, portraying the true showmanship of the Tennessee Walking Horse.

A calm, docile temperament, combined with naturally smooth and easy gaits insure the popularity of the Tennessee Walking Horse as the "World's Greatest Show, Trail, and Pleasure Horse." Founded in middle Tennessee, the breed generally range from 14.3 to 17 hands and weigh 900 to 1200 pounds. The Tennessee Walking Horse is best suited for a recreational mount due to its smooth, easy ride and its gentle disposition.

Tennessee Walking Horses come in all colors and a variety of patterns, and the diverse color choices are sure to please any horse enthusiast. Owners enjoy keeping their Tennessee Walking Horse in their back yard, riding them in their fields, and otherwise enjoying their horses without ever competing for the coveted championship ribbon.

Owning a Tennessee Walking horse is affordable, with a price range for every person's pocketbook. This breed's gentleness puts the most timid rider at ease and gives a small child comfort. A horse of good nature, of loyal companionship and portraying in all ways, gentleness.

Interesting to note, Trigger, Jr., probably Roy Roger's best friend, was a Tennessee Walking Horse. Gene Autry, Darrell Waltrip, and Olivia Newton-John have also found companionship with a Tennessee Walking Horse.

A Tennessee Walking Horse will nod its head in rhythm with the cadence of its feet. This nodding head motion, along with overstride, are two features that are unique to the Tennessee Walking Horse.

The Tennessee Walking Horse is shown under both English and Western tack and attire. Specific judging criteria for all divisions is included in the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC) Rule Book. Contact the NHSC, P. O. Box 167, Shelbyville, TN 37162.

The care of a Tennessee Walking Horse is no different from other breeds of horses. All horses must have access to clean drinking water and plenty of feed. All horses need a paddock to be turned out in for free exercise if you are unable to give them the necessary exercise under saddle.

For more information on this affordable, dependable breed, contact :

Tennesse Walking Horse Breeder and Exhibitor Association