Furry Diary

Racking Horse

Equus caballus

Also called RH

breedShort profile

From Southern United States, developed in the 1800s from Tennessee Walking Horse stock and other gaited horses, valued by plantation owners for its smooth, fast rack gait.12

A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.

At a glance the quick version

Lifespan25 to 31 years2
Sizemedium
smooth, natural rack gait
calm and gentle temperament
intelligent and willing
versatile for trail and show
good stamina
31

Looks how to spot one

light riding horse

The Racking Horse is a gracefully built, medium-sized horse with a long, slightly arched neck, sloping shoulders, full flanks, and a fine, smooth coat. It has a neat, intelligent head with bright eyes and prominent nostrils, and its legs are slender with good bone and sound feet.45

Colourssorrelchestnutblackroanwhitebaybrowngreyyellowdunpalominobuckskinchampagnecremeloperlinopinto (spotted)61

Personality what they are like

The Racking Horse is known for being gentle, intelligent, and affectionate. It has a calm, laid-back nature and is people-oriented, making it a good choice for beginners and families. Individual temperament can vary with training and handling, but the breed is generally sensible and willing.73

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Racking Horses have a moderate energy level and thrive with regular, structured exercise. They are happiest with daily turnout plus consistent riding several days a week. Their smooth gait makes them excellent for trail riding, pleasure riding, and showing, but conditioning should be built gradually to avoid fatigue.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Routine care includes regular grooming to keep the fine coat healthy, hoof care every 6 to 8 weeks, annual dental exams, and a vaccination schedule advised by a vet. Consistent farrier visits help maintain proper hoof angles, especially for horses that perform on hard surfaces.38

Home where they are happiest

Racking Horses need a safe, spacious environment with shelter from weather, good-quality pasture or hay, and clean water. They do well with turnout in a paddock or field and benefit from a stable or run-in shed. There are no breed-specific restrictions on keeping them, but as with all horses, local regulations on stabling and land use apply.3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A forage-first diet is ideal. Most adult Racking Horses need at least 1% of their body weight in roughage daily, and many do best on 1.5% to 2% (about 15 to 20 pounds of hay for a 1,000-pound horse). Good-quality grass hay suits idle adults, while horses in moderate work may need a ration balancer or concentrate to meet nutrient needs.3

Company who they like around

Racking Horses are social animals that benefit from companionship, either with other horses or suitable livestock. They are gentle and people-oriented, enjoying interaction with their owners. There are no legal restrictions on keeping this breed, but owners should follow general equine welfare guidelines.37

The story where it all began

The Racking Horse was developed in the southern United States, particularly in Alabama and surrounding states, during the 1800s. Plantation owners prized the breed for its smooth, fast 'rack' gait, which allowed riders to cover long distances comfortably. The horses also performed farm work such as pulling buggies and plowing. After the Civil War, they became popular in local horse shows. In 1971, a group of Alabama businessmen formed the Racking Horse Breeders' Association of America, and the USDA recognised the breed as distinct from the Tennessee Walking Horse that same year. Today, Racking Horses are valued for their calm temperament, stamina, and versatility in the show ring and on the trail.71

Recognised by the official bits

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Recognised the Racking Horse as a distinct breed separate from the Tennessee Walking Horse in 1971.7
Racking Horse Breeders' Association of America (RHBAA)
Founded in 1971 to register and promote the breed.7

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Racking Horse. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

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Treats they will love homemade and simple

Fruity Ice Block for Horses

A refreshing and hydrating treat for warm days, based on stable enrichment advice from The British Horse Society.

You need

  • Your horse's favourite safe fruit (e.g. apple slices, carrot sticks, banana chunks)
  • Water (or a splash of unsweetened fruit juice for extra sweetness)

How

  1. Cut the fruit and vegetables into horse-safe, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place the pieces into a sturdy, horse-safe container or ice cube tray.
  3. Pour water over the fruit until just covered. If using juice, mix with water first.
  4. Freeze until solid.
  5. Remove the ice block from the container and offer to your horse in a safe feeding area.

How much: One ice block per horse, no more than once a day. Consider your horse's sugar intake if using juice.

Recipe from The British Horse Society

Simple Carrot and Apple Treats for Donkeys

Based on The Donkey Sanctuary's list of safe, healthy treats for donkeys. These are simple, natural, and easy to prepare.

You need

  • 1 fresh apple (not dried or cooking apple)
  • 1 fresh carrot

How

  1. Wash the apple and carrot thoroughly.
  2. Chop the apple into small, donkey-safe pieces (remove any seeds).
  3. Grate the carrot or chop it into small, non-round pieces to avoid choking.
  4. Mix the apple and carrot pieces together in a clean bowl.
  5. Offer a small handful as a treat, or scatter in their feed area for foraging.

How much: One small handful-sized portion per day maximum (about 1-2 leaves or a small handful).

Recipe from The Donkey Sanctuary

Pumpkin and Oat Horse Treats

A baked treat recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center, using safe ingredients like pumpkin and oats. Suitable for horses, not for ponies or donkeys due to sugar content.

You need

  • 4 cups whole oats (or crushed/rolled barley if your horse is sugar-sensitive)
  • 1 can pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 ¾ cups flour
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the pumpkin and water together.
  3. Add the dry ingredients (oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon) to the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet.
  5. Optional: add a sugar-free peppermint topping to some treats if your horse can have them.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool completely before feeding.

How much: 1-2 treats per day, depending on your horse's size and dietary needs. Always introduce new treats gradually.

Recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Racking Horse, and what should it eat?

Feed your Racking Horse a forage-first diet, with at least 1% of its body weight in roughage daily, ideally 1.5% to 2% (about 15 to 20 pounds of hay for a 1,000-pound horse). Good-quality grass hay suits idle adults, while horses in moderate work may need a ration balancer or concentrate. Always follow the food label and consult your vet for exact amounts.3

Which foods and plants are dangerous for a Racking Horse?

Avoid feeding your Racking Horse alcohol, yeast dough, chocolate, coffee, caffeine, avocado, citrus, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, chives, milk, dairy, macadamia nuts, coconut, raw meat, raw eggs, bones, xylitol, and salt. Avocado is especially dangerous for horses. For a full list, check with your vet.9

How much space and land does a Racking Horse need?

Your Racking Horse needs a safe, spacious environment with turnout in a paddock or field, plus access to good-quality pasture or hay and clean water. Specific space depends on local regulations and your horse's activity level, so ask a good breeder or vet for guidance.3

What kind of shelter does a Racking Horse need?

Provide a stable or run-in shed to protect your Racking Horse from weather. The shelter should be safe, clean, and well-ventilated. Follow general equine welfare guidelines and check local regulations for stabling.3

How do I look after a Racking Horse's hooves or feet?

Schedule farrier visits every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain proper hoof angles, especially if your horse works on hard surfaces. Daily hoof picking is also recommended. Consistent care helps keep hooves sound.38 Furry Diary plan

Does a Racking Horse need grooming or shearing?

Yes, regular grooming keeps the fine coat healthy. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily hoof picking and farrier visits every 42 days. Shearing is not typically needed, but ask your vet or a good breeder for specific coat care.3 Furry Diary plan

Can a Racking Horse live alone?

Racking Horses are social animals and benefit from companionship, either with other horses or suitable livestock. They enjoy interaction with their owners, so living alone is not ideal. Consider a companion for your horse's well-being.37

How long does a Racking Horse live?

A Racking Horse typically lives between 25 and 31 years. With good care, proper nutrition, and regular vet visits, your horse can enjoy a long, healthy life.2

Is a Racking Horse good with children?

Yes, the Racking Horse is known for being gentle, intelligent, and affectionate, with a calm, laid-back nature. It is people-oriented and a good choice for families, but individual temperament can vary with training and handling.73

What regular vet care does a Racking Horse need?

Your Racking Horse needs annual dental exams, a vaccination schedule advised by a vet, and parasite prevention as your vet recommends. Furry Diary's starting plan includes yearly teeth checks and parasite prevention. Always consult your vet for a tailored health plan.3 Furry Diary plan

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

  1. breed-horse.com: racking horse breed-horse.comused for origin, colours, best traits, history, fun fact
  2. horsebreedspictures.com: racking horse.asp horsebreedspictures.comused for origin, weight kg, lifespan years
  3. spectrumcare.pet: racking horse spectrumcare.petused for best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs
  4. rackinghorse.org: Revised Rule Book May 2020 rackinghorse.orgused for coat or body, fun fact
  5. nahf.org: racking horses nahf.orgused for coat or body
  6. rackinghorse.org rackinghorse.orgused for weight kg, colours
  7. en.wikipedia.org: Racking horse en.wikipedia.orgused for temperament, social needs, history
  8. madbarn.ca: racking horse breed profile madbarn.caused for grooming or care
  9. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  10. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  11. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  12. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  13. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-02. Text is written in our own words from these sources.