Tennessee Walking Horse

Looks how to spot one

short, fine hair

The Tennessee Walking Horse has a refined head with small, well-placed ears and bright, intelligent eyes. The neck is long and graceful, the back is fairly short, and the hindquarters are well built. The shoulders slope nicely, and the legs are slender yet strong. The mane and tail are often long and flowing.46

Personality what they are like

The Tennessee Walking Horse is known for being affectionate, gentle, intelligent and level-headed. It is considerate of its rider, easy to train, and often does not require a professional trainer. This breed is especially suitable for beginners, children, older equestrians and those lacking confidence in their riding abilities.365

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Tennessee Walking Horses need regular exercise and are happiest when ridden or worked several times a week. They excel at trail riding and can also perform in the show ring. Their smooth gaits make them comfortable for long hours of riding. Horses that work 2 to 4 hours daily will require extra grain in their diet.34

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Routine grooming includes brushing the coat, mane and tail to keep them clean and free of tangles. Hooves should be picked out daily and trimmed by a farrier every 6 to 8 weeks. Regular veterinary check-ups, dental care and deworming are important. The breed is generally healthy but can be affected by congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), a non-progressive condition that impairs vision in low light.3

Home where they are happiest

Tennessee Walking Horses need a safe, sturdy pasture or paddock with shelter from extreme weather. They require adequate space to move and graze. Fencing should be secure and visible. Fresh, clean water must always be available. There are no special legal restrictions for keeping this breed in most countries.3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A Tennessee Walking Horse should eat at least 1% of its body weight in hay or pasture daily. For horses that work 2 to 4 hours daily, supplement with 3 to 8 pounds of calorie-dense grain. Always provide fresh water and a salt or mineral block.3

Company who they like around

Horses are herd animals and Tennessee Walking Horses thrive with companionship from other horses or livestock. They are gentle and easy to handle, making them suitable for family settings. No special legal restrictions apply to this breed.35

The story where it all began

The Tennessee Walking Horse was developed in the late 1700s and 1800s in Middle Tennessee. Its foundation sire was Black Allan, a black stallion from a Hambletonian Trotter and Morgan mare, crossed with Tennessee Pacer mares. The breed also includes blood from Narragansett Pacers, Canadian Pacers, gaited Spanish Mustangs, Standardbreds, Thoroughbreds, Morgans and American Saddlebreds. Originally bred as a utility horse for plantations and farms, it was valued for its smooth gaits and sure-footedness on rocky terrain. The breed registry was organised in 1935. Today it is known as the world's greatest show, trail and pleasure horse.132

Recognised by the official bits

Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA)

Breed registry organised in 19352