Thursday, March 31, 2016

Learn About The Tennessee Walking Horse

By Amy Patterson


If you live on a farm or ranch, you may be looking for an animal that can serve as a working breed and is easy to ride. The Tennessee walking horse, TWH, is the best choice for this dual purpose. This animal is very passive in nature and offers its passengers an easy smooth ride. These horses were bred by Tennessee farmers who wanted an animal strong enough to work in the fields and provide its owner a comfortable ride.

The animal became very popular because of its smooth way of stepping and agility on rocky terrain. These horses are the result of breeding several different breeds. These breeds include the Canadian Pacer, Morgans, Thoroughbreds, Narragansett Pacers, and American Standardbred. Cross breeding these animals created a gait that later became known as the running walk.

Because of its calm temperament and smooth easy step, this breed is a great for the family. In addition to being wonderful workers they are also impressive cutting horses. They are often seen in Western style driving, jumping, and gaming events. They are well suited for riding and their calm demeanor makes them an excellent choice for folks with back problems and children. They are often chosen for programing for disabled persons.

While a number of walking horses can perform a multiple of gaits, the running walk is the step that is preferred. The TWH can cover 4 to 7 miles in as little as one hour at regular step. Using the running walk, the animal can smoothly cover 8 to 10 miles in the same time. Even thought he running walk is lie that of a typical animal, the difference is speed. The TWH is able to travel faster because of its ability to smoothly slide the back feet over tracks made by the front feet.

In addition to the gait style, this beauty nods its head while walking keeping time with its step. They also have an innate ability to walk in a variety of gaits other than a running walk. The various styles include the stepping pace, pace, and foxtrot. Additionally, they are well known for the rocking chair canter which is a relaxed gallop.

The TWH can be bred with any breed. The animal is commonly fourteen to seventeen hands high, or 56 to 68 inches tall. In addition, they weigh from nine hundred to twelve hundred pounds. The colors and patterns of the horse vary. Some are black, palomino, or chestnut. They are also often seen with spotted patterns.

These animals are bred for their natural gait. Owners and trainers use methods that are humane to showcase their distinctive way of stepping. During the training, the animals are not subjected to the infliction of pain to the legs and feet to produce an exaggerated high step as they once were.

If you have the opportunity to see one of these beautiful animals up close you will agree that there is something majestic about them. Their gentile nature and smooth step make them ideal for families and any age rider. This is also a strong breed that can be used as a working horse on the ranch or farm as well as offer hours of enjoyable riding.




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