The Tennessee Walking Horse is an American breed of horse known for its unique four-beat, running walk. It was developed in the southern United States and is a popular show and recreational riding horse. The Tennessee Walking Horse is an elegant, handsome animal with long manes and tails and expressive eyes.

History

The Tennessee Walking Horse originated in the southern United States in the late 1700s and early 1800s. It was developed by crossbreeding horses of various breeds, including Spanish Mustangs, Narragansett Pacers, Standardbreds, Thoroughbreds, American Saddlebreds and Morgans. 

The foundation sire and most famous of the Tennessee Walking Horses was a black Standardbred stallion named “Black Allan,” foaled in 1886 and owned by James Brantley and Albert Dement. He was bred to mares of various breeds, producing offspring that could perform the distinctive four-beat running walk. This gait, along with its beautiful conformation and rich coloring, made the Tennessee Walking Horse an ideal riding and show horse.

In 1935, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ Association (TWHBEA) was formed to preserve, protect and promote the breed. The organization is still active today and dedicated to promoting the breed and its welfare.

Physical Characteristics

They have a muscular build with good bones and conformation. The head is well-shaped and the profile is straight or slightly convex. Its neck is arched and carries a medium mane. The back is of medium length and the legs are long and well-proportioned with strong, flat bones.

Size

The Tennessee Walking Horse is an average-sized horse, standing at 14.3 to 17 hands (59 to 68 inches, 150 to 173 cm) high and weighing 900 to 1,200 pounds. 

Life Span

The Tennessee Walking Horse is considered to be a long-lived breed; it can live up to 30 years if given proper care and feeding.

Temperament

The Tennessee Walking Horse is known for its calm, gentle nature. They have a quiet and willing demeanor that makes them ideal riding horses for all kinds of riders.

Colors

The Tennessee Walking Horse comes in a variety of colors, such as black, bay, chestnut, palomino and buckskin.

Uses

The Tennessee Walking Horse is best suited for riding and show purposes. They are agile enough to perform difficult maneuvers in the show ring and their gait makes them comfortable to ride all day long.

Cost

The cost of buying a Tennessee Walking Horse varies greatly depending on the horse’s age, training and pedigree. Prices can range from $1,500 for an unbroken young horse to tens of thousands of dollars or more for a show-quality animal. It is important to buy from a reputable breeder or seller to ensure that you are purchasing a healthy, sound and well-trained animal.

Regular Expenses

Owning a Tennessee Walking Horse can be expensive. Like all horses, they require regular vet care, vaccinations, farrier work and grooming. Depending on the horse’s activity level, you may also need to purchase special equipment such as saddles, bridles and show clothing.

• Boarding – In addition to the regular expenses of owning a horse, you will need to factor in the cost of boarding. Boarding fees can range from $300-700+ per month depending on your location and the quality of care provided. You may also choose to keep the horse at your own facility, but this will require additional investment for fencing, sheds, hay and other equipment.
• Feeding – Tennessee Walking Horses need a well-balanced diet that is high in protein, vitamins and minerals. Most horse owners will feed hay, grain or pellets, and supplements to provide adequate nutrition and fuel for activity. Depending on the size of your horse, you can expect to spend around $100-$200 per month on feeding a Tennessee Walking Horse.
• Veterinary Care – Regular veterinary care is essential for keeping your horse healthy. Vaccinations, deworming, hoof care and other preventive measures should be discussed with a veterinarian to help ensure your Tennessee Walking Horse has the best quality of life possible. Veterinary costs will vary depending on the level of care needed but can range from $100-$200 per visit.
• Farrier Care – Regular hoof care is essential for a horse’s health, and Tennessee Walking Horses are no exception. A qualified farrier should be consulted to discuss the type of trimming or shoeing your horse needs and how often it should be done. Expect to pay around $150-$350 per visit for routine farrier care. 
• Training – Tennessee Walkers are notoriously stubborn and require patience when training. If you’re not an experienced horse trainer, it is recommended that you enlist the help of a professional to ensure your horse receives the best care possible. The cost of hiring a professional horse trainer will vary depending on your location, but typically ranges from $35-$75 per hour.

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