Tennessee Walking Horse
Horse · Gaited · 0 live listings
A gaited horse bred on Tennessee plantations for a smooth, ground-covering running walk. Flat-shod Walkers are calm, comfortable trail horses; the padded show style is controversial because of soring abuse.
At a glance
The tradeoffs, honestly
Keeping a Walker gaited takes a rider who understands gait and a farrier who shoes for it. Buyers must also check for signs of past soring, which is illegal and leaves scars.
Common questions
Is a Tennessee Walker good for a beginner?
Often. Most flat-shod Walkers are calm and very smooth, which suits new or older riders with sore backs and joints. Take lessons on a gaited horse, as the riding style differs.
What should the pre-purchase exam cover?
Ask the vet to check the front pasterns for scarring or pain that suggests soring, and to assess feet and shoeing. A vet familiar with gaited horses is best.
What is soring?
Deliberately causing pain to the front legs to exaggerate the show gait. It is illegal in the US under the Horse Protection Act. Flat-shod, trail-bred Walkers are the safest choice.
Ask the seller for these. Documents on Everybarn are on file for your own checks; we don't check them with the issuer.
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