Horse breed guide

Tennessee Walking Horse

Origin: Tennessee, USA

Quick facts

Origin
Tennessee, USA
Height
14.3–17.0 hh
Weight
410–545 kg
Lifespan
28–30 yrs
Colors
Black, bay, chestnut, roan, palomino, pinto patterns
Primary uses
Trail, pleasure, show (flat-shod), mounted patrol

About the Tennessee Walking Horse

Calm, kind, and famous for a smooth four-beat 'running walk.' Tennessee Walkers are bred for comfort and disposition — they make exceptional trail and pleasure mounts and are well-suited to riders with back or joint issues.

Feeding & nutrition

Standard forage-based diet. Easy to moderate keepers; adjust to body condition.

Build a ration plan in HorseCare →

Health watch-outs

Generally healthy. Watch for HERDA-like conditions and the welfare implications of soring (illegal but historically widespread).

Care tips

1

Choose flat-shod (sound horse) trainers — avoid 'big lick' practices banned by the Horse Protection Act.

2

Annual scar rule check from a qualified vet if showing.

3

Long backs benefit from a properly fitted saddle — recheck fit yearly.

4

Sound, well-shaped hooves; avoid pads and weighted shoes.

Related breeds

Track your Tennessee Walking Horse with HorseCare

Health records, training, and NRC-validated nutrition — built for serious horse owners.

Download on the App Store