Tennessee Walking Horse Breed Guide: Health, Nutrition & Characteristics

The Tennessee Walking Horse or Tennessee Walker is a gaited breed known for its unique four-beat running walk. Developed initially as a light riding horse in the American South, Tennessee Walking Horses continue to enjoy popularity as a flashy recreational mount.

Tennessee Walking Horse competitions allow riders to show off their horse’s natural animated movement. However, some of these competitions have witnessed controversial practices as a result of trends towards exaggerated performances.

The striking appearance of these horses allows them to stand out in the show arena, but their calm dispositions and smooth gaits also make them ideal trail and pleasure horses. With quality care, these horses can continue to shine throughout their athletic careers and long lives.

This article will review the origin, history, characteristics, health problems, and nutrition needs of the Tennessee Walking Horse breed. Keep reading to learn more about caring for and feeding these American horses.

Tennessee Walking Horse History

The Tennessee Walking Horse combined the best traits of several American riding breeds. First recognized as a distinct breed in 1950, these horses would eventually become the official state horse of Tennessee and one of the most popular breeds in the United States.

Origin

Ancestors of the Tennessee Walking Horse descended from Narragansett Pacers, Canadian Pacers, and Spanish Mustangs brought to Tennessee in the late 18th century.

Known as Tennessee Pacers, these horses served as all-purpose mounts on local farms and plantations. Their smooth gaits made them comfortable rides for long days, and their sure-footedness helped them work over the rocky terrain.

Over the next century, breeders refined the breed with Morgan, Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and Saddlebred blood. ^[1]

Black Allen is recognized as the foundation sire for the breed. Born in 1886, the black stallion failed as a trotting horse but produced offspring able to perform several ambling gaits. His progeny included Roan Allen, a successful show horse born in 1904.

Historic Use

The gaited ancestors of Tennessee Walkers were primarily used for working farms or trotting races. But Black Allen and Roan Allen’s progeny stood out most in the show arena.

In the early 20th century, these horses demonstrated their unique ambling gaits and their signature running walk at exhibitions and gained recognition under the Tennessee Walking Horse name.

The first Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) was held in Nashville in 1939. Founded by Henry Davis, the event showcased Tennessee Walking Horses to over 40,000 people in its inaugural year. ^[1]

The Celebration is now held annually in Shelbyville, Tennessee. As the largest horse show for the breed, the TWHNC draws 2,000 horses and 250,000 people to the “Walking Horse Capital of the World” every year.

Tennessee Walking Horses can compete in several divisions at the TWHNC, but some have controversial histories.

Controversies

In the mid-1900s, the TWHNC came under scrutiny due to concerns about soring, which involves the use of chemicals or other practices to inflict pain on the horse’s limbs.

Soring causes horses to pick their front feet up higher and faster, producing artificially exaggerated movement, often called the “big lick”.

Soring methods include the application of caustic chemicals, sharp objects, or the insertion of materials between the horse’s hoof and shoe to cause pain and encourage a higher, more animated gait.

The use of soring techniques is considered inhumane and has been widely condemned by animal welfare organizations and many within the horse industry. This practice is now illegal in the United States under the Horse Protection Act (HPA) of 1970. ^[2]

However, the law does not cover action devices used in performance divisions of Tennessee Walking Horse shows. These include stacks of pads placed between the front hoof and horseshoe and bracelet-like chains around the front pastern.

Debate continues over the use of these devices and their implications for horse health and welfare. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) both support a ban on action devices in the training and showing of Tennessee Walking Horses. ^[3]

Efforts have been made by organizations such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), breed associations, and horse show organizers, to address these issues and promote the humane treatment of horses. These initiatives aim to encourage sound horsemanship and the exhibition of Tennessee Walking Horses in their natural gait without resorting to abusive practices.

Breed Registry

The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitor’s Association (TWHBEA) manages the official breed registry for Tennessee Walking Horses.

Founded as the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeder’s Association in 1935, the organization changed its name in 1974 to reflect the growing interest in the breed as a show horse.

This organization is dedicated to the promotion, preservation, and advancement of the Tennessee Walker breed. The association supports various activities related to the breed, including organizing shows, trail rides, and educational programs, maintaining breed standards, and promoting responsible breeding practices.

The TWHBEA closed the studbook in 1947 and stopped accepting new registrations for horses that did not already have a documented pedigree within the association.. Since then, only offspring of registered Tennessee Walking Horse sires and dams have been eligible for registration.

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Breed Characteristics

Tennessee Walking Horses have an elegant and robust body type that makes a striking impression in the show ring. While their smooth gaits are thee distinguishing feature of the breed, these horses also have an excellent temperament that helps them adapt to different disciplines.

Conformation

Most Tennessee Walking Horses stand between 14.3 and 17 hands in height, but long, upright necks make them appear even taller.

These horses have long, sloping, well-muscled shoulders and hips that enable animated movements, while a short back and a longer bottom line encourage a longer stride.

Unlike other breeds, it is acceptable for Tennessee Walkers to have slightly cow-hocked, sickle-hocked, or over-angulated hindlegs. Straight hindlegs provide less impulsion and flexion in the ambling gaits. ^[4]

Colours

Tennessee Walkers can have any coat colour, and several pinto patterns occur in the breed. Standard coat colours include bay, black, and chestnut.

These horses can also have colours associated with dilution genes, including dun, palomino, and silver dapple.

Gaits

The running walk is the iconic gait of the Tennessee Walking Horse. This gait is smooth and has a distinctive head nodding motion, which is highly valued in the breed.

This four-beat gait has the same footfall order as a flat walk but is significantly faster. In this gait, the rear feet overstep the front hoof prints by 6 to 18 inches, and the horse’s head nods with the rhythm.

Genetic studies have identified specific gene variations linked to the running walk in Tennessee Walkers. These variations have been identified in regions of the genome that play roles in biological regulation and developmental processes. ^[5]

While Tennessee Walking horses can canter, few can trot. Some are capable of performing other lateral ambling gaits, such as the rack, but these gaits are penalized in the show ring.

Temperament

Tennessee Walkers are characterized as a docile breed. These horses have a calm disposition and are generally eager to please. While the breed is generally a good fit for riders of all levels, individual personalities can vary.

Tennessee Walking Horses have served as subjects for numerous genetic studies focusing on heritable temperament variations in horses. Notably, one study’s findings indicate that certain genes may contribute to rare undesirable behaviors in individual horses. ^[6]

Disciplines

Saddle-seat style competitions at breed shows are the most popular use for Tennessee Walker show horses. These horses are judged on the quality of their gaits against the breed standard and compete in either flat-shod or performance divisions.

The breed is a beloved trail horse and pleasure mount for English and Western riders, thanks to their smooth gaits and calm temperaments. But Tennessee Walking Horses have also recently gained popularity in endurance riding.

Tennessee Walking Horse Health

Many common health problems in Tennessee Walking Horses affect show horses of other breeds. However, these horses are also susceptible to genetic conditions inherited through certain bloodlines.

Genetic Diseases

Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) is an inherited condition seen in Tennessee Walking Horses that is characterized by an inability to see in low light or dark conditions.

The condition has been linked to mutations in two specific genes, namely GRM6 and TRPM1. These genes are involved in neurotransmitter signaling between cells of the eye. ^[7] Identifying horses carrying the genes responsible for CSNB can help breeders make preventative breeding decisions.

Tennessee Walking Horses are also more likely to develop cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM) – a disease involving lesions on the spinal cord causing ataxia (discoordination) and muscular weakness. ^[15]

Tennessee Walking Horses are one of several breeds that can inherit the gene variant responsible for Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy type 1 (PSSM1). PSSM1 is a muscle disease that can cause tying up episodes due to abnormal sugar accumulation in skeletal muscle. ^[8]

Health Problems

Tennessee Walking Horses are prone to developing metabolic syndrome which is likely a genetic predisposition.

Showing Tennessee Walking Horses experience increased stress due to trailer travel and intense training routines. Studies have found that competition horses have an elevated risk of gastric ulcers and other digestive problems that can impact overall health and performance. ^[9]

Long-haul travel also increases the risk of respiratory issues, including shipping fever. Furthermore, horses that frequently travel to shows have greater exposure to infectious diseases.

Show horses are also susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries during training. Research suggests that over-angulated hindlegs in Tennessee Walking Horses can further increase the risk of soft tissue injury and degenerative joint disease. ^[10]

Care and Management

Tennessee Walking Horses need the same quality basic horse care as any other breed. Management programs should prioritize equine welfare over competition goals.

Safe housing, regular grooming, adequate turnout, mental stimulation and social contact with other horses are all critical for your horse’s physical and emotional health.

Owners should also work with their veterinarians to develop a preventative wellness program including vaccinations, deworming, and dental exams.

Proper farrier care by a professional experienced with the breed is vital for maintaining soundness. Trimming the foot for long toes and low heels may make the gaits more animated, but this hoof balance can also increase tendon strain in the lower limb. ^[11]

Nutrition Program

Balanced nutrition is essential for all horses. But some common diseases in Tennessee Walking Horses, such as PSSM and metabolic syndrome, require careful nutritional management to control symptoms.

No matter what athletic discipline you participate in with your Tennessee Walker, providing an appropriate feeding program can help ensure these horses get the support they need for the show ring.

Weight Maintenance

Tennessee Walking Horses tend to be easy keepers. These horses should easily maintain their weight on a balanced diet and can easily become overweight when fed a high-energy diet.

Metabolic problems are prevalent in the breed, so owners should prioritize maintaining a moderate body condition and minimizing excess calories in the diet. ^[12]

If your Tennessee Walker unexpectedly loses weight, contact your veterinarian to investigate an underlying health issue.

Sample Diet

The following sample diet is intended for a mature 1,000 lb (450 kg) Tennessee Walking Horse with normal body condition at maintenance (not exercising).

*This diet analysis is based on NRC requirements and an average forage analysis. For a more precise assessment, consult with an equine nutritionist.

Hay alone should meet the calorie requirements of Tennessee Walkers in maintenance or light work. However, maintaining a horse on a hay-only diet will not adequately fulfill their requirements for essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.

A source of omega-3 fatty acids is also beneficial to compensate for the decline in these in dried forage. Mad Barn’s w-3 oil is added to provide the omega-3 DHA which supports joint, respiratory and skin health.

Mad Barn’s Omneity® is a concentrated vitamin and mineral supplement that balances the majority of forages to prevent nutrient deficiencies and support optimal health. Omneity® does not contain any grains, fillers or added sugars, making it ideal for easy keepers such as Tennessee Walkers.

Omneity® is formulated with 100% organic trace minerals, yeast, digestive enzymes and optimal levels of biotin to support hoof health, skin and coat quality, metabolic function, gut health and performance.

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Clean water and free-choice loose salt should be available to your horse at all times. In cool weather, add 1 – 2 ounces of plain salt to your horse’s daily ration to ensure they meet their sodium requirement and to support hydration. This can be doubled in warm weather with an extra 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) of salt for each hour of formal work. Salt can be sprinkled onto moistened hay for easy acceptance and it should also be available in free choice feeders.

Forage

Most Tennessee Walking Horses do best on a diet consisting of average-quality, low-ESC (starch and sugar) grass hay to maximize forage consumption while moderating calorie intake.

A typical 1,000 lb (450 kg) Tennessee Walker should consume at least 20 pounds (9 kg) of hay per day. Providing your horse with free-choice (unrationed) access to forage is ideal to support natural grazing behaviours, digestive health and overall well-being.

Given that forage should make up the bulk of your horse’s daily intake, is is important to know the nutritional content of your hay, particularly if your horse is at risk of metabolic issues or has PSSM.

We recommend submitting a forage sample for analysis to gain detailed insights into the composition of your forage, including protein, energy, fiber, starch and ethanol-soluble carbohydrate levels. Based on your forage analysis, an equine nutritionist can help you adjust your feeding program to best support your horse’s health and performance.

Feeding Recommendations

Tennessee Walking Horses with metabolic health concerns need careful management when grazing on fresh pasture in the spring. To prevent laminitis, gradually transition horses to Spring grazing and monitoring grass intake to avoid sudden increases in sugar and starch consumption. Some EMS horses will not tolerate any Spring grass. Pastures become safer after they have grown to full height and dropped their seed but access will still need to be limited.

Using a grazing muzzle is a safe way to limit your horse’s grass intake when turned out on fresh pasture. Small hole hay nets are also helpful because they allow your horse free-choice forage while slowing down consumption to prevent weight gain.

Tennessee Walking Horses with PSSM and metabolic issues cannot tolerate excess starch or ethanol-soluble carbohydrates (ESC) in the diet from concentrates or commercial feeds.

To provide additional energy in your show horse’s diet, choose a high soluble fiber food like beet pulp or a specialized feed with ESC less than 10%. PSSM horses can have up to 20% of their caloric needs safely met with fat. ^[13]

Fat supplements with omega-3 fatty acids have additional benefits for joint function, respiratory health, and exercise recovery in performance horses. ^[14]

Nutritional Supplements

Before considering supplements to add to your Tennessee Walker’s diet, make sure that their feeding program is balanced with adequate energy, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. After balancing the diet, you can then consider supplements to support well-being and performance.

The following supplements may be suitable options for your Tennessee Walker:

• W-3 Oil is an omega-3 fatty acid supplement that provides high levels of DHA and natural Vitamin E. This enriched oil provides calories while supporting skin health, joint health, immune function, and metabolism.
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a proven antioxidant which supports the normal homeostatic regulation of inflammation. It also promotes bone and joint health.
• Visceral+ is a veterinarian-recommended gut supplement that helps to maintain stomach and hindgut health and supports the immune system. Although initially designed to meet the demands of elite equine athletes, this comprehensive formula is suitable for all horses.
• Natural E/Organic Se is a source of the antioxidant nutrients, Vitamin E and selenium, which are particularly important for maintaining muscle function in Tennessee Walking Horses with muscle disorders. Exercising horses have higher requirements for these nutrients.
• Performance XL: Electrolytes is a scientifically formulated electrolyte supplement designed to replenish the electrolytes lost in sweat, especially when exercising in hot weather.

Work with an equine nutritionist to help you formulate a balanced diet to best support the needs of your Tennessee Walking Horse. You can submit your horse’s diet online for a free evaluation to identify what’s missing from your feeding plan.