Discover the Unbridled Joy: Top 9 Fun Facts About Tennessee Walking Horses You'll Love to Know

1. Moonwalking Equines

Step aside, Michael Jackson, there's a new moonwalker in town: The Tennessee Walking Horse is famed for its signature flat-foot walk, a four-beat gait exhibiting high-stepping forelimbs and hind feet that overstep the front footprints by 15 to 55 cm, creating a stride that's fondly referred to as the "big lick."
Source => sciencedirect.com

2. Speedster Ballerina Horses

Move over, sports cars: there's a four-legged speedster in town, with the grace of a ballerina and the heart of an action hero! Behold the Tennessee Walking Horse, a breed that sashays at an incredible 10-20 miles per hour with a silky smooth running-walk – all thanks to genetics that can be traced back to a diverse mix of elegant ancestors like Narragansett Pacers and Spanish Mustangs. Erudite equines, indeed! And while you won’t catch them sprinting for justice on the silver screen, they've won hearts both on stage and off, as popular show horses and delightful trail-riding companions. Just bear in mind that controversy abounds over the use of tall performance-enhancing pads or "stacks," as they're not part of your standard horseshoe haute couture and may lead to discomfort or pain for our hoofed heroes.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

Did you know horses can gallop up to an impressive 89km per hour, making them one of the fastest land animals? Discover how their breed, fitness, and training factors into their incredible speed! 🐎💨

=> Fun Facts about Horses

3. Sensitive Dance Floor Dynamos

Don't let their smooth moves fool you: these hooved dance floor dynamos have a sensitive side! Tennessee Walking Horses, the equine answer to Michael Jackson, are not only renowned for their signature four-beat running walk gait, but also their adaptability and tender nature: Despite occasional bouts of stubbornness, these steeds generally display amicable and affable demeanors. However, note that some may exhibit negative behaviors due to the abhorrent and outlawed practice of soring–intentionally injuring their feet to accentuate their dance moves. Fortunately, since 2017, new regulations prohibit the use of gear like chains and metal bands for soring and mandate inspectors be trained and licensed to ensure these hoofed stars are treated with the respect they deserve.
Source => karinabrez.com

4. Soiree-Sashaying Controversy

Sashaying into the soiree with all the grace of a carriageless Cinderella and quite the gait-alogue of smooth moves: The Tennessee Walking Horse reigns supreme in comfort cruises up to 20 miles per hour, delighting riders with its legendary running-walk during pleasure rides and show competitions, though its dark secret of soring has led to controversy, legislative crackdowns, and schisms within the breed community.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

5. Built-In Rocking Chairs

Hold onto your seats, folks, because these horses come with built-in rocking chairs: The Tennessee Walking Horse is nicknamed the "rocking-chair" gait due to its ultra-smooth canter that provides a gentle rise and fall motion while maintaining proper form and footfall, resulting in the perfect harmony of comfort and equine elegance.
Source => twhbea.com

6. Michael Jackson of Horses

Imagine a horse moonwalking its way into your heart, like the Michael Jackson of the equine world: The Tennessee Walking Horse is a gaited breed known for its smooth, four-beat lateral movement, providing comfortable rides and versatility in both pleasure and trail riding, as well as English saddle seat competitions.
Source => horseracingsense.com

7. Smooth Otter Water Slide Ride

If riding a Tennessee Walking Horse is smoother than a freshly shaved otter on a water slide, you ought to give it a try: Boasting three natural gaits of flat-foot walk, running walk, and canter, this breed glides effortlessly, thanks in part to Tennessee's nutritious soil that grants them hardiness and illness-resistance.
Source => tngenweb.org

8. Equine Fashion Party

When it comes to wardrobe options, Tennessee Walking Horses have more variety than a Hollywood costume party: these marvelous equines boast a dazzling array of coat colors and patterns, including classic black and bay as well as fashionable hues like smoky cream and champagne, and even flaunt chic designs such as sabino, tobiano, and overo. As if that weren't enough, they also rock dun, silver, and white coat modifiers, making them the true fashionistas of the horse world!
Source => twhbea.com

9. Hoofing Around with Science

Equine researchers hoofing around with fashion: A recent study at the University of Tennessee Knoxville compared the effects of hoof pad stacks and chains on Tennessee Walking horses to those wearing simple St Croix heeled "keg" shoes. Surprisingly, there were no significant changes in stress, pain, and inflammation indicators among the two groups, proving that these stylish horses can sashay unharmed by their high-stepping footwear.
Source => hoofcare.blogspot.com