Horses : Tennessee Walking Horse

Country of Origin

USA, Tennessee

Australian Status

International Status

Continues to be popular in its home country.

Uses

Showing, endurance and trail riding.

Breed Traits

• One of the gaited breed known for its unique four-beat running-walk and flashy movement.
• 14.3-17hh, tall horse with a long neck and well-defined head.
• Long sloping shoulders and hips, with short backs and well-muscled hind quarters. It is acceptable for the hind legs to be slightly over-angulated.
• All solid colours and pinto patterns as well as all dilute genes.

History

Originating from the cross of a Narragansett Pacer and Canadian Pacer horse brought to Tennessee in the 1790s, with gaited Spanish Mustangs imported from Texas, the breed was originally known as the "Tennessee Pacers". Over the years Morgan, Standardbred, Thoroughbred, and American Saddlebred blood was added to the breed. In 1886 a colt foal by the name of "Black Allan" was born. He was out of a Morgan mare by a Standardbred stallion. He is now considered to be the foundation sire of the breed.

In 1935 the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' Association was formed. In 1939 the first Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration was held. In 1947 the studbook was closed. In 1974 the Association changed its name to the current Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA). In 1950, the United States Department of Agriculture recognised the Tennessee Walking Horse as a distinct breed. In the year 2000 the Tennessee Walking Horse was named the official state horse of the state of Tennessee, USA.

History in Australia

First brought to Australia in 1997 by Emerald Valley Farm, in Emerald, Victoria.

Breed Organisation

None found in Australia. In their country of origin, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA)

YouTube link of Emma Jefferson’s mare TWH, Sally, doing a Running walk

Gaited Horses Australia | Facebook has active Tennessee Walking horse enthusiasts, breeders, and owners.

Australian Population

2020:  9 breeding age mares and 4 fillies with 19 mares in total. 2 stallions and 1 colt along with 3 gelding (these may have been kept entire). Many thanks to Emma Jefferson for helping us to gather the necessary information to gain the current numbers.
2025:  15 breeding aged mares

Photo Credit

He's Ingenious - TWH stallion, Kindly supplied by Emma Jefferson.

New breed profile added 28/05/2020 by A.Y.

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