Horses : TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE

Origin: Tennessee, USA

Australian Status: 

International Status: SAFE popular in its home country.

Arrived in Australia: 1997

Australian Population: 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. - 2020

History: Originating from the cross of Narragansett Pacer and Canadian Pacer horse brought to Tennessee in the 1790's, with gaited Spanish Mustangs imported from Texas. 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 recognized the Tennessee Walking Horse as a distinct breed. In the year 2000 the Tennessee Walking Horse was named the official state horse of the US state of Tennessee.

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

Breed traits: 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.

Uses: Showing, endurance and trail riding.

Breed Organisation: None found in Australia. In their country of origin, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA) https://www.twhbea.com/ is the registering body. The following is a YouTube link of Emma Jefferson’s mare TWH, Sally, doing a Running walk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgrftVl7lSE

Additional Notes:

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

(new breed profile added 28/05/2020 by A.Y.)

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