In 1885, the union of a stallion named Allendorf, a Hambletonian Trotter, and a Morgan mare named Maggie Marshall, produced a handsome black colt with a white blaze, off hind coronet, and a near hind sock. This horse, Black Allan, was later chosen by the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeder’s Association as the foundation sire of the Tennessee Walking Horse and designated as Allan F-1. Prior to this, a Tennessee Pacer had emerged primarily made up of the American Saddlebred, Canadian, Morgan, Narragansett Pacer, Standardbred, and Thoroughbred; but it was Allan F-1’s bloodlines which produced today’s Tennessee Walking Horse.

The first horse to bear a state name, the Tennessee Walker has three gaits for which it is famous- the flat footed walk; running walk; and canter. The running walk is a naturally inherited gait, unique to the breed, and many horses can perform variations on this gait including the fox-trot, rack, stepping pace, and single foot walk. While these traits are not approved in a show ring, they are smooth trail riding gaits. The running walk shows the horse gliding over the track left by the front foot with his hind foot (right rear over right front, left rear over left front).The running walk is a smooth gait, similar to the flat footed walk, but with a remarkable increase in speed. Travelling between 10-20 miles per hour at this gait, the Tennessee Walker over steps the front track with its back foot by 6 to 18 inches(overstride). While doing the walk, the horses relax certain muscles and may nod their heads in rhythm, swing their ears in perfect motion, or snap their teeth.

The third gait is the “rocking chair” canter, which resembles a collected, relaxed gallop. These easy gaits, particularly the canter, make Tennessee Walkers a necessity for the rider with a serious back problem.

The breed ranges from 14.3 to 17 hands high, and can weigh anywhere between 900 and 1200 pounds. They have long sloping shoulders and hips, a fairly short back, and short coupling. The bottom line is shorter than the top line, allowing for the long stride Tennessee Walker’s are famous for. Characteristically they also have a pretty head with small ears. There are no specific colors; the Tennessee can come in a variety of colors and patterns.

With a gentle disposition and a willing nature, the Tennessee Walker has placed itself in much demand. Suitable for a variety of disciplines, including but not limited to english and western pleasure riding, it’s comfortable gaits and remarkable potential make it the ideal mount for the inexperienced and professionals alike.

Today the Tennessee Walker can be found throughout the United States and Canada, as well as several foreign countries. Since the organization of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeder’s and Exhibitors Association  (TWHBEA) in 1935, nearly 300,000 horses have been added to the registry that starts with Allan F-1. In 1947, the Stud Book was closed, meaning that starting in 1948 in order to register a Tennessee Walking Horse, both parents must also be registered. In 1950, the Association successfully received designation of their breed as an official, distinct breed of light horse by the United States Department of Agriculture.

In the 1990’s the Tennessee Walking Horse was recognized in the top ten recognized breeds in the US, and the fastest growing breed. As popularity of the breed grows, membership in the TWHBEA has increased to nearly 19,000 members.

-by Kelly Denine

Photos: “Samba” in his pasture. Credit: Laura Adams
Heather riding “Liberty”. Credit: Heather Stauffer
“Patriot” (the Palomino). Credit: Heather Stauffer

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