Tennessee Walker Shines!
Mention Tennessee to someone and a myriad of things may come to mind. Graceland, The Grand Ole Opry, Jack Daniels, even Bush's Baked Beans! Mention Tennessee to a horseman, however, and the words "Walking Horse" immediately follow. These magnificent animals were first selectively bred in the late 18th century from a combination of Narragansett, Canadian Pacer, Standardbred, Thoroughbred, Morgan, and American Saddlebred varieties with the intent of creating a utility horse for use on farms and plantations.
The resulting Tennessee Walking Horse delivered on its promises. Averaging 15.2 to 16.2 hands in height, they have a long, straight, well-shaped heads and long necks that gracefully slope into the shoulder. They are muscular, with wide girths and relatively long underbellies & short backs. Tennessee Walkers feature calm, docile temperaments that ultimately makes them ideal for riders of all types.
However, the most prominent characteristic of the Tennessee Walking Horse is their swift and smooth "running walk." A distinctive gait that makes them easy to ride over long distances at comfortable and efficient rates of speed, usually around 6-12 mph. Interestingly, this gait is inherited and cannot be taught to a horse who does not possess it naturally! The "running walk" is a square, four-beat gait that creates a gliding motion. Accompanied by a bobbing of the head and swinging of the ears, both in-time with each step, it is truly a sight to behold! Tennessee Walkers can sustain this gait for long distances without fatigue to themselves, or their passengers.
Tennessee Walkers tend to be easy keepers and typically do well on just fresh grass hay. These horses are typically free from disease, although Navicular disease and Laminitis are of concern. Additionally, problems with the feet are common, the result of competition or show. In this instance, a dietary hoof supplement containing biotin is usually recommended.
Thankfully, Horse Guard Inc. developed a range of products to provide your horse with scientifically proven, balanced nutrition.
Given their relatively healthy and sturdy genetic stock, Tennessee Walkers can benefit from our Trifecta supplement, which is a four in one daily supplement featuring the perfect combination of comprehensive package of vitamins and minerals, as well as a specialized blend of supplements designed to support hoof health, joint mobility, and digestive health. Yet, to help protect their hooves, we recommend our Biotin Hoof Blast, featuring the highest concentration of biotin on the market (100 mg per 2 ounces), in addition to Zinc, Methionine, and MSM.
Since our creation over 35 years ago, we have strived to make horse health and customer service our highest priorities. Contact us today at (800) 553-4246 to learn why we remain steadfast to that promise and why we proudly live up to our slogan of "Healthy Horses".
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