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Content
SSRWSHA
MEMBERS
EVENTS
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TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE
Courtesy of the
TWHBEA
Originally bred as utility horse, the Tennessee
Walking Horse is best suited for a recreational mount due to its smooth, easy
ride and its gentle disposition. A calm, docile temperament, combined with
naturally smooth and easy gaits insure the popularity of the Tennessee Walking
Horse as the "World's Greatest Show, Trail, and Pleasure Horse."
A light horse breed founded in middle Tennessee, this breed is a composition of
Standardbred, Thoroughbred, Morgan, and American Saddlebred stock.
Tennessee Walking Horses generally range from 14.3 to 17 hands and weigh 900 to
1200 pounds. The modern Tennessee Walking Horse possesses a pretty head with
small, well placed ears. The horse has a long sloping shoulder, a long sloping
hip, a fairly short back and short, strong coupling. The bottom line is longer
than the top line, allowing for a long stride.
Tennessee Walking Horses come in all colors and a variety of patterns. The
diverse color choices are sure to please any horse enthusiast. Different colors
should not be discriminated against.
Horse Buying Tips
- Determine your purpose before you start
looking. Do you want a horse suitable for trail riding or showing, or both?
Are you capable of starting a young animal, or do you need an older animal
established in its gait? Will you want to raise foals later or is a gelding
better suited for your purposes?
- Make sure of the gait. Whatever use you have
in mind for your horse, remember to look for the chief distinguishing
characteristic of the Tennessee Walker - its smooth, easy gait. The gait is
natural so it should be present from the time the weanling first begins
moving. How well the gaits are performed often depends on the horse's age and
training.
- Are you buying potential or proven ability?
Many buyers who are looking for a potential show contender will purchase their
TWH as a two year old. Tennessee Walking Horses often begin their show career
at this young age and are started under saddle early to determine their
potential. Top two year olds frequently demand top dollar even though they are
unproven in the show arena.
- There are advantages to buying an aged
horse. By five years, a horse will have reached maturity in terms of
temperament, gait, and size. It may have proven its worth in one or more areas
of expertise such as pleasure riding, field trials, versatility events, ranch
work, or in the show arena.
- As with any purchase, if you are unfamiliar
with the product, you should know the seller. And, if you don't know the breed
or the seller, you would be wise to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable
professional to help you evaluate the horse and its sale price as they relate
to your intended usage.
- Many buyers consider a pre-purchase exam by
an equine veterinarian to be well worth the cost. Overall soundness is
important and, if you will be using your horse to produce foals, suitability
for breeding should also be evaluated.
- Familiarize yourself with TWHBEA's rules and
regulations. Make sure the last recorded owner on the horse's registration
certificate matches the seller on the transfer form. Both the certificate and
transfer form must be signed by the last recorded owner and both must be
submitted to TWHBEA for proper recording of the transfer.
- Be aware of the strict blood-typing
requirements that are in effect. Be sure the animal you are considering
purchasing has met all TWHBEA requirements with regard to blood-typing!
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