Tennessee Walking Horse

The modern Tennessee Walking horse is descended from six distinct breeds—the Standardbred, the Thoroughbred, the Morgan, the American Saddlebred, and two nearly extinct breeds known as the Narragansett Pacer and the Canadian Pacer. The later two breeds were the primary contributors to the Tennessee Walker's most notable quality—its smooth, traveling gaits. The first Tennessee Walkers were bred to be, above all, comfortable saddle horses. These "Walking Saddle Horses" or "Plantation Horses" were capable of a "running walk," which could cover long distances quickly and smoothly. Today's Tennessee Walker is still famous for this bold yet comfortable gait.