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Tennessee Walkers are used for many things. Barrel racing, dressage, endurance riding, field trials, Civil
War reenactments, mounted police, mounted shooting, halter, showing, driving, trails, the list goes on and on. My point here
is that they can do anything that any other horse can do. They can even be used to jump. Many people over the years have come
to me for their first horse. Most are usually looking for a Quarter horse. The first thing out of my mouth is to ask them
why. I have gotten responses from, my friend told me to or I have even heard...."that is the only horse I know." Well if you
want to barrel race, team pen, work cattle, etc. then a quarter horse may be a good bet. Certain breeds specialize in various
events but if you are looking for a pleasurable, safe trail mount that can do a multitude of things then there is no better
breed than a Tennessee Walker. Bred for a very gentle nature and smooth gait the Walker can take you on trails for hours of
smooth enjoyable riding. Try riding a quarter horse for 5 hours. If you are not used to riding, Quarter horses are wider so
your hips will hurt more. The jarring up and down of the trot that most breeds will do makes for a very uncomfortable ride.
I have literally ridden all day and never felt sore the next day when riding a Walker.
Many people have also contacted me inquiring about Walkers because they have neck or back issues. Many doctors
have actually recommended to their patients that if they must ride maybe switch to a gaited horse to cut down on the impact
trauma to your body. With this said, if you have any physical issues it is always best to consult your physician before riding.
No matter how safe a horse is there is always the chance they could spook and lose their rider.
Walkers are one of the most gentle of breeds with great personalities and very willing souls. Their effortless
movement allows them to cover more ground than other horses with less effort. I road on an organized trail ride a while back
that had a vet at the half way point. The vet was checking the breathing and heart rate of the horses. This was Florida so
it was very hot out at the time. When the vet came up and checked my horse she took a step back, looked at me, then the horse
and asked if I just started the ride. The vet informed me that my horse was breathing and had a heart rate of a horse that
was just taken out of the stall. I told her it was because I was on a Walker, a ten year old one at that. Smokie is now 15
years old and everyone stills thinks he is 4 or 5.
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