How To Ride A Tennessee Walking Horse

Have you ever wondered what it's like to ride a Tennessee Walking Horse? As a smooth-gaited and versatile breed, these horses offer an enjoyable experience unlike any other. Whether you're an experienced rider or a beginner, learning how to properly ride a Tennessee Walking Horse can open up a whole new world of equine adventures. In this article, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of mastering this unique riding experience, as well as offer some useful tips to ensure an enjoyable ride every time.

Understanding the Tennessee Walking Horse

Before we get into the specifics of riding a Tennessee Walking Horse, it's essential to understand what makes this breed so unique. Known for their smooth gaits, Tennessee Walking Horses are well-suited for long rides without causing discomfort to the rider. Here are a few key characteristics of the breed:

• Natural smooth gaits: The running walk and the rack are hallmark smooth gaits of the Tennessee Walking Horse, which provide a comfortable ride with little bounce.
• Tall and elegant: They generally stand between 15 and 17 hands, with a refined head and long neck, lending an air of elegance to this athletic breed.
• Good-natured and eager to please: Tennessee Walking Horses are known for their gentle temperament and willingness to work in harmony with their rider.

The Basics of Mounting and Riding

As with any horse, the first step in riding a Tennessee Walking Horse is to mount properly and establish a secure and relaxed position on the saddle. Here are the essential steps:

1. Mounting the Horse: Stand on the left side (near side) of the horse, with the reins in your left hand. Place your left foot in the stirrup and swing your right leg over the horse's back, lowering yourself gently into the saddle.
2. Adjust Your Stirrups: Your feet should rest comfortably in the stirrups, with your heels down and toes up. Adjust the stirrup length if necessary to ensure a secure position.
3. Hold the Reins Correctly: Hold the reins in one or both hands, depending on your preferred riding style. Maintain a light, even contact with the horse's mouth without pulling or holding too tight.
4. Relax Your Body: Your shoulders, arms, and back should be relaxed to allow for the natural movement of the horse as you ride.

Learning the Tennessee Walking Horse Gaits

Now that you're mounted and comfortably seated, it's time to explore the unique gaits of the Tennessee Walking Horse. Though they have the same traditional gaits as other horses (walk, trot, canter, gallop), the major difference lies in their smooth intermediate gaits.

• Flat Walk: A brisk, four-beat walk with a head nodding motion. This gait is the foundation for the other gaits in the breed and should be relaxed and energetic, covering ground effortlessly.
• Running Walk: The signature gait of the Tennessee Walking Horse, this is a faster and smoother version of the flat walk. The hind legs glide forward, and the head nods in rhythm with the movement of the feet.
• Rack: A flashy and rapid four-beat gait, characterized by a high degree of animation from the horse's front legs. This gait offers a smooth ride but requires more balance and skill from the rider than the running walk.

How To Ride A Tennessee Walking Horse Example:

Transitioning from a Flat Walk to a Running Walk

While riding a Tennessee Walking Horse at a flat walk, maintain light, even contact on the reins, and relax your body. To cue the horse to move into a running walk, slightly squeeze your legs against the horse's sides while maintaining contact on the reins. As the horse increases its speed, allow your hips and pelvis to swing with the motion of the horse, and avoid bouncing in the saddle. It's essential to practice this increased tempo in a controlled manner, ensuring that the horse maintains the smooth four-beat rhythm throughout the transition.

Now that you've been introduced to the art of riding a Tennessee Walking Horse, we encourage you to give it a try for yourself. This versatile breed offers a unique and enjoyable riding experience that could quickly become a favorite. As always, remember to practice safety and patience when working with horses, and don't hesitate to ask for help from experienced riders and trainers. And if you find this article helpful, we invite you to explore other guides on our How to Own a Horse blog, and share it with your fellow horse enthusiasts! Happy riding!