History
The Tennessee Walker originated from the Narragansett Pacer and the Canadian Pacer in the late 18th century. Tennessee breeders were working toward a horse which could be ridden comfortably all day over the varied terrain of the large plantations. Confederate Pacer and Union Trotter blood was added during the Civil War, creating the sturdy Southern Plantation Horse (aka the Tennessee Pacer). Breeders later added Thoroughbred, Standardbred, Morgan, and American Saddlebred blood to refine and add stamina to their gaited horse.
In 1885, Black Allen (later known as Allan F-1) was born. By the stallion Allendorf (from the Hambletonian family of Standardbreds) and out of a Morgan mare named Maggie Marshall, he became the foundation sire of the Tennessee Walking Horse breed.
The breed became popular due to its smooth gaits and incredible stamina. It was common for farmers to hold match races with their Tennessee Walkers, which they also used for plowing fields. Even after the coming of the automobile, many Tennessee communities kept their Tennessee Walkers to manage the poor roads of the area. Tennessee Walking Horses began to gain a reputation as a showy animals, and breeders sought bloodlines to produce refined, intelligent, flashy horses.
The registry was formed in 1935. As the stud book was closed in 1947, since that date every Tennessee Walker must have both parents registered to be eligible for registration.
Read more about this topic: Tennessee Walking Horse
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