Tennessee Walking Horse — breed guide
Tennessee Walking Horse — temperament, grooming, exercise, heat tolerance and care, from the Leash Life breed guide.
At a glance
- Group
- light horse
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 400–545 kg (882–1202 lb)
- Life span
- 28–33 years
- Coat
- Fine and short
Living with a Tennessee Walking Horse
- Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
- Regular grooming — brushing a few times a week.
- Moderate shedding.
- Quick to learn.
- Very quiet.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Typically lives happily with a cat.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Handles warm weather well.
- Average cold tolerance.
Temperament
Calm · Willing · Smooth-gaited
Health to watch
- Navicular disease
- Laminitis
- Metabolic syndrome
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Tennessee Walking Horse good with kids?
Generally yes. Tennessee Walking Horses are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Tennessee Walking Horse good with cats?
Usually yes. Tennessee Walking Horses typically settle well with a resident cat — introduce them slowly and give the cat a high perch and a way out of the room.
How much exercise does a Tennessee Walking Horse need?
A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.
Can a Tennessee Walking Horse handle hot weather?
It copes well with warm days.
Leash Life keeps a Tennessee Walking Horse's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.