Wright's Tennessee Walking Horses

Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan                                      

The Gait of the Tennessee Walking Horse

What makes the Tennessee Walking Horse unique?  The Tennessee Walking Horse is very talented.  Most are versatile enough to walk, trot, pace and canter - as well as perform a 4 beat gait that falls in between the trot and the pace, which is very smooth to ride.

Runningwalk - The preferred gait of the Walker.  The hind leg oversteps the front leg (called overstride) and the head nods with each step taken. The Runningwalk is the gait that gives the smoothest ride. It is a fast walk that does not produce the up/down motion of the trot. It takes a strong set of hindquarters to perform the Runningwalk, because a large degree of overstride is required. In the drawing above, notice how the hind leg oversteps the front leg's hoofprint. This is accompanied by a significant nod of the head, and lateral motion of the hips. Young TWH's have a very loose walk, and when traveling slow, have a signature swing of the tail. Four beat gaits that do not have the head nod are often called a "saddle-lick", a "stepping pace", a "rack", "single-footing", "fox-trot" and more.    What differentiates these gaits is the degree of head "nod" with each step forward, and the amount of "overstride" of the hind leg.

Trot - This is a 2 beat gait that is diagonal.  Most Walking Horses, if they trot, have a floating sort of trot that is elegant and smooth.  The basic trot is left to the Western and English type horses.

Pace - This is a lateral 2 beat gait where the horse's body shifts from side to side.  Viewed from the side, the front and hind leg move forward in unison (resembling locomotive wheels.)

Canter - The desired canter is described as a "Rocking Chair" canter. It is highly animated and beautiful. It is not meant for speed, but for luxury and beauty. The forequarters rise off the ground gracefully as the horse appears to "rock" back and forth as it moves along. This canter often requires some special training to develop collection and the hindquarters muscles.  The Tennessee Walker performs it well and with pride.

"Secret's Two Tone Genius"

Willie is a gorgeous TWHBEA tobiano stallion with magnificent looks, color, personality, intelligence, temperament and unmatchable bloodlines. He is a direct grandson of WGC Pride's Genius. Other notables in his pedigree are Pride's Secret Threat, and Ebony Masterpiece and Rock's Rarity.

This boy is gentle, sweet, willing, calm tempered, and extremely loving. He's so mellow, it's hard to believe he's a stallion!

Willie's Page - Pedigree and Ancestors

Annie's L'il Secret (1992 Black Mare)

Our next addition was Annie's L'il Secret, a black mare. She was sired by "Our Favorite Secret", 7 time Michigan Stallion of the year. Her dam is Handshaker's Annie, a direct daughter of the well-known Mack K Handshaker. Her direct grandsire is WGC Pride's Secret Threat. WGC Midnight Sun, WGC Delight's Bummin' Around, and other outstanding TWH's are in her pedigree.

She is solid black except for a very faint star on her forehead. She stands 15 hands tall, is patient, loving, and calm around people. She has a very nice gait and makes a wonderful broodmare.

She's a very likable girl who is very curious and nosey. She loves to be around people and demands her share of the petting action. She took to the saddle like a fish to water, and loves to ride. She stands 15 hands.

Sorry, not offered for sale.

Babe was purchased from Carol Branam. She was the last foal sired by "Dusty Bum", who goes back to "Last Chance" bloodlines. Her dam is from the "Royal Master" bloodlines.

Babe is a very light palomino with a white mane and tail. She reminds me of Roy Rogers horse, trigger. She is 15.3h. She is sure footed, and delivers a Cadillac ride. Her eyes are amber.

Babe is wonderful on the trails. She's very sound and calm. While she is alert, she doesn't tend to spook and run like other young horses do.  

This is Kissimmee (Gritzy Lady). She is a direct daughter of Marshall Dillon, who is famous for his sensible progeny, gentle temperament, and easy stride and way of going. Kissimmee is no exception. She is marvelous on trails and is a great confidence builder for with beginner riders.

She stands 15 hands tall, is graceful, quiet and very patience. She has such a kind heart. She is a very kind and patient mare.  She has a very smooth gait.

Belle is a direct daughter of WGC Pride's Genius. The first three generations in her pedigree has 6 out of 7 sires that are World Grand Champions. Among them are WGC Ebony Masterpiece and WGC GLL's Carbon Copy, Triple Threat, and Ebony Masterpiece. She is as gentle as the day is long, and she came from a Theraputic Riding program. She's being introduced to trails and is doing very well. Anyone can ride her, and she's a pleasure to have. She is over 16h.

Belle is not for sale.

"Bonnie" - Double Play's Spit Fire (2000 Mare)

Bonnie came to us from Laurindale Stables in Rosemont, Alberta Canada. She is is a very lovely girl. She is a maximal white sabino, and has a slight amount of red roaning atop her hindquarters and around her neck.

She is a grand daughter of WGC Pride's Gold Coin and looks to have a very bright future here. Tiffany hopes to take her into 4H.

Bonnie is 16 hands tall. She was extremely easy to break and train, and her performance on the trail has been phenomenal. It's almost as if she's been walking the trails all her life!

She is very low key and is ever so gentle and loving. She's very patient and will wait her turn. Nothing bothers her, she takes everything in stride.

  "Becky" - Lethal Sensation - 1998 Buckskin Tobiano Mare

Becky is a direct daughter of 1995 SSHBEA WGC Alan's Lethal Weapon. Becky is registered with TWHBEA and SSHBEA.

She is a great trail horse and has a super gentle personality. She will cross streams and go over logs and bridges. She was shown when she was younger by previous owners and has a lovely gait. She is a wonderful addition to our breeding program.

Sorry, Becky is not for sale.

We predominantly would like to offer our foals for sale. This represents the best value for you, and allows you the time to develop a relationship with the young one before training.

We strive to produce quality. On rare occasions, we may consider offers for some of our adult stock in the event that one of them may meet special needs that you might have.  Please email us for additional information.

 Jeff & Theresa Wright * 5492 West H. Avenue * Kalamazoo, MI 49009 * 269-382-3278

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