EastWind Stables Home of the Tennessee Walking Horse

The Runwalk

Tennessee Walking Horses have the inherent ability to carry their walking posture to greater stride and speed than any other breed of horse. 

• The overall form of the running walk remains the same as that of the flatfoot walk, but the reach and tempo extends to intermediate speeds of 8 – 10 mph.  NOTE: the runwalk is not a speed gait, but an intermediate gait.  This gait should always remain fluid with all energy forward moving, and proper form should never be sacrificed for excessive speed.  The hooves should continue to lift and place independently, while the weight transfer becomes more rolling with the increased tempo and stride. 

• Overstride will increase as well, averaging from 10 to 24 inches while remaining in that correct and even timing. Total stride lengths often range anywhere from 6 to as much as 10 feet depending on the size and abilities of the horse.  It is this monster stride with its driving propulsion that creates a feeling of acceleration and gliding across the ground.

• The Tennessee Walking horse was bred to carry this gait with fluidity and lightness, and by keeping all energy forward moving, they are able maintain the running walk to cover great distances.   

• Because it is still a walking gait, the distinctive headnod should always remain evident, even though it will become a bit more shallow at the increased tempo. 

• Like the flatwalk, the running walk should remain a relaxed and easy gait for both horse and rider