walking horse
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A type of horse, specifically a breed or style known for its stamina and for being trained to perform a distinctive, smooth, fast, four-beat gait known as a "running walk."
Usage Notes
This term refers specifically to a horse that has been bred and trained for a particular gait. It is not a general term for any horse that is walking. The key characteristics are endurance ("stamina") and the specialized, comfortable "running walk" movement, which is faster than a regular walk but smoother than a trot.
Examples
- The walking horse is prized for its smooth ride over long distances.
- She entered her walking horse in the show competition for its gait.
- The Tennessee Walking Horse is a famous breed known for this characteristic.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often capitalized as part of a proper breed name, such as the "Tennessee Walking Horse."
- In equestrian contexts, it distinguishes horses trained for this specific purpose from other riding horses like quarter horses or thoroughbreds.
Variants and Related Words
- Tennessee Walker: A common name for the Tennessee Walking Horse breed.
- Running walk: The specific gait for which the walking horse is trained.
- Gaited horse: A broader category of horses bred for smooth, non-trotting gaits, which includes walking horses.
Synonyms
- Tennessee Walking Horse (when referring to that specific breed)
- Gaited horse (in a broader sense)
- Saddle horse (a general term for a horse used for riding)
Antonyms
- Trotter (a horse bred or trained for trotting)
- Draught horse (a horse bred for pulling heavy loads, not for a smooth riding gait)
Noun
- a horse marked by stamina and trained to move at a fast running walk