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

1. a horse marked by stamina and trained to move at a fast running walk