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The Flatfoot Walk:
is a
bold, elaborate walk where the Tennessee Walking Horse use their huge stride to
cover the ground on average of 3 - 5 mph. It is carried with level posture that
enables each hoof to lift and place independently in even, 4-beat cadence
producing a smooth weight transfer where hooves land flat giving this gait its
name. This creates a smooth and energy efficient gait to ride.
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Watch as
the front hooves reach and pull at the ground. The shoulder roll is what gives
the impression of climbing a ladder with those front feet.
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Note
the famous Tennessee Walking horse headnod. The headnod provides
counterbalanced weight and power to the driving backend, much as we swing
our arms to power our own walk. It should always originate from the shoulder, never the poll.
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See how
the back feet drive far under the horse with very little hock action, the hooves
barely clearing the ground, and overstriding the hoofprints of the front feet
anywhere from 6 to 18 inches in a correctly timed flatwalk. (Papa averages 22 -
24 inches)
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All of
these parts work together elegantly and the complete picture of the
correctly moving Tennessee Walking horse should always appear flowing
and graceful; coming together with ease and as much a pleasure for the horse as
for the rider. The flatwalk is an energy efficient gait that can be maintained
for many miles in the well conditioned walking horse. Many walkers remain so
relaxed in their topline and jaw muscles, they will actually flop their ears or
snap their teeth in rhythm to their walks.
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