The Big Lick Tennessee Walking Horse is a type of horse known for its distinctive “Big Lick” gait and flashy show performance. This type of horse originated in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Tennessee and has become popular in the South and throughout the United States.
Big Lick Tennessee Walking Horses are bred for their high-spirited, spirited walking style and smooth gaits, and make a favored show horse.
These horses have a unique gait which sets them apart from other show horses. The Big Lick gait is characterized by a series of high-stepping movements. This Big Lick gait lets the horse show off its flashy footwork and extravagant movement.
Big Lick Tennessee Walking Horses feature a signature expansive movement and walk, giving the horse an even more extended show quality. The horse’s gait is designed to add energy and power to its performance, often appearing more refined and calculated than its counterparts in less refined show classes.
Big Lick Tennessee Walking Horses must be trained properly and skillfully to be able to carry out the demanding demands of the Big Lick gait. It can take many years of practice and dedication to reach a competitive level and be able to walk effectively in the Big Lick gait.
In addition to proper training, the horse must also be in good health and have correct conformation to be successful.
The Big Lick Tennessee Walking Horse is a breed that offers plenty of showmanship, athleticism, and spirit. For those looking to participate in competitive shows or just wanting to find a timeless show-stopper, the Big Lick Tennessee Walking Horse is an ideal choice.
Why is it called the Big Lick horses?
The term “Big Lick” was originally coined in the late 1800s and early 1900s to describe the exaggerated gait that Tennessee Walking Horses are capable of performing. This gait requires exaggerated high-stepping, which is known as “big licking.
” The horses were bred to have an incredibly high step and as a result, their feet often make a loud “licking” noise against the ground when they are performing the big lick gait. This is why these horses are often referred to as the “Big Lick Horses.
” The movement looks spectacular to the audience and is meant to be an impressive show, though the exaggerated motion and physical stress it places on the horse’s body can be dangerous and has led to the controversial application of “soring” to these animals.
This involves the use of caustic chemicals and other physical stimuli to cause the horse intentional pain in order to make it perform higher steps when doing the Big Lick.
What horses are used for big lick?
Horses used for Big Lick, also called “high-stepping” or “Tennessee Walking Horses,” are specially trained to perform the unnaturally exaggerated gaits and head bobbing that make up the Big Lick style of show ring performance.
The Big Lick style is popular with some trainers and riders in the U. S. Tennessee Walking Horse industry as well as spectators of the events. The horse must be trained to perform with increased movement and an exaggerated head bob.
Instead of naturally moving their heads up and down as they normally would, horses trained for the Big Lick will swiftly rock their heads up and down in an unnatural, exaggerated motion while transitioning between gaits.
The horse’s action must be prolonged and exaggerated, with long steps and heavy action, and the rider should typically ride with a longer-than average stirrup length for more exaggerated reach. Big Lick horses are often trained to perform on hard surfaces such as concrete, meant to exaggerate the horse’s action even more.
Although the Big Lick style is admittedly controversial and not to everyone’s taste, it is still beloved by many riders and fans of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry for its unique action and participation in a longstanding American tradition.
How do you tell if my horse is a Tennessee Walker?
In order to determine whether or not your horse is a Tennessee Walker, there are a few key characteristics to look for. These include a short back and neck, low head carriage, a deep chest, a long stride, and a smooth and comfortable four-beat gait.
The Tennessee Walker has an innate and smooth running walk. This walk is performed at a slow and steady pace, with a rhythmic four-beat cadence. They also tend to overstride and cross their hind legs over the front.
This strutting looks quite impressive.
The head carriage of the Tennessee Walker should be low with a relaxed look. The neck should be short and the back should be level and close-coupled. The chest should be very deep and the tail should be high and arched.
The legs should be strong and well muscled.
When you first look at your horse, ask yourself whether or not it exhibits the aforementioned characteristics. If so, it is likely a Tennessee Walker. Otherwise, you should consult with a veterinarian if you are seriously considering purchasing the horse.
Overall, the Tennessee Walker is a beautiful, strong and smooth-gaited horse. The key to identifying a Tennessee Walker is to look for the combination of its short neck, low head carriage, deep chest and a smooth and steady four beat gait.
If these characteristics are exhibited by your horse, then chances are that it is a Tennessee Walker.
What is the difference between a Tennessee Walking Horse and a Racking Horse?
The Tennessee Walking Horse and Racking Horse are both excellent breeds for trail riding and show. However, there are some key differences when it comes to the two breeds.
The Tennessee Walking Horse has a naturally flat or “running-walk” gait, which makes it a desirable mount for long distances. These horses are well known for their smooth, graceful, and comfortable gaits and can cover large distances at fast speeds with limited strain on the rider.
The Racking Horse, on the other hand, is characterized by its animated and flashy “racking” pace that emphasizes each step with a distinct hoof pattern. They boast a comfortable and smooth four-beat gait, but are generally slower and less comfortable over long distances than the Tennessee Walking Horse, even though they are very sure-footed over terrain.
Another big difference that sets these two breeds apart is the way their heads are set and carried. Tennessee Walkers have a parallel head carriage and short faces with primarily flat profiles, whereas Racking Horses have higher-set heads with longer faces and more dished profiles.
Overall, the Tennessee Walking Horse and the Racking Horse are both popular trail riding and show breeds with unique characteristics. While they have many similarities, the differences in their gaits, speed, and heads set them easily apart.
How do they make Tennessee walking horses walk the way they do?
Tennessee Walking Horses are trained to walk in a particular way, known as the “running walk. ” This type of gait is a four-beat lateral gait, which means that the horse lifts each leg independently and in a coordinated way to create a smooth, long-striding walk.
This type of gait is much faster and smoother than a traditional walk, and is an ideal gait for long-distance travel.
To train a Tennessee Walking Horse to walk with the running walk, the horse typically must learn to respond to pressure on the reins, and to raise its head in rhythm with its stride. This helps the horse coordinate the hip, shoulder, and foot movement, to create a smooth, even stride.
Riding habits, as well as proper nutrition and conditioning also play an role in teaching a horse to move in the desired gait.
Once a horse has learned the gait, it must be trained to hold the gait for extended periods of time. Pressure to maintain the gait must be applied, and the horse must be walked regularly in order to maintain the desired gait.
With the right training and a quality horse, the running walk can be a smooth and efficient way to travel long distances.
Can Tennessee Walkers gallop?
Yes, Tennessee Walkers are able to gallop. Their smooth, ambling gait is called the running walk and some horses of this breed can reach speeds of up to 8 mph. However, the special ambling gait for which the breed is known is more like a broad-based, four beat trot.
It is fast, strong, and comfortable, but it is not a gallop. Galloping is more of a flat out run, which is seen rarely in the breed. Tennessee Walkers have a natural smooth motion and trained individuals can reach speeds of up to 15 mph, which some may consider a gallop.
However, the breed is not known for its performance in the range of flat out running, as opposed to its impressive smooth ride in a relaxed, collected movement.
Are Tennessee walking horses easy keepers?
Yes, Tennessee walking horses are considered “easy keepers” due to their calm, gentle nature and low-maintenance upkeep needs. Generally speaking, these horses are healthy, robust and require minimal care.
They are not prone to illnesses or physical ailments, so their health care needs are minimal, and their dietary needs are easily met with good quality hay and grain. Additionally, they are a naturally hardy breed and can tolerate cold temperatures and bad weather conditions with ease.
When it comes to exercise, they are quite active and require regular activity in the form of regular riding or turnout. All in all, Tennessee walking horses are easy to keep and well suited to many lifestyles.
How can you tell if a horse has been sored?
If a horse has been sored, you can often tell by examining them visually. Look for signs of swollen or discolored areas around the hooves, head and throatlatch, as well as signs of scarring, which can be an indication of frequent soring episodes.
It is also important to pay close attention to the horse’s gait, as sored horses may exhibit lameness or an odd, shuffling gait when asked to trot or canter. You should also pay attention to the horse’s behavior, as sored horses may act withdrawn or edgy when their feet are touched or when saddled or bridled.
Additionally, you should be aware of the chemicals and products a horse trainer may be using for training, as certain chemicals and products can only be used for soring horses, and should not be used on healthy horses.
Taking the time to carefully evaluate the condition of a horse before taking it on can help ensure you are not unwittingly buying a horse that has been abused.
Do Tennessee walking horses have a natural gait?
Yes, Tennessee Walking Horses have a naturally occurring four-beat gait known as the flat walk, which is characterized by a smooth and easy gliding motion. The Tennessee Walking Horse has also been known to perform the two other gaits – the running walk and the canter.
The running walk is a gliding four-beat gait where each hoof contacts the ground separately and has slight suspension. This gives the horse a floating motion that requires the horse to over-stride and throw his feet out in front with each stride.
The canter is a three-beat gait that is similar to a trot, except for the added suspension that is seen due to the length of the stride. This is a faster gait than the flat walk and the running walk and can be used when covering long distances.
These gaits have been bred into the Tennessee Walking Horse and can be seen as early as 2 years old.
What are 3 signs that might indicate to you that a horse might be suffering from illness?
1. Changes in Appetite: Horses are generally very consistent in their eating habits, so any sudden changes in appetite may be indicative of illness. Horses may suddenly stop eating altogether, or they may begin to eat more than normal.
Eating much more grain than hay is also a sign of illness.
2. Vocalizations: Horses will sometimes communicate through slight changes in the sound of their breaths and whinnies. Unusual vocalizations, such as coughing and wheezing, or panting and whinnying for long periods of time, may be a sign of illness.
3. Abnormal Behavior: Horses that experience an abrupt change in their behavior may be ill. They might lose interest in their daily routine, or become unusually quiet or irritable. Horses may even become aggressive or display other signs of distress, such as rolling on the ground or pawing the ground.
Any abrupt changes in behavior should be monitored closely.
What does a drugged horse look like?
A drugged horse can show a variety of signs that make it obvious the horse has been drugged. Commonly, they will exhibit excessive tiredness, lack of coordination, muscle tremors, irritability, and disorientation.
They may also have difficulty standing, loose or uncoordinated movements, difficulty focusing or nodding off while standing, and exaggerated or uncoordinated reactions to stimuli such as sound, touch or movement.
In some cases, horses have been known to stand with their heads dropped down and refuse to move, even when given treats or cues to do so. Signs of pain or discomfort may also be present. If a horse is sedated or under the influence of an anesthetic, their breathing rate and heart rate may be noticeably slower.
Finally, the eyes of a drugged horse may appear dull and unfocused, and may appear to be rolled back in their head.
How does a horse act with ulcers?
Horses with ulcers will typically show a number of different behaviors, depending on the severity of the ulcers. Common signs of equine ulcers include weight loss, poor appetite, abnormal behavior, aggressive behavior, changes in attitude, reluctance to move, stomach tenderness, discomfort while being ridden, and abnormal gait while riding.
Depending on the severity of the ulcer, horses might react differently. A horse with mild ulcers might show a decrease in appetite and poor attitude response to instruction, while a horse with severe ulcers might display aggressive behavior, reluctance to move, and significant stomach discomfort.
In order to reduce the severity of the ulcers, the horse should have access to high-quality forage, be allowed to graze regularly, and should not be worked too hard. Furthermore, the horse should have a routine schedule in order to reduce the stress associated with ulcers.
It is important that the cause of the ulcers is determined in order to ensure proper treatment.
What does big lick mean?
Big Lick is a term commonly used to describe a type of riding style or riding pattern seen in some of the gaited breeds of horses, such as Tennessee Walkers, Rocky Mountain Horses, and Missouri Fox Trotters.
The “Big Lick” refers to the high-stepping, long-strided action of the horse’s feet as the front and hind feet slam into the ground in rapid succession. The big lick is often associated with a loud noise or thumping sound, which is why the term has become popular.
Big Lick riding patterns are often seen in exhibition or show classes and may involve refining the horse’s gait by emphasizing certain nuances of the stride, such as reach and suspension. Big Lick riders may use significant amounts of weight on the horse’s front feet along with leverage devices, such as pads and performance horseshoes, to achieve the desired gait.
Due to the potential for abuse associated with some Big Lick exhibiting methods, many horse shows and organizations now have rules in place that attempt to protect horses from potential abuse while still allowing them to show off the Big Lick gait.
Is the big lick abuse?
Yes, big lick abuse is a real and unfortunate issue in the horse industry. Big lick refers to a specific type of gait and collection seen in the Tennessee Walking Horse breed in which the horse moves both legs of the same side of his body simultaneously, creating an exaggerated “licking” motion.
This gait has become an accepted part of the breed’s show ring performance, but can only be achieved through several painful training methods.
In order to get the horse to move this way, trainers will often use various abusive practices such as soring, mechanical devices, or caustic chemicals. Soring is the most common and involves applying irritating or blistering agents to the animal’s lower legs to create an intense burning and pain.
These substances can be applied with chemical pads, stockings, knee boots, or wraps.
Mechanical devices, such as chains around the pasterns and weighted shoes, are also used to inflict pain and encourage a higher gait. Such practices are considered cruel and inhumane, yet some consider big lick training to be a tradition and continue to use abusive methods.
As a result, many organizations and groups have called for a ban on big lick training, and legislation to that effect is being considered in several states.