Difference in Quarter Horse & Walking Horse

Horses are magnificent and beautiful animals that come in many breeds and sizes. Two of the more common breeds, the Tennessee Walking Horse and the Quarter Horse, are often mistaken for each other. There are several distinguishing features and uses for the horses and once you know a few facts, recognizing the differences is easy.

  1. Size

    • The Tennessee Walking Horse is a mixture of many large breeds including the Thoroughbred, Morgan and Saddlebred. This results in a large, sturdy horse almost 17 hands high and weighing up to 2,000 lbs. The Quarter Horse is a mixture of English and American horses. While they have strong upper bodies, they are slightly smaller than Walking Horses, making them much more agile and quick.

    Gait

    • A trained Walking Horse will exhibit one of three gaits: the flat-foot walk, the running walk and the full-out run or canter. It is best known for its running walk, which allows a rider to have a smooth, balanced and comfortable ride over long distances. The Quarter Horse is bred for a strong upper body and fast legs. It runs in bursts of speed over short distances and can change directions quickly, making it challenging for riders and not a good beginner horse.

    Uses

    • Walking Horses have traditionally been ranch horses. Because of their smooth and steady gait, they were also excellent transportation horses in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today they are good horses to have as riding horses. The Quarter Horse grew its reputation as the horse of the cowboy. Its acceleration and turning skills are used at rodeos and for mounted police.

    Showing vs. Racing

    • Walking Horses are often shown at horse shows. They are judged in ribbon competitions and are commonly seen at vaulting competitions or equestrian shows. Quarter Horses are often raced on short, straight tracks and their speed over short distances can reach 55 mph.