Horse breed
Racking Horse
The Racking Horse originated from crosses of American saddle horses, notably the Tennessee Walking Horse, selected for their specific gait. It was developed in the southern United States for cattle work and transportation.
The breed at a glance
It is a horse with a gentle, calm, and willing temperament, making it pleasant to ride and easy to train. It is intelligent, cooperative, and possesses good endurance, ideal for riders of all levels.
- Category
- saddle horse
- Origin
- United States · Mid-20th century
- Height at withers
- 142–163 cm
- Weight
- 450–550 kg
- Lifespan
- 25-30 years
- Common coats
- bay, chestnut, black, grey, palomino, dun, roan, tobiano, overo, all coat colors are accepted
- Disciplines
- gait competitions (Racking Horse shows), outdoor riding, trail
Origin and history
The Racking Horse originated from crosses of American saddle horses, notably the Tennessee Walking Horse, selected for their specific gait. It was developed in the southern United States for cattle work and transportation. The breed was officially recognized in 1971 by the Racking Horse Breeders' Association of America (RHBAA), with a dedicated studbook. Its development aimed to preserve and promote the natural 'rack' gait.
Conformation and physique
It is a medium-sized saddle horse, elegant and athletic, with fine yet solid bone structure. Its silhouette is harmonious, denoting both power and agility.
The head is refined, well-proportioned, with a straight or slightly concave profile. The eyes are large and expressive, and the ears are medium-sized and well-placed.
The neck is long, muscular, and well-arched, blending harmoniously into a well-defined and prominent wither.
The back is short and strong, with a taut topline. The chest is deep and wide, and the croup is long, muscular, and slightly sloped.
The limbs are long, clean, and strong, with well-defined joints and clear tendons. The hooves are well-formed and resilient. Feathering is generally sparse.
- Common coats: bay, chestnut, black, grey, palomino, dun, roan, tobiano, overo, all coat colors are accepted
Temperament and aptitudes
It is a horse with a gentle, calm, and willing temperament, making it pleasant to ride and easy to train. It is intelligent, cooperative, and possesses good endurance, ideal for riders of all levels.
The Racking Horse is famous for its 'rack' gait, a four-beat lateral and rhythmic gait, very comfortable for the rider. It also performs the walk, trot, and canter, but the rack is its signature gait.
- Uses: recreational riding, trail riding, cattle work, gait shows and competitions
- Disciplines: gait competitions (Racking Horse shows), outdoor riding, trail
Feeding the Racking Horse
The Racking Horse generally has a balanced metabolism, neither particularly economical nor excessively demanding. It requires a basic diet of good quality forage (hay or grass) ad libitum. Concentrate requirements will depend on its activity level: a horse in light work may be content with forage alone, while a horse in competition or intense work will need supplementary intake of cereals or balanced compound feeds.
There are no documented specific predispositions in the Racking Horse breed regarding particular dietary sensitivities such as laminitis, Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), or PSSM. However, like any horse, an unbalanced diet or an excess of sugars and starch can lead to metabolic or digestive problems.
With Equio, every feed, supplement or treat is read against the horse's real profile (age, weight, Body Condition Score, conditions) — useful for a Racking Horse as soon as a metabolic or digestive sensitivity is known.
Health and points to watch
Particular attention must be paid to limb conformation management and trimming/shoeing to maintain foot health, especially in horses intensely practicing gaits. Regular monitoring of body condition is also important to prevent obesity or emaciation.
- More frequent conditions: joint problems related to intensive gait training (if poorly managed), hoof conditions (if trimming or shoeing is unsuitable)
Care and grooming
Hoof care is crucial, with regular and appropriate trimming to support the breed's specific gaits. The mane and tail are often left long and natural, requiring regular brushing. The coat is easy to maintain, and clipping may be considered for competition horses or those working intensely in winter.
Did you know?
- The Racking Horse is the only breed whose name is directly linked to its characteristic gait, the 'rack'.
- In competitions, Racking Horses are often presented with special shoes and leg protection to accentuate their gait.
- The Racking Horse Breeders' Association of America (RHBAA) was founded to preserve the purity of the breed and promote its natural gait, without the use of excessive artificial devices.
The Racking Horse and how to track it
The Racking Horse breed is very poorly represented in France. Its breeding is almost non-existent, and the few individuals present are generally imported for leisure riding or by gait enthusiasts.
Equio lets you build a complete profile for a Racking Horse: identity, weight, Body Condition Score, feeding, conditions, care reminders (vaccines, worming, trimming) and an exportable health log. The breed sets the identity; everyday decisions still depend on the real horse and your vet's advice.
- Record the activity level: rest, leisure, sport or breeding
- Add known conditions or sensitivities
- Scan feeds, plants and care products
- Keep reminders (vaccines, worming, trimming)
- Prepare a PDF export before a vet appointment
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Racking Horse and the Tennessee Walking Horse?
Although both breeds are gaited horses originating from the southern United States, the Racking Horse is specifically bred for its four-beat 'rack' gait, while the Tennessee Walking Horse is known for its 'running walk' and 'rocking chair canter'. The Racking Horse is often lighter and more refined.
Is the Racking Horse a good horse for beginners?
Yes, thanks to its calm temperament, docility, and the comfort of its 'rack' gait, the Racking Horse is often considered an excellent choice for beginner riders or those seeking a comfortable and safe mount.
Is it possible to find a Racking Horse in France?
It is very difficult to find a Racking Horse in France. The breed is primarily raised in the United States. Acquisition would likely require importation, which involves specific costs and procedures.
Is the 'rack' a natural or induced gait?
The 'rack' is a natural gait for the Racking Horse, although training and specific trimming/shoeing can enhance and accentuate it. The breed is selected for its innate ability to produce this four-beat lateral gait.
What are the specific care requirements for a Racking Horse?
Specific care primarily involves trimming and shoeing, which must be adapted to optimize and maintain hoof health and gait quality. Regular attention to the limbs and joints is also recommended, especially for competition horses.