How Much Does A Tennessee Walking Horse Cost?

A Tennessee Walking horse, otherwise known as a Tennessee Walker, costs $1,500 to $15,000+ on average. This price is influenced by different factors like age, training, and pedigree.

Let’s explore what you can expect to pay for this breed and why.

How Much Does a Tennessee Walking Horse Cost In the US?

In the US, a Tennessee Walking horse can cost from $1,000 to over $15,000. 

On the lower end of the scale are geldings, which are ideal as therapy horses or for older riders.

New horse owners may be drawn to the lower cost of a Palomino horse for their first horse. However, the Tennessee Walker’s unique running gait makes it the perfect horse breed for managing large farms.

The very top range ($50,000+) includes those officially registered with competition rankings. The current record stands at $1.6 million for NYPD in 2004.

What Factors Influence the Cost of Tennessee Walking Horses?

Several factors will influence how much you pay for your new Tennessee Walker. Initial costs will be higher than those of equines for farm work, like the cost of a Belgian horse.

Lineage

Since the days of Black Allan, detailed records have been kept for the best of the bloodlines. The gene pool ensures that the best smooth gaits, appearance, and personalities continue.

Buying a horse with a good bloodline is an investment confirmed by the pedigrees of most of the Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champions. 

Age

• Foals (0-2 years): Cheapest, valued by pedigree. Buyers view foals from a strong lineage as an investment in future performance and breeding potential.
• Young animals (3-6 years): Priced higher based on their potential in gait and calm temperament. In comparison, the purchase prices are higher than the cost of a Gypsy horse.
• Prime-aged horses (7-12 years): Valued the highest, especially for competitive purposes.
• Senior horses (13+): May cost less but can fetch good prices if trained and healthy.

Training

Three types of training guarantee higher prices:

• Gait training: Develops the signature gait, like the unique running walk, and is valuable for show rings or trail riding.
• Show training: Horses trained for competitions command higher prices.
• Trail riding training: Experienced horses are highly sought after. 

Equestrian sports show records

Show ring records significantly increase prices as they demonstrate proven performance, skill, and consistency in competitions.

Winning or placing in prestigious events boosts a Tennessee Walking horse’s value, especially in disciplines like gaited classes.

Purchase point

Equines from reputable breeders or high-end auctions command higher sale prices due to quality and competition.

Local owners may offer more affordable options, though quality varies.

Online marketplace prices range widely, depending on the seller’s reputation, location, and the horse’s traits.

How Much Does It Cost to Own a Tennessee Walking Horse?

On average, a Tennessee Walking horse will cost over $15,000 annually to own and maintain. From how much it costs to board a horse to prices for potential health issues and lessons, many factors must be considered. 

Boarding costs

Without land and facilities, you will need alternatives for housing your horse.

Stable-only rentals start at $250 per month, while full-service livery yards offering complete facilities can cost as much as $2,250 monthly.

Feeding costs

Feeding Tennessee Walking horses costs around $12,000 annually.

Livery-option dependent, you may need $500 to over $2,000 for extra hay and straw.

These animals require a balanced diet, needing about 22 lbs of hay or pasture daily and up to 7 lbs of commercial feed for optimal health. This is in stark contrast to the feeding cost for a miniature horse breed.

Healthcare and vet costs

Annual veterinary costs for a Tennessee Walker can exceed $1,500.

Yearly vaccinations for tetanus and flu, plus regular deworming, are included. Routine wellness checks are as much as $700 annually.

Unexpected vet fees for illnesses or accidents can mount quickly, making horse insurance a sensible investment.

Farrier

To maintain healthy hooves, farrier services for Tennessee Walkers cost between $300 and $1,250 annually.

Whether these horses are shod or unshod, farrier visits are needed every 1.5 months.

Trimming and balancing hooves can cost around $150 per visit, while shoeing ranges from $250 to $550, depending on requirements. Hoof care has been a priority ever since horseshoes were invented.

Dentist

A horse should have its teeth checked annually by a vet or equine dentist to prevent dental issues.

A visit to an equine dentist typically costs between $175 and $350. Dental issues like sharp edges will result in more frequent visits.

Insurance costs

Public liability insurance costs under $250 per year.

Basic horse insurance plans cost around $40 per month, and added coverage can push costs to $350+. (theft, mortality, vet fee insurance, etc.)

At a minimum, public liability, personal protection, and vet fee insurance are recommended. Competition steeds will require more specialized cover.

Gear and accessories

Both Tennessee Walking horses and riders need equipment.

Bridles start at around $120, and saddles and girths about $650. Some specialized saddlers make items specifically for gaited breeds, where a set starts at $3,000.

Grooming kits cost from $80.

Training costs

Hiring a professional horse trainer, whether for pleasure riding or competitions, costs between $50 and $150 per day for basic training.

Specialized services or show ring training may be charged at an hourly rate.

Rates can vary by location and trainer experience. 

Registration costs for shows and events

Entry fees for competitions vary significantly.

The fees for different classes at the Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration range from $30 to $2,560.

European Championship participants pay $234 for TWHCE or TWHBEA members and $280 for non-members. These exclude grounds fees, stall rentals, and parking fees.

How Much Does a Tennessee Walking Horse Cost In the UK?

In the UK, the cost of a Tennessee Walking horse depends on the horse’s age, training, gender, and pedigree. Expect to pay £2,000 to over £8,000.

Prices rise if you want a horse for breeding and increase even more for performance horses. A Tennessee Walker is priced higher than the cost of an American Paint horse, for example.

Importing can be expensive, unlike buying a locally bred animal – take a look at the cost of a Shire horse, for example. Remember to add in the UK legislation-required horse passport for a fee of £30.

FAQs

Why is a Tennessee Walker horse popular?

A Tennessee Walker horse is popular because of its size. A full-grown horse measures 4 feet 11 inches to 5 feet 11 inches in height and can weigh 915-1,323 lbs. Compared to a Percheron horse, the Walker’s long neck emphasizes the height.

What is a horse passport?

All equines in the UK are legally required to have a horse passport, even if they do not travel. Think of it like the horse’s ID document. An imported horse will need its passport stamped by the authorities.

What is the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association?

The TWHBEA is a non-profit organization promoting and preserving the Tennessee Walking horse breed.

Since 1935, the association has been the governing body for the breed and is involved in various activities, including maintaining accurate records of lineage and ownership.

Like other breeds, Tennessee Walkers were bred for trail riders. If this is what you are looking for, you may want to ask about the cost of a Mustang horse.

Final Thoughts

The cost of a Tennessee Walker horse varies widely depending on factors like age, pedigree, training, and show records. Additionally, long-term expenses like boarding, healthcare, and gear should also be considered. 

Whether you’re looking for an easy trail ride, a competitive show horse, or breed stock, these factors will guide you toward finding the right horse for your needs and budget.