Horse Illustrated Magazine

Walking Horses, Racking Horses and Spotted Saddle Horses will be showing off their skills this week in dressage, jumping, reining, and other events not traditionally considered to be gaited horse specialties.

The National Walking Horse Association is committed to promoting the sound Tennessee Walking Horse, and The National, which runs September 28-October 3 at the Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, offers exhibitors a variety of classes for all types of Walking Horses.

Dressage competition at The National began Monday. Dressage tests are similar to USDF tests, but modified for the unique gaits of the Walking Horse. Jumping classes, pole bending and barrel racing all take place on Friday afternoon. Traditional English and western pleasure and trail classes run through the week with the major championship classes taking place on Saturday evening.

Riders of versatile Walking Horses may opt to compete for the All-Around and English All-Around awards. Points for these awards are tabulated from a variety of pre-determined classes, which include Western Riding, Reining, Trail Obstacle and Barrel Racing for the All-Around, and Dressage, Jumping, Hunter over Fences and Walking Seat Equitation for the English All-Around.

For more information, visit nwha.com.