Racking Horses like to draw attention towards themselves with their stately racking gait. Here's everything you need to know about this horse breed.

Racking Horses- Horse Breed Facts

1. Breed Group:

   Show horse

2. Height & Weight:

   They are smaller than other horses, with an average height of 15.2 hands and an average weight of 1000 pounds.

3. Coat:

   They have glossy coats with fine hair. There may be white patches on the forehead, ears, mane and above the hooves.

4. Head & Neck:

   They have sloping necks which makes their well developed heads almost point at the ground.

5. Body:

   They have graceful bodies with full flanks and smooth legs.

6. Conformation:

   Though small in size, they have better bone structure than other horse breeds. They have broad hooves.

7. Colors:

   They are present in colors such as black, bay, sorrel, chestnut, brown, gray, yellow, cremello, buckskin, dun, palomino, roan, champagne, and can also come spotted.

8. Gait:

   They are most well-known for their racking gait. In this special gait, only one foot touches the ground at a time. They can also perform other gaits such as walking, trotting, cantering and galloping.

9. Popularity:

   They are hugely popular for their unique gait and slender looks.

10. Registries:

    The Racking Horse Breeders' Association of America was formed in 1971.

Racking Horses- Horse Breed Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   USA

2. Lineage/Bloodline:

   Unknown, as it is thought to be one of the oldest horse breeds in America.

3. Historical Information:

   In 1975, the racking horse was given the prestige of becoming the state horse of Alabama.

Racking Horses- Horse Breed Defining Characteristics

1. Training Ease:

   They can be easily trained by anyone who knows how to ride a horse.

2. Temperament:

   They are gentle creatures, highly obedient to their masters.

3. Child Friendly:

   Racking horses are friendly with children and like to demonstrate when children are around.

4. Behavior:

   Despite their showy appearance and slender bodies, they can work for long hours.

5. Riding Ease:

   Racking horses can provide fun rides for children as well as trail rides for adults. It is considered very easy to ride a racking horse.

6. Uses:

   They are extremely versatile horses, being used for shows as well as trails.

Racking Horses- Horse Breed Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   They can suffer from tendonitis and equine influenza. Equine influenza can be controlled by vaccination.

2. Feeding:

   They may eat once in about 3 to 5 hours and their diet is vegetarian composed of grasses, hay, legumes and shrubs.

3. Outfitting:

   These horses can be shown with a full outfit which includes a saddle, bridle and even hoof pads. But they perform well even without outfitting.

Racking Horses- How to Choose a Horse Breed

1. What to Look for:

   Look for a steady body structure and check the gait. Eyes, nose and ears must be clear and not moist.

2. What you will Need:

   Requirements for racking horses are fewer than other breeds. Basic necessities like a horse outfit and an adequate amount of barn space would do.