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
Breed Group:
Show horseHeight & Weight:
They are smaller than other horses, with an average height of 15.2 hands and an average weight of 1000 pounds.Coat:
They have glossy coats with fine hair. There may be white patches on the forehead, ears, mane and above the hooves.Head & Neck:
They have sloping necks which makes their well developed heads almost point at the ground.Body:
They have graceful bodies with full flanks and smooth legs.Conformation:
Though small in size, they have better bone structure than other horse breeds. They have broad hooves.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.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.Popularity:
They are hugely popular for their unique gait and slender looks.Registries:
The Racking Horse Breeders' Association of America was formed in 1971.
Racking Horses- Horse Breed Origins
Country of Origin:
USALineage/Bloodline:
Unknown, as it is thought to be one of the oldest horse breeds in America.Historical Information:
In 1975, the racking horse was given the prestige of becoming the state horse of Alabama.
Racking Horses- Horse Breed Defining Characteristics
Training Ease:
They can be easily trained by anyone who knows how to ride a horse.Temperament:
They are gentle creatures, highly obedient to their masters.Child Friendly:
Racking horses are friendly with children and like to demonstrate when children are around.Behavior:
Despite their showy appearance and slender bodies, they can work for long hours.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.Uses:
They are extremely versatile horses, being used for shows as well as trails.
Racking Horses- Horse Breed Concerns
Health Issues:
They can suffer from tendonitis and equine influenza. Equine influenza can be controlled by vaccination.Feeding:
They may eat once in about 3 to 5 hours and their diet is vegetarian composed of grasses, hay, legumes and shrubs.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
What to Look for:
Look for a steady body structure and check the gait. Eyes, nose and ears must be clear and not moist.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.