How can I tell if he is saddlebred or tenneesse walker?

Question

Horse was bought at an auction on friday. he was shown in the auction ring in western tack, two handed on the reins, and had an "unusual" canter that looked very slow and uphill, and very comfortable...not like a regular canter. Horse was well cared for and trained to do something...we just dont know what. he was bathed, clipped and is shod all the way around (recent) he has an upright, long neck, beautiful large, kind eye...head is a little large ...not chiseled like most saddlebreds. he is very elegant, with exceptional bone on the legs, and great feet. has a long back/croup and is built pretty narrow right now..he is 3 years old and a good 15.3 - 16 hands. He is very well mannered, and they have asked me to ride him...i would like to keep doing what he has been trained for. Any suggestions as to what breed he is? he is a paint color. no papers. what was that canter that we saw when he was ridden? thanks in advance:)

Answer 1

That conformation description could describe a dozen different breeds, and you have to take in account that not every horse reads the description in the breed book and knows what they're "supposed" to look like. I have a foxtrotting, 13.3hh, tiny-headed registered TWH standing in my  backyard at the moment who can testify to that!

If he's trotting, he's more than likely a ASB. There are western classes at ASB shows, and people can school their horses however the heck they please. I don't know about ASB, but many arab people school everything in a western saddle - hunter, and saddleseat horses too.

A TWH might not do the signature running walk, but odds are you'd get a step pace or pace, not a pure trot.

My advice is quit worrying about a past you'll never know anything about, and go ride the horse and see what he knows. What does the owner want him to be? That's the important thing.  

Answer 2

The slow uphill canter describes a TWH, as does the rest of your description. Pinto coloring is becoming more common in TWH's.  Many show ASB's and TWH's are ridden in 'western' classes but with a lot more BLING.

<<+>>  TWH are a mixed bag of gaits.  Some are 'trotty', some are 'pacey'.  Way back, they even have common ancestors with Morgans and Saddlebreds.  Enjoy your TWH.

Answer 3

Do you have a photo (or even better, a video)?  He sounds lovely, whatever he is, but a photo would probably be the easiest way of determining which he is.  

Answer 4

By the gait