Why are most Tennessee Walking Horses ridden in bits with shanks?
Tennessee Walking Horses are generally started in their bridle work with a full check snaffle bit. Once the young horse has mastered his bridle work skills and is performing under saddle successfully, the knowledgeable trainer may choose to move the Tennessee Walking Horse into a bit with shanks. This is usually done once the Tennessee Walking Horse is demonstrating proper gait with ample overstride and head nod. The shanks aid the skilled rider in obtaining proper head set while allowing the rider to keep his or her hands steady and quiet against the quick head nodding motion of the horse.
