Why do Tennessee Walking Horses nod their heads when gaiting?
Tennessee Walking Horses, when performing the flat walk or running walk will nod their heads in rhythm with the cadence of their feet. Tennessee Walking Horses performing the running walk gait will continue nodding their heads; this feature is unique to the breed. Since their gaits are easy for them to perform, some Tennessee Walking Horses will relax certain muscles when running walking and may also flop their ears, pop their lips, or even click their teeth in rhythm.
