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Glite Dictionary
walking horse

walking horse

5.4
A horse trained to move fast and smoothly for long rides
  • noun
  • /ˈwɔːkɪŋ hɔːrs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : caballo de paso
  • Tennessee walking horse

Examples

  • Her mother had owned a Tennessee walking horse, a flashy bay named Jimbo whose black mane and tail she'd braided with red ribbons before she rode him in shows.

    Fiction book (1996)

  • Tennessee walking horses are known for their smooth gait and are often showcased in competitions.

  • The crowd cheered as the Tennessee walking horses displayed their elegant stride during the show.

  • At the annual fair, visitors can see Tennessee walking horses competing in various events.

Synonyms

plantation walking horse
vswalking horse
  • US
9.5

A horse bred for a smooth, fast running walk that is comfortable for long rides

is distinguished by a smoother running gait rather than only speed
Tennessee walking horse
vswalking horse
  • US
7.9

A breed of horse with a smooth, easy walk used for riding and shows

is intended more for trained stamina and sustained fast movement
Tennessee Walker
vswalking horse
6.5

A type of horse with a smooth, fast walk that can travel long distances for riding and shows

is defined by a smoother running gait rather than a distinctive step

How Fast

galloper
  • Archaic
1 7.6
canter
  • Specialized
4 6.5
walking horse
  • Specialized
5.4

Surface Forms

walking horse singular
walking horses plural

Morphology

walking + horse

The phrase is formed by the transparent adjective+noun pattern, so a B1 learner who knows 'walking' and 'horse' will likely infer it means a horse that walks or is used for walking. However, the technical sense referring to a specific breed/gait (a horse trained for a fast, smooth running walk) is specialized and not fully predictable from the constituents, so the expression is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Walking horse comes from a clear picture: horses trained to keep a very smooth, steady 'running walk' so the rider feels a gentle, gliding motion as the walking horse moves. That's why walking horse today means a breed people choose for a comfortable ride and for going far on long trips.