Tennessee Walker horses are one of the favorite breeds of horse riders. They are best known for their incredible running walk and flashy movement. The question of Tennessee Walker’s horse lifespan is also a concern of many horse lovers.
In this article, let’s find out the average years this horse breed can live. Especially, don’t miss out on some tips about how to prolong their longevity.
Average Tennessee Walker horse lifespan
Tennessee Walker horses have a long average life expectancy of 30 years (equal to 85.5 in human age!). It is an extremely old age in the horse’s stage of life.
Tennessee Walker horses are also called “the Big Lick” horses in the show ring. Chemicals, devices, and pressure are used to inflict pain on their legs. So, they can lift their legs high off the ground, making flashy and exaggerated gaits. This action is called “soring” – considered a kind of animal abuse.
Tennessee Walker horse during a show ring
How to help Tennessee Walker horses live longer?
Because of soring, Tennessee Walker’s horse had to endure pain, which leads to poor health and other illnesses. Only in 2017, the act of soring was finally prohibited.
To prolong Tennessee Walker horses’ lifespan, you should pay attention to their nutrition and health. As this is a unique breed, some hereditary problems may develop over the year.
One possible ailment that normally occurs in the Tennessee Walking Horse is Equine Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (EPSM). Although there is no cure yet, you can manage it through exercise and diet.
Dental problems are also critical in Tennessee Walker horses’ longevity. Bad teeth lead to the inability to chew food properly, causing far-reaching illnesses to happen. Weight loss, malnutrition, choking, and colic are such examples. Therefore, don’t forget to arrange regular veterinary visits for your Tennessee Walker horse.
>>> Read more: 5 Interesting facts about Tennessee Walker Horse
Other Tennessee Walker horses’ health issues
When adopting Tennessee Walker horses, it is necessary to remember they’re certain health issues. Early attention helps treat your horse better and prolong their lifespan.
The first disease is Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis. This can cause paralysis, muscle weakness, or disorderly muscle twitching in your horse.
The second one is Polysaccharide storage myopathy, which can damage muscle tissue. It also makes the horse suffer from pain, stiffness, and more.
Last but not least, Malignant hyperthermia is alarming as well. The horses are likely to experience a condition of unusually high metabolic activity. Rapid breathing, increased heartbeat, and high temperature are some of the consequences.
Especially for Tennessee Walker horses that suffered from soring before, hoof issues and Navicular diseases are likely to happen.
Last Thought About Tennessee Walker Horse Lifespan.
Besides their unique gaits, Tennessee Walker horses are friendly and obedient buddies! Through this article, we have known the average Tennessee Walker horse lifespan, as well as how to take proper care of them.
If you have any thoughts, feel free to comment below and share them with us!
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