I have never owned or ridden a gaited horse in my life.  I have the chance to get a gaited TWH mare who is well broke to the trails and such.  What do I need to know?  I know that's a broad question, but I haven't the slightest clue and the riding stable I am at doesn't have any gaited horses in it.  I would be interested in possible riding her in shows, but I ride hunter jumper.  Is this something she could be trained to do just like a non-gaited horse?  I'm sorry for my ignorance but I really don't know.........

Thanks everyone!

Tennessee Walkers are not only extremely willing to please but extremely versatile -- they are a wonderfully dispositioned all-around horse.

 Some have shown in hunter/jumper, dressage, and they do great at Team Penning.

 Bear in mind, that if you want to go clear to the top with exceptional performances, stick with the breeds that are best known for that.

TWH's excel on the trail.  I own three -- point them and they go.

In terms of riding.

If you want to show hopefully you can find a QUALIFIED Walking Horse trainer in your area.  Believe me, not all trainers are created equal.

If you just want to trail ride for now ---- well ------ the best lesson I got when I bought my first TWH 19+ years ago was to "keep my hands low and the reins slack, legs down (I am a fierce opponent of the "chair seat" when riding Walking Horses for pleasure & equitation), and pretend I was working a hoola hoop.

Let your lower torso just "roll" with the swing of the horse.

 When they first go into their running walk, many folks think they are trying to run away and that is not the case.  They merely getting their backend "up underneath" themselves and it feels sort of like turbo-boost on horseback:)

 You can go to www.TWHBEA.com and click on the "versatility" link to see what these fabulous horses are capable of:)

Hope this helps.

Thank you for your info!  Having never owned one I have no idea what I might be getting into.  I do hunters with my Arab and Paints, but I good trail horse to just ride is fine with me if that is all she becomes. 

I will heed your advice on the seat and hand positions and I'm sure I'll be terrified of the running walk at first, LOL!  I might try riding her the first few times in a ring so I can get used to everything. 

You're very lucky! I'd love to have a TWH for trails. Hunter judges may not like the look of a gaited horse, but my gaited pony used to be an amazing jumper, and I did hunter paces with her, which is like a show where you only do cross country. She also loved to go on foxhunts. I got her when she was 4 and I was 6 and had her for about 10 years, until I outgrew her. They are wonderful, stable, surefooted animals and I envy you the opportunity to own one!