Official Alabama State Horse

 

The racking horse is very similiar to the Tennessee Walking Horse; a racking horse has a naturally smmoth gait, and is very strong.  The animal can sustain a fast pace for extended periods of time. This horses origin dates to the founding of America in the plantations of the south.  The reason its popularity grew so much is due to the ability to ride the horse for extended periods of time. 

What is called the "rack" of the Racking Horse is really a bi-lateral four-beat gait which is neither a pace nor a trot. Many people call it a "single-foot" because only one foot strikes is touching the ground at anytime. This is a natural gait for this animal and is not "trained" into the animal, like is necessary with other horses. 

People who are beginning to ride for the first time loves the racking horse because it is such a comfortable ride and it is a very freindly horse.  This animal is also gorgous with a long sloping neck, full flanks, smooth legs, and finely textured and soft hair and can come in various colors including black, brown, gray, chestnut, yellow, and even spotted.  The body of this horse is "lighter" than many other breeds coming in at 1,000 lbs. 

Act no. 1153 designated the Racking Horse as the Alabama State Horse.