What Tennessee Can Teach Us About Horse Racing Culture in the United States

When people think of horse racing in the United States, Kentucky naturally comes to mind. It is, after all, where 20 million people around the world focus their attention come one weekend in May. But while the Derby draws eyes to the sport, Tennessee quietly contributes to horse racing culture in its own way.

Right now, we’re in the thick of Triple Crown season. The Kentucky Derby has already passed. The Belmont Stakes is fast approaching. Incidentally, if you’re interested in learning more, you can do so here: https://www.twinspires.com/belmont-stakes/

Don’t forget, however, that Tennessee has lots of history with the game of kings. In this article, we take a look at how Tennessee has contributed to horse racing culture in the United States.

Thoroughbred Roots

Tennessee has been a hub for thoroughbred breeding and racing since the 1800s. In fact, the state’s association with equestrian studies has presidential origins. Andrew Jackson owned and managed the Hermitage, which was a major hub for thoroughbred racing and breeding.

Around that same time, Belle Meade Plantation, which was located in Nashville, served as a powerhouse that created generations of equestrian talent, all from a single source.

Around this same time, Tennessee had a longstanding history of working with mules in a racing capacity as well. At the time, they served as both a source of entertainment and a crucial element of the state’s agrarian-based economy.

The Tennessee Walking Horse

The Tennessee Walking Horse is a popular breed known for its smooth gait, which resembles a running walk. Perhaps, as the name suggests, the breed originated in Tennessee, with sources pinpointing its origin to the 18th century.

The breed is not actually designed for racing, but optimized more specifically for a comfortable combination of work and travel. The horse breed was not recognized until the 1930s, but had been circulating much longer, providing a user-friendly riding experience that is considered deserving of recognition to this day.

In fact, the Tennessee Walking Horse is still recognized annually in Shelbyville, where each year the Walking Horse National Celebration is held with a design on acknowledging the unique and truly impactful effect of this special animal.

Does Tennessee Have Horse Racing?

Tennessee hosts several notable horse racing events throughout the year, including the Iroquois Steeplechase, which takes place in Nashville in May. However, it’s worth noting that, unlike neighboring states, pari-mutuel betting is completely outlawed in Tennessee, which significantly reduces the volume of horse racing activity within the state.

This is disappointing for fans, but it’s also a good reminder that equestrian activity can and does exist beyond the scope of betting. Tennessee could likely benefit financially from a more permissive pari-mutuel betting regulatory environment, but for now, the vibrant culture that horses provide is still very much in place.

The Lesson

If there is a lesson about horse culture illustrated by Tennessee, it’s this: There are many ways that a place can contribute to the world of equestrian life. It is true that Tennessee has restrictive (arguably too restrictive) laws concerning horse betting.

These regulations haven’t slowed the state down at all. Races are great. They are also only an element of the horse economy. The flashiest component, perhaps. But an isolated element all the same.

It’s something to note. Equestrian economies are both strong and diverse in terms of revenue streams. Events like the Kentucky Derby create jobs and generate enormous amounts of money–but only in short, limited bursts.

It’s the quieter side of the industry that creates stability and generates careers. Thousands of people all over the state put food on the table by breeding and caring for horses. Many thousands more benefit tangentially from the increased activity and spending levels of communities that are built around equestrian husbandry.

You could say that the Tennessee walking horse is the perfect embodiment of this philosophy. It’s an elegant animal to be sure. It’s also one that is bred for utility over everything. That’s Tennessee’s approach to equestrian rearing in a nutshell. A functional horse economy that’s quietly carved a huge niche for itself.

The Future Of Horse Activity In Tennessee

It’s safe to say that Tennessee has a very secure hold on its positioning as a national leader in the world of horse racing. It is currently the sixth largest producer of horses in the country, with more than 200,000 in the state. To this day, equestrians remain a vital component of the state economy, creating jobs and opportunities for thousands of people.