Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum | Nashville

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum, located in Wartrace, Tennessee, is the sole museum in the world devoted entirely to preserving and celebrating the history, culture, and legacy of the Tennessee Walking Horse breed. Wartrace itself is often called the "Cradle of the Tennessee Walking Horse," making the museum a fitting epicenter for this iconic breed’s heritage.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The museum chronicles the rise of the Tennessee Walking Horse, a breed known for its distinctive smooth gait and versatility, which originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Tennessee. This horse breed gained immense popularity for its calm temperament and comfortable riding style, becoming a symbol of Southern equestrian tradition.

The museum serves as a living archive, honoring the breeders, trainers, riders, and horses that shaped the breed’s identity and contributed to its growth on both regional and national levels.

Location and Setting

Situated at 27 Main Street East in downtown Wartrace, the museum occupies a historic building within this small, picturesque town. Wartrace is roughly an hour’s drive southeast of Nashville, making it accessible for day visitors and tourists interested in equestrian history or Tennessee heritage.

The museum’s location in Wartrace is significant, as the town is home to many historic horse farms and was a pivotal center for breeding and training Tennessee Walking Horses.

Exhibits and Collections

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum presents a broad and detailed collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and interpretive displays that provide visitors with a deep understanding of the breed’s history, achievements, and cultural impact:

Strolling Jim Exhibit: This centerpiece honors Strolling Jim, the first ever World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse, crowned in 1939. The museum prominently displays a famous portrait of Strolling Jim by artist Bill Humphreys, as well as related memorabilia connected to trainer Floyd Carothers. This exhibit embodies the origins of the breed’s competitive tradition.

World Grand Champions: The museum maintains an updated collection of saddles, bridles, show tack, and awards belonging to past World Grand Champions. These items are rotated regularly to feature the current champion’s gear, giving visitors a living history of the breed’s elite competitors.

Notable Riders: Dedicated displays highlight significant individuals such as Betty Sain, the first woman to win the World Grand Championship in 1966 riding “Shaker’s Shocker.” This exhibit emphasizes the evolving role of women in the sport and the inclusivity of the Tennessee Walking Horse community.

Historical Memorabilia: Visitors can explore collections of vintage show bills, photographs, promotional posters, magazines, and rare artifacts that document the breed’s development, shows, and breeding practices over the decades.

Multimedia Archives: The museum holds restored film footage of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration and other historical events, providing dynamic visual context for the breed’s competitive and cultural milestones.

Educational and Community Role

Beyond being a repository for artifacts, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum plays an active role in education and community engagement:

It offers guided tours and educational programs tailored for schools, equestrian enthusiasts, and tourists, helping visitors understand the breed’s unique characteristics and historical significance.

The museum organizes temporary and traveling exhibits, focusing on themes such as juvenile riders, saddlery craftsmanship, and regional equestrian traditions.

It collaborates with organizations like the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association and participates in events that promote the breed’s welfare and awareness.

Awards and Recognition

The museum has received several accolades for its contributions to preserving Tennessee’s cultural and equestrian heritage. Notably, in 2025, it earned two awards from the Tennessee Association of Museums:

Award of Excellence for its “Traveling Exhibit – Juvenile Riders,” highlighting youth involvement in the sport.

Award of Commendation for its “Temporary Exhibit – Parade of Saddles,” showcasing the artistry and history of equestrian tack.

These honors recognize the museum’s commitment to high-quality exhibits and educational outreach.

Nearby Points of Interest

Visitors to the museum can enhance their experience by exploring Wartrace’s other notable attractions:

Walking Horse Hotel: This historic hotel once owned by Floyd Carothers, the trainer of Strolling Jim, is a local landmark. Strolling Jim is buried behind the hotel, making it a poignant site for fans of the breed.

Wartrace Historic District: The town’s downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring preserved buildings and markers that offer insight into the broader history of the community and its equestrian roots.

Practical Information for Visitors

Hours of Operation:

November through March: Open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM.

April through October: Open Thursday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Group tours are available by appointment with advance notice.

Admission: The museum offers free entry, though donations are welcomed to support its operations and programming.

Accessibility: The museum’s setting in a historic building provides an intimate environment, ideal for small groups and detailed exploration of the exhibits.

Summary

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum stands as an essential destination for anyone interested in the story of the Tennessee Walking Horse-the breed that shaped Tennessee’s equestrian culture and made a lasting mark on the horse world. Through carefully curated exhibits, rare artifacts, and engaging educational programs, the museum preserves and celebrates the breed’s rich past, honors its champions and pioneers, and connects visitors to the ongoing tradition that thrives in Shelbyville, Wartrace, and beyond. It encapsulates not only the beauty and performance of these horses but also the deep-rooted human stories that accompany their legacy.