The Tennessee Walking Horse or Tennessee Walker is a breed of gaited horse known for its unique four-beat "Running-walk" and flashy movement. It is a popular riding horse due to its calm disposition, smooth gaits and sure-footedness. A popular but cruel technique used to exaggerate this movement is called soring, where the horse is put into pain to lift its hooves higher. It is considered 'prettier' but can leave the horse with permanent lameness.