The Horse That Wouldn't Trot: A Life with Tennessee Walking Horses: Lessons Learned and Memories Shared by Rose Miller

The true story of the Tennessee Walking Horse—its humble beginnings, glory days, and the fight to protect it from cruelty.

In 1886, a black colt named Allan was born into trotting royalty. His sire came from the Hamiltonian line of trotters, and his dam from a famous line of Morgan horses. But Allan refused to trot. Instead, he paced—and was dismissed as useless in the world of trotting racehorses. It wasn’t until he was seventeen that Allan proved his worth, becoming the foundation sire of the Tennessee Walking Horse and forever changing the breed’s history.

Drawing on the rare historical work Echoes of Hoofbeats by Dr. Bob Womack and her own decades of experience, Rose Miller blends history, personal memoir, and advocacy in The Horse That Wouldn’t Trot—a heartfelt journey through her thirty-plus years with Tennessee Walkers. From raising and training champion stallions to uncovering the dark truth behind the abusive practice of “soring,” Miller’s story celebrates the grace and beauty of the breed while speaking out for its welfare.

Follow Rose from her 1940s childhood dream of raising horses, through tornado survival, national championships, heartbreaking losses, and inspiring triumphs. Meet unforgettable horses like:

* Xanadu – a Supreme Versatility Champion who mastered everything from trail work to show jumping.

* Praise Hallelujah – a naturally-gaited show champion and beloved sire whose colts and fillies carried on his legacy.

* Cookie – a rescued mare who overcame cruelty with courage.

* Redeemed – a foal brought back from the brink who brought joy to two young girls in need.

Miller’s candid accounts reveal the joy of breeding and training sound, willing horses—and the heartbreak of losing them. Along the way, she shares behind-the-scenes moments from the show ring, the breeding shed, and quiet pastures where horses and humans built lifelong bonds.

The Horse That Wouldn’t Trot also confronts the ongoing issue of soring. Despite the Horse Protection Act, this cruel practice persists in some circles. Miller’s personal experiences, combined with her involvement in advocacy efforts like the PAST Act, make this not only a memoir but also a call to action for humane training and showing.