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. As a general rule I don't read biographies and autobiographies. They just don't interest me, which was why I was so surprised that this book drew me in so quickly. Yes, this book is about horses, but more than that it's about a life with horses. It's about the people and their attachment to these wonderful animals, their triumphs and struggles. This book will break your heart and then mend it. There are some horrible things in here about the Tennessee Walking world, and the methods that are used to achieve the 'big lick' gait. Still, it's something people need to know. I'm still stunned to find there are people out there who really don't know about the cruelties of the professional horse world. I think I take for granted, having learned a lot at a professional Dressage barn, that there are bad people, bad trainers, and very cruel methods. A lot of the public doesn't know these things, though. The cruelties to the horses aren't the only tragedies. The human side of the story has its fair share of pain, of struggle, but that's life. And reading about how these struggles are pushed through, the triumph and tragedy that this family has gone through...it really touched me. I originally picked up this book to learn more about Tennessee Walkers. I found a completely unexpected journey, as I read it, and I'm so very grateful I did. Emily, Goodread review Rose was raised with her only sibling, Linda, on a 50 acre farm in northern Pennsylvania, right next to gorgeous Tioga State Park. Dad and Mom were school teachers in a close town, but the sisters went to a one room country school to 8th grade. Because of the farm's location miles from town, cows and horses became close and beloved companions. Inspired to share her life story, she began writing about what she knew and loved: animals. For over 40 years she lived in northern Indiana managing a thriving Tennessee Walking horse farm. Now retired she lives in Prescott, AZ with her husband, Hal, and enjoys trail riding the mules and retired show horses that moved with them. She paints "impressionistic style" in acrylic medium, and is the proud grandmother of Alexis and Ava.