The National Park Service (NPS) announced the first partnership with a horse breed registry–the Tennessee Walking Horse–in an agreement designed to revive interest in trail riding by rangers and park visitors.

The breed’s high-stepping gait and calm temperament is well suited for backcountry trails, but the horse’s signature walk has come under recent criticism in the show ring.

The partnership could improve the Walking Horse industry’s image after federal agriculture authorities warned it last year to clean up the physical abuse that has persisted for decades.

But most of the negative attention is focused on a small percentage of walking horse owners and trainers, says Chuck Cadle, CEO and executive director of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association