diff --git a/jme3-core/src/main/java/com/jme3/animation/SkeletonControl.java b/jme3-core/src/main/java/com/jme3/animation/SkeletonControl.java
index 4d001c365..b1f3d02df 100644
--- a/jme3-core/src/main/java/com/jme3/animation/SkeletonControl.java
+++ b/jme3-core/src/main/java/com/jme3/animation/SkeletonControl.java
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ public class SkeletonControl extends AbstractControl implements Cloneable {
     /**
      * User wishes to use hardware skinning if available.
      */
-    private transient boolean hwSkinningDesired = false;
+    private transient boolean hwSkinningDesired = true;
     
     /**
      * Hardware skinning is currently being used.