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The Hackney Horse and Pony Height Ponies 12.2hh - 14.2hh. Horses over 14.2.hh. Colour Black, brown, bay or chestnut. Build Body should be of adequate length, with a good depth of body and well sprung ribs. Chest should be broad, yet not excessively wide. Shoulders should be powerful and sloping, with withers reasonably high. Neck should be of moderate length, well arched and carried high, head should be straight or slightly dished with eyes set well apart. Legs should have clearly defined tendons, plenty of clean flat bone. Forelegs should be long in the fore arm, short in the cannon and be attatched well forward of the shoulder. Hind legs should be of good length from stifle to hock. Hooves should be well rounded and open at the heels. Hind hooves slightly more upright than the fores. The Hackney Ponys conformation is similar; he would be expected to have more pony like features, a ponyish head and ears, being much more compact throughout the body. Movement Free from the shoulder and ground covering, with knees and hocks well flexed. History Originating from the Norfolk region of Britain, the Hackney Horse is a decendant of the Norfolk Trotter. Early ancestors of the Hackney would have been used for farm work, a days hunting, even as a light cavalry mount during wartimes. In later years, carriage horse breeding was flourishing, the 1700s saw improvements to road conditions meaning that horses for transport were in demand. Breeding of Hackneys focused around speed rather than show, many Hackneys were successful competitors in local trotting races, which were all the rage at this time. The onset of the Regency period saw an element of flamboyance added to changing fashions, impressive looking carriage horses were prized and sought after. Arabian blood was added to the breed to create a more refined looking type. A horse with a high head carriage and knee action was a real status symbol. The late 1800s saw parts of England become known for their famous trotters and carriage horses. In addition to the Hackney, there were the Norfolk Trotters, Lincolnshire trotters and Yorkshire Roadsters. Hackney horses had gained such a reputation for their qualities, at this time they were being exported to the Continent and America. Many of todays breeds such as the Dutch Warm Blood, Morgan, and American Show Pony, have strong Hackney influence amongst their pedigrees. In 1878, it was agreed by English Trotting Horse Breeders, that pedigree registers should be kept. In 1883, the Hackney Horse Society was founded, its first volume of the stud book was produced one year later. This time also saw the creation of the Hackney pony. Breeder Mr Wilson of Westmoreland, wanted to create a pony breed with the qualities of a Hackney horse. For his breeding programme he used a selection of Fells, and a part bred Welsh mare, along with his foundation stallion, 'Sir George', who was foaled in 1886. The invention of the motor car saw a decline in the breeding of carriage horses, numbers of Hackneys were in decline. During the post war revival of horse and pony showing and breeding; there began a distinct move towards breeding the Hackney Horse and Pony as the show animal type that we know today. The Hackney Pony of today can be credited as a spectacular show harness animal; as well as enjoying success in competitive driving. His qualities are still sought after today, for the breeding of sport horses and ponies. Breed Society Hackney horse Society http://www.hackney-horse.org.uk/index.asp American Hackney Breed Society http://www.hackneysociety.com/ Did you know? Hackney horse, Lady Combermere, was said to be able to trot at up to 20 mph. The word 'Hackney' is derived from the French word "haquenee" which means a horse whos favoured pace is trot. The RBST currently recognises the Hackney Horse and Pony status as 'Critical'. Time line 1883 - Hackney Horse Society founded. 1884 - First volume of the stud book issued. 1891 - American Hackney horse Society founded. |
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