The Hackney

If one induces the horse to assume that carriage which it would adopt of
its own accord when displaying its beauty, then, one directs the horse to
appear joyous and magnificent, proud and remarkable for having been ridden. - Xenophon
 

In the 1300’s when the King of England requested the breeding of a powerful yet attractive horse with a strong trot and a comfortable gait, breeders produced the Hackney. Although it was not until the 18th and 19th centuries that a modern Hackney was developed in Britain, the foundation for such a horse was there. Today’s Hackney is closely related to the English Thoroughbred, and the original Oriental Stallions credited with developing the Thoroughbred breed were bred to native mares to develop the Hackney. This foundation stock created two breed variations of today’s Hackney- the Norfolk Trotter and the Yorkshire Roadster(both extinct.) Over time and careful breeding to other breeds including the Gelderland, Furioso, French Trotter, Welsh Cob, Standardbred, American Saddlebred, Orlov Trotter, and the Maremmano, the Hackney has developed into an exquisitely gaited pony and horse breed, prized by those interested in gaited horses.

Hackneys come in both pony and horse size today and are recognized distinctly as the Hackney Horse (14.2 hands to 16.2 hands high) and the Hackney Pony (under 14.2 hands high.) Traditionally they are a solid color, including bay, dark bay, chestnut, and black. Due to their sabino genetics, they often are complimented by white markings, such as a blaze or strip, and white stockings.

Both the pony and horse version are identifiable by a well-shaped head, often accompanied by a convex profile, and wide, expressive eyes. The ears are proportionate and delicate, and the neck is carried elegantly in an arched fashion from the withers. They have a powerful, long shoulder ideal for their gait, and a broad well-defined chest that makes them an ideal carriage horse. A compact barrel, muscular croup, and powerful hindquarters accentuate their power. The legs are also strong, with broad, clean joints and long forearms and gaskins, low hocks, and medium length pasterns. The hooves are usually round and very tough.

Hackney’s are very intelligent and sweet in nature, and their natural energy and enthusiasm make them an ideal mount as well as carriage horse. They have recently become popular with junior competitors as a result of their extreme trainability.

With a gait known only as the “Hackney Trot”, the Hackney shows a remarkable and distinct gait rivaled by no other horse. Fluid and free with a remarkably fast action, the hocks are brought up under the body and raised high. Action of the shoulder and hind legs are smooth, graceful, and quick, and when displayed properly shows extreme brilliance. They are easily recognized by their distinct trot and a moment of complete suspension when all four hooves leave the ground allowing the horse to appear to “float.”

Mr. A. J. Cassat imported the first Hackney pony to America. 239 Stella was brought to Philadelphia, in 1878 and by 1891, Mr. Cassat and other Hackney enthusiasts founded the American Hackney Horse Society, an organization that continues today.

Both the Hackney horse and pony are versatile performers that can be shown under saddle, in harness, and in hand. The harness ponies are shown in Hackney Pony (Cob Tail), Harness Pony (long tail), Roadster Pony, and Pleasure Pony. They can be shown single, as a pair, four in hand, obstacle, and even under saddle. The Hackney horse can be shown in harness (single or pair) as well as under saddle and in hand. They are also driven in carriage and combined driving event as singles, pairs, unicorns, tandems, and four in hands. In the sporting discipline, riders use Hackneys for hunter, jumper, dressage, eventing, pleasure, and competitive trail ride events.

Today, Hackney horse and pony enthusiasts continue to enjoy the Hackney and its remarkable high-stepping trot in many disciplines and sports. While widely criticized by the gaited horse industry as not actually being gaited, there is no doubt in the minds of Hackney owners that Hackneys have a very distinct gait not seen in any other horse. They are perhaps the easiest breed to identify in a show ring, and a marvel to watch when they exhibit their ground eating strides.

By Kelly Ann Denine

Photo Credits:
Crooked Pine Ranch, Florida for the pictures of Crooked Pines Admiral and David Vyse for the pictures from Sunbeam Hackneys.

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