HORSE AND PONY BREEDS

9. THE HACKNEY

The Hackney is a fascinating breed that originated in Norfolk, England. The breed recognises both the Hackney Pony and the Hackney Horse. Any animal under 14.2 hands high is considered a Hackney Pony, and anything above this height is a Hackney Horse.

ORIGINS

The Hackney breed originated with the now extinct breed called the Norfolk Trotter, which was selectively bred to have an extravagant, speedy trot. The Norfolk Trotters were fantastic war horses as their pacing and elevated gaits suited warfare. As a result, in 1542, King Henry VIII required his wealthy subjects to keep a specified number of Norfolk Trotter stallions for breeding use to ensure these talented horses were in plentiful supply.

The Norfolk Trotter is thought to have influenced all modern-day trotting horses, and the modern-day Hackney is said to have been developed by the crossing of Norfolk and Yorkshire Trotters in the early 1800s.

The Hackney, however, nearly died out due to the development of the railway, but their brilliant gaits saved them from extinction, as the breed began shining in the show ring. Hackneys are still highly successful and popular in harness, sought out for their glamour and presence as singles, pairs, and fours.

DID YOU KNOW?

The most influential Norfolk Trotter sire in history is the stallion Shales, also known as “Old Shales”. Shales had a Thoroughbred sire, Blaze, who was a son of the undefeated racehorse, Flying Childers Remarkably, Flying Childers was a direct son of the Darley Arabian, one of the three foundation sires of the Thoroughbred.

THE MODERN HACKNEY

The most remarkable feature of the modern Hackney Horse and Pony is their fantastic, exaggerated movement. The gait of the Hackney, which is what makes it famous, is its spectacular and highly distinctive shoulder action with a very high knee action. The hocks also flex right up under the body with each stride.

On top of this, Hackneys are a versatile, intelligent and beloved breed that excels in many disciplines, including dressage. Both the Hackney Horse and Pony are very popular in the United States, with horses and ponies being used in a variety of classes.