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The Hackney is a unique breed of horse in that it has been bred into two "types": the Hackney horse and the Hackney pony.
Hackney horses originated in England during the early 1700's by crossing Arabian and Thoroughbred horses with a higher percentage of Thoroughbred blood. The resulting horse was once again crossed with with the Norfolk Trotter, a horse common to Britain. The end result was a refined, light horse with a very dynamic trot and a great deal of style and spirit. Crossing the Hackney horse with small Welsh ponies created the Hackney pony. The ponies retained many of the same characteristics as the Hackney horse.
Due to its beautiful high stepping trotting action, the Hackney horses and ponies were favored as carriage horses by English aristocrats and horseman. Importation of the breed from England into the United States began in the late 1800's. American breeders were more concerned about the size of the Hackney pony versus the Hackney horse, and it was at this point in time that certain type specifics were created. In 1883 the English Hackney Horse Society was created to preserve and develop the integrity of the Hackney lines. There was a great deal of import and export of quality breeding stock between England and the United States resulting in closer relations between British and American horses than in most other breeds. However, it wasn't until 1994 that the American Hackney Horse Society Foundation was founded in order to provide information and further promote and educate the positive aspects of the Hackney breed of horses and ponies
The breed characteristics established by the Hackney Horse Societies specify that a Hackney pony must measure under 14.2 hands (a hand is 4 inches, horses are measured in hands from the ground to their withers). The pony should posses a fine head with small ears and a well balanced body. Preferably with trim legs and feet, a short back and nicely arched neck and tail.
The Hackney horse is generally a bit heavier than the pony and can range in size from 14 to 16 hands tall. It, too should have a fine, refined look about it with a short strong back and a well arched neck and tail.
Both the horse and pony should exhibit the high stepping action in both front and back legs that they were bred for. Snappy motion, proud carriage of the head and tail and calm alertness are also valued qualities of both the Hackney horse and pony.
Because of the Hackney's bold, high stepping trot they generally make a poor riding horse since the gait is rather rough and uncomfortable for the rider. They are generally used as show horses and are either shown in hand (with the handler on the ground and the horse in a halter) or in harness pulling a carriage. When shown in harness, horses may be shown alone or in teams of two or four horses.
The Hackney breed is valued for its soundness, its spirit, and its beauty. Although pure bred Hackney horses and ponies do not make the best riding horses, it's becoming more and more popular to cross them with other breeds. This crossbreeding has resulted in some outstanding athletes, particularly when Hackneys are crossed with Thoroughbreds. This cross is resulting in many fine jumping horses.
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