|
|
| Hackney Pony The origins of the Hackney as we know it began in Norfolk, England where the horses called Norfolk Trotters had been selectively bred for elegant style and speed. Seeking to improve on both accounts, breeders mated the Norfolk mares to grandsons of the foundation sires of the Thoroughbred. The first Hackney as we know the breed today is said to be The Shale's Horse, foaled in 1760. During the next 50 years, the Hackney was developed as a special breed.
The seas were being crossed regularly during the 1800's, by ships bearing both Hackney horses and the smaller ponies which certain breeders were selectively encouraging.
Vast improvements in British roadways in the mid-1800's also contributed to the development of the swift trotting horse. These roads did not always demand heavy dray animals which tug carts from deep ruts. Now, a man could say "Trot On" and really go!
The breeding of Hackneys in England was formalized in the founding of the Hackney Stud Book Society in 1883.
This was the Golden Age of Driving, when automobiles were not even a dream. The Hackney was the ultimate driving machine of the 1880's both in America and Britain. The first Hackney pony imported to America was 239 Stella, brought to Philadelphia by Mr. A.J. Cassatt in 1878. In 1891, Mr. Cassatt and other Hackney enthusiasts founded the American Hackney Horse Society, an organization and registry which thrives today. From 1890 until Depression, wealthy Americans brought boatload after boatload of horses and ponies of the most noted strains.
The Hackney Today
The modern Hackney is colored black, brown, bay and chestnut in the minority, with or without strip and white stockings. He should possess a small head, muzzle and ears, giving the general Impression of alertness. The neck should be long and blend into a broad chest and powerful shoulders. A compact body with a level back and round rib, a short strong loin and level croup with either a long or docked tail carried high are desired. The legs should be of medium length, the joints large and of strong quality. The thighs and quarters are well muscled. Pasterns are of good length and slope. The Hackney has a good foot and the breed, both the horse and pony, has a good reputation for soundness.
The action of the Hackney, his hallmark, is spectacular and highly distinctive. Shoulder action is fluid and free with a very high, ground covering knee action. Action of the hind legs is similar but to a lesser degree. The hocks should be brought under the body and raised high. All joints should exhibit extreme flexion. The action must be straight and true. The whole effect must be arresting and startling, showing extreme brilliance.
The remarkable high stepping gate of the Hackney is exciting to watch. Hackneys ponies are shown in four divisions, the Hackney Pony (Cob Tail), Harness Pony (Long Tail), Roadster Pony, and Pleasure Pony. The Hackney Horse can be shown single, pair, four in hand, obstacle, and some are shown under saddle.
The exuberance of the Hackney transmits joy to both owner and spectator. Once you have seen a Hackney travel, all other horses and ponies seem merely ordinary There are four types of Hackney ponies, with differences being in their size, show ring performance, and mane and tail appearance. Each type is dynamic and exciting to watch in the show ring. A description of each of the types are showen below. The Road Pony 
This very popular and speedy Hackney measures below 13 hands and shows at three seperate trotting speeds: the jog, the road gait, and at speed.
The Hackney Roadster ponies are the speedsters of the Hackney breed. They are shown to a two-wheeled road bike with their drivers wearing racing silks. There are three divisions for the roadsters, the Open, Amateur, and Junior Exhibitor.
Roadsters are shown at the jog-trot, road gait and then at "speed." They are also shown under saddle by Junior Exhibitors wearing racing silks. A new division, Roadster Pony To Wagon, has the road pony hitched to a miniature doctors buggy. Roadster Ponies are 13 hands (52") or under. Pleasure Pony 
Showing in the newest of the four Hackney pony divisions, the Pleasure Pony is 14.2 hands or under, and is well mannered and a pleasure to drive.
Another class for the Hackney is the Pleasure Driving Division. These ponies may be Longtail or Cob Tail, and are shown with unbraided manes and tails to an appropriate pleasure vehicle. They are shown only by Amateurs - Ladies, Gentlemen or Junior Exhibitors. They are shown at a pleasure trot, road trot, and a flat walk. They must stand quietly in the line-up and back when asked. They are to be quiet, easy, and a pure pleasure to drive. Harness Pony 
Also called the Long Tail, this dynamic high-stepper stands 12.2 hands or under at the withers.
The Hackney Harness Pony (or Long Tail) must measure 12.2 hands or under at the withers. It must be shown with a long mane and an undocked tail. Ponies are to be shown to a four-wheeled vehicle called a viceroy; they are also shown in pairs.
Classes offered in this very competitive division include Open and Amateur, including Ladies, Gentlemen or Junior exhibitor. Cob Tail  Also commonly called the Hackney Pony, this dynamic high stepper must stand 14.2 hands and under at the withers.
The Hackney Cob Tail division is for ponies measuring 14.2 hands and under at the withers. These ponies must be shown with the appearance of a shortened tail and with a braided mane. Ponies are to be shown to a four-wheel vehicle called a viceroy; they are also shown in pairs.
Classes offered in this very competitive division include Open and Amateur, including Ladies, Gentlemen, or Junior Exhibitor.
| |
|