The Hackney
This English breed of high-stepper is descended from the Norfolk trotters.
During the early 19th century, Norfolk trotting stallions were used throughout England. There are many records of their trotting abilities, such as carrying a heavy man as far as 16 miles in as little as one hour. The modern Hackney is 14 to 15.3 hands in height, and is bay, brown, black or chestnut in color, usually with some white on their legs. Their walk is brisk and elastic, their trot is lofty, smooth and progressive and with their feet striking the ground squarely. The hind legs are well flexed and propelled forward under the body.
The Hackney Pony can be described as the Hackney Horse in miniature, being under 14 hands with the addition of the distinctive but hard to define "pony character". The Hackney Pony today is treated as almost a separate breed from the Hackney Horse although both are registered in the same studbook.
In the show ring today, the Hackney Horse is usually seen only within the Carriage driving division. The Hackney Pony, however, is exhibited at most American Saddlebred horse shows. They make an exciting contribution to the show ring, showing as a single driving pony, in pairs and occasionally as a unicorn or a four-in-hand.
The headquarters of the breed is:
American Hackney Horse Society
4059 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY 40511
Phone: 606-255-8694
The major magazine that caters to the Hackney enthusiast is:
Hackney World
4 North Main, East Granby, CT 06026
Phone: 860-653-4042
Hackney Pony
Jamie Knight driving her Champion Hackney Pony (cob tail)
during the Monterey Springfest Horse Show in Monterey,
California.
Harness pony
Frank Buckley driving a Champion Harness Pony (long tail)
during the Santa Barbara National Horse Show in Santa
Barbara, California.