Horse
Pronunciation:
Hak-nee
Breed Description:
The Hackney breed of horse (along with the Hackney pony) is probably the world's best harness horse ever. For this reason it is bred primarily for carriage driving.
The breed was developed from early trotters in Britain which were which were known for their speed and endurance, both under saddle and in harness. A record for one of the fastest trotters in the day was trotting two miles in six minutes, and nine miles in thirty minutes, showing that the Hackney has great stamina.
Hackneys are usually bay, black, brown or chestnut in color. They always have a high head carriage, with a well-formed neck that rises almost vertically from their powerful shoulders and low withers. They have short legs, with a high knee action in the trot and strong hocks. They have a firm stance, with the forelegs straight and the hind legs back for maximum ground coverage. Their tails are carried high. You just have to see them in action to see their distinctive movement.
The Hackney Horse Society, founded in England in the 19th century, has kept a stud book since 1883. But today the Hackney is bred in many countries including the Netherlands, the US and Canada.
Temperament:
The Hackney breed of horse is highly spirited and alert, and it generally has great courage and stamina.
Height:
The Hackney breed of horse averages between 14.3 and 15.3 hands or 59 to 63 inches at the withers.
Weight:
The weight of any Hackney breed of horse is dependent on its height and muscle development.
Health Problems:
The Hackney breed of horse is said to be remarkably hardy.
Living Conditions:
The Hackney breed of horse is a show horse and so it needs to look good all year round. They tend to grow very thick coats during winter so should be stabled indoors.
Exercise:
The Hackney breed of horse should be worked regularly to stay fit, and in show condition.
Life Expectancy:
The Hackney breed of horse, if healthy will live to between 20 and 35 years.
Grooming:
The Hackney breed of horse has a particularly fine and silky coat. In winter their coats can become thick. Daily grooming is advisable to keep the coat sleek and healthy.
Origin:
The Hackney breed of horse was developed from the great British trotting horses that were bred during the 18th and 19th centuries. There were two distinctive trotting breeds during those times, trotters and roadsters – the Norfolk and the Yorkshire. Both shared a common ancestor in the form of Original Shales whose mare was Blaze, son of Flying Childers, said to be the first great race horse of all time. He was the great grandson of Darley Arabian, one of the three founding sires of the Thoroughbred, and also related to the American Saddlebred horse through his great grandson Messenger. 