The Hackney horse
The Hackney or English Trotter takes its name from the Middle English Haquenei, from Hackney, a village whose horses were renowned. In the past, a haquenee was a medium-sized horse, often going amble, usually ridden by ladies. The Hackney is descended from the Norfolk Roadster and the Yorkshire Trotter. Initially heavy and massive, with a heavy trot, the Hackney gradually became agile, vigorous, and fast thanks to the contribution of the Thoroughbred and the Arabian towards the end of the XVth century.
The Hackney Horse Society was founded in 1883. The Hackney Pony represents its scale model.
Caractère et aptitudes du cheval
It’s an enduring, vigorous, lively, even spirited horse. His action is brilliant, lifted, with an elongated, spectacular trot (he lifts his forelegs high with bent knees, and throws them far forward, the foot remaining in the air for a moment).
Utilisations du cheval
Rarely used for saddling, it is particularly appreciated in light draft service, in trotting harnessed to a light carriage, in driving competitions and for exhibitions.
Morphologie du cheval
Small, fine head with a haughty carriage. Straight or slightly convex profile. Broad forehead. Tip of nose fine. Small, pointed ears. Large eyes. Compact body. Long, powerful neck. Low withers. Strong, sloping shoulders. Deep chest. Straight, short back. Long, muscular hindquarters. Broad, rounded croup. Short, fairly strong, resistant limbs. Long cannons. Healthy, hard feet. Tail planted and carried high, long and furnished. Coat: bay, brown bay, black, chestnut. Height: 1.52 to 1.60 m.
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