History Of Hackney Pony

Hackney ponies have an origin that was man made and have gone from ordinary life to a show life filled with exquisite colors, while demonstrating unique personalities fit for a queen.
Hackney ponies are wonderful animals, they show great stamina and appealing charisma.The Hackney has a great deal of explosiveness not only in the show ring but in everyday life. Alan R. Raun stated that: “The action, the charisma, and the explosiveness of the Hackney Pony is just superior to any other show breed” (hackney society ). The hackney pony has a quite unique origin coming from the hackney horse. Christopher Wilson of Westmorland England wanted to create a breed inside the hackney horse . These ponies were bred using selective breeding with a goal of
creating a breed inside of the hackney horse. Wilson’s breeding plan was an immediate success and these fast, fancy trotting ponies were well received in Britain and all of the colonies at the time. (the equinest ) They were selectively bred for their elegant style and high charm.
The first time they entered into other countries was in 1800’s by ships bearing both hackney ponies and other smaller horses crossing the oceans. Although they entered many countries first the first hackney pony that was imported to America, was 239 Stella brought to Philadelphia by Mr. A.J. Cassatt, in 1878.
In the 1800’s the Hackney Pony was the ultimate driving machine in both America and in Great Britain. Although there were vast improvements in the roadways in Britain, the hackney pony was still used in transportation they still used these ponies because the roads did not demand a heavy drag animal like a drag horse because there were not any deep ruts. So in response a faster horse like a hackney pony instead of a hackney horse could be used to cut travel time.Which means now, a man could say “Trot On” and really go! Today hackney ponies are used for mostly show horses. “There's nothing better than a good road pony. It's like a little race. You get to wear the colors. You get to go fast. You get to be judged on your speed”: (Josh Greer (hackney
society).
Some of the show types are: The Roadster pony, The Cobtail pony, The Harness pony, The Pleasure pony, and The Hand pony.
The Roadster pony is the most popular and the fastest of the hackney pony.
This type of Hackney must stand under 13 hands tall (start at the knee and end at the base of the hair line or the withers). And, they are shown in a two wheeled buggy.
The cobtail pony is the most common hackney pony and must stand at least fourteen point two hands tall or under. All of these ponies must be shown with a shortened/ docked tail hence the name a cobtail pony. These ponies are shown in a four wheeled buggy or a viceroys and they can be shown in pairs of two.
The next pony is the Harness Pony or it is also called the long tail pony. These ponies stand twelve point two hands or smaller and ponies must be shown with a long mane and a long tail. These ponies are also shown in four wheel buggies and can be shown in pairs.
Pleasure ponies are the newest ponies to the show circuit and they must stand at least fourteen point two hands or under. They get their names because they are well mannered and are such a pleasure to drive. They can be shown either with a long tail or a docked tail with an unbraided mane and
tail.
The Hand pony is primarily for weanlings (babies just weaned from their mothers). Exhibitors compete by lining up their ponies to be judged on conformation, then leading it along the rail to be evaluated on performance. This class is great for newcomers because of the lack of equipment needed.Most hand classes are part of future competitions where thousands of dollars in prize money is available to top finishers.
These ponies are high spirited and energetic. They are also smart and somewhat high strung but they can also be loveable and have enduring personalities. They are the true show pony the love being fussed over. Between bathing and grooming a show horses dream who wouldn't love it. When you groom them, either them for competition or just as part of the daily routine, it's an enjoyable experience not only for you but for them. For you its kind of like a stress releaser but for the horse they just flat out love just you being there.
The modern hackney pony can be a color of bay(reddish brown body with a black mane and tail), black, roan, and chestnut in the minority with or without a white strip on the face and stockings. Bays and blacks colors are the most common color in the hackney breed, with bay being more popular. On the other hand chestnut coloring is very rare and their color is usually light and they can have flaxen manes and tails.
Hackney's should also possess a small head and muzzle (nose and mouth area) this gives the general impression of alertness in the breed. Its neck should be long and blend into a broad and muscular chest area and powerful shoulders. These horses should also have a compact body with a level back and round ribbed area, a short strong loin and level croup with either a long or docked tail carried high are desired. Each pony has long well defined leg and large joints. And of course they have a very good reputation for their sounds. Hackney ponies have an origin that was man made and have gone from ordinary life to a show life filled with exquisite colors, while demonstrating unique personalities fit for a queen. In conclusion Hackneys have provided substantial and practical purposes for those who own them and for those who only show them. Not only because the great charm and charisma they show but for the loving heart and feisty spirit that lives within them. These horses will love you always even though some things may give up on you these horses never will.