The Hackney horse was bred from Norfolk and Yorkshire Trotters and also has Arab and Thoroughbred breeding. They were used mainly as harness horses and the Hackney Horse Society was founded in 1883. Later the Hackney horse was crossed with the ponies to create the Hackney pony and there are now separate stud books for Hackney horses and ponies. In the 1930s the Hackney became in danger of extinction but the breed was preserved by dedicated breeders.

Height Of The Hackney Horse / Pony

Hackney horse – 14.3 to 15.3 hh or more, Hackney pony – 12.2 to 14.2 hh.

Colour Of The Hackney Horse / Pony

The Hackney Horse and Pony can be bay, dark brown, chestnut or black.

Breed Characteristics Of The Hackney Horse / Pony

The Hackney has a small head, long neck and compact body, straight shoulders, short legs and tailed carried high. It has a high knee action in trot and good stamina.