Halloughton Hackneys

The evolution of the Hackney horse has been long and fascinating. The word 'Hackney' comes from the French "haquenee", which describes a comfortable riding horse. Over the years the term became synonymous with a general purpose ridden and driven animal whose stamina and soundness were greatly admired and whose favoured pace was the trot. The versatility of the breed was such that it was used not only for riding, but also for pulling carriages, be it goods for market or a leisurely drive, and it was even used as light cavalry in the wars. The breed was particularly popular with the Royals, Henry VII, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I all passed acts concerning horse breeding and the value of the Hackney.

  In the early 1700's the native hackney was crossed with the blood of imported Arabian stallions which added some refinement to the Breed. As the evolution of the Hackney progressed the demand for coaching and harness horses increased. Due to the Hackney’s incredible stamina, soundness and road covering ability they were a popular choice. Sophisticated society liked the showier animal with high head carriage and lofty knee action, and Hackneys became a real status symbol.

  At the beginning of the 1900's large numbers of Hackneys were still being exported all over the world. Hackney classes at the large horse shows were extremely popular and Hackneys were also playing their part in the First World War as cavalry mounts and artillery horses. The time between the war years saw a large growth in the professionally trained show Hackney as opposed to the privately produced animal but with the advent of the Second World War and the invention of the motor car, Hackneys breeding was deemed non essential. After the war the emphasis on breeding shifted to producing the show animal, we know today. This spectacular show harness animal, with his presence, athleticism, elegance, stamina and soundness is a product of many centuries of careful breeding. Their value as a cross to produce show jumpers and today's sports horse is very well recognised, and they continue to have remarkable success in all forms of driving competitions.