The History of the Breed

  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.