THE HACKNEY HORSE & PONY

The attitude, animation and expression of the Hackney make it a showstopper in competition.

- SAMANTHA JOHNSON

The high-stepping Hackney is unquestionably a superstar in the equine driving world. In fact, the American Hackney Horse Society calls it "the Rolls Royce of carriage driving," and if you've ever seen a Hackney in action, you know that's an accurate description of this stunningly flamboyant breed.

BRED FOR SUCCESS

The Hackney's suitability for driving dates back to the earliest corners of its history. The Hackney originated in England during the 1700s, descending from Norfolk Trotters and early Thoroughbreds.

Within the span of just 100 years, the Hackney breed had skyrocketed to such popularity that the Hackney Stud Book Society was formed in England in 1883 to record and register the breed.

Hackney Ponies share heritage with Hackney Horses, of course, but their background also includes influences from other pony breeds, such as Fell and Welsh. As early as the 1870s, people were importing Hackneys to the United States, and by 1891, the American Hackney Horse Society (AHHS) was formed.

But despite that initial surge of popularity, it hasn't always been smooth sailing for Hackneys. While there was no doubt of their incredible skill as driving horses, the arrival of railroads and automobiles resulted in the decline of horses as transportation. And that meant that the need for premier driving horses and ponies diminished, too.