Hackney

The Hackney horse is a breed from Norfolk, England that dates to 1760 with the birth of “The Shales Horse.” This breed was created by crossing the Norfolk Trotter and Thoroughbred. These elegant horses are known for their speed, strength, stamina, and high-stepping trot.

Hackney carriage horses were originally used to quickly cover a lot of ground, but once the automobile replaced horses, they were used for competing in equestrian sporting events and for companionship.

Today, the Hackney horse is a rare breed and separate from the Hackney Pony, which was created by crossing the Hackney horse with the Welsh Pony and Fell Pony.

Hackney Horse Snapshot

• Height: 14.2 to 16.2 hands (56.8 to 64.8 inches)

• Weight: 1,000 to 1,200 pounds

• Lifespan: 20 to 35 years

• Colors: Black, brown, chestnut, and bay, with or without white markings

Caring for a Hackney Horse

Though the horses can be friendly, the Hackney is known to be sensitive. It’s important to be gentle with them and use the right training techniques that will develop trust and assurance. These horses can do extremely well in various equestrian sports and competitions, but if they are overworked they could end up sick or injured.

Hackney Horse Health Issues

The Hackney is considered a generally healthy breed. With good care, working or competing Hackneys can remain strong and avoid injuries and the effects of stress.

But failing to give your horse the appropriate balance between work and rest can result in health concerns.

Lameness and Joint Injuries

The Hackney horse has a famous high-stepping gait. While impressive, it can cause strain and pain that can lead to injuries or lameness.

Symptoms of lameness and muscle strain in horses include:

• Stiffness

• Limping

• Reluctance to move or stand

• Swelling or inflammation

• Pain

• Changes in behavior or posture

• Heat emanating from the injured area

A treatment plan for an injury as mentioned above may include:

• Stall rest

• Medications for pain and inflammation

• Massage

• Acupuncture

• Physical therapy/rehabilitation

• Cold laser

• Chiropractic

• Surgery

If a horse is overtrained or overworked, they are at greater risk of getting hurt. Make sure performing and working horses get the rest and recuperation they need between sessions and events.

Osteoarthritis

In the same way that excessive activity can strain the body to the point of lameness or injury, it can also lead to osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease). An arthritic horse has inflammation in the joints and the condition progresses over time.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in horses include:

• Pain

• Lameness

• Stiffness

• Swollen joints

• Joints that make noise when moving

• Heat around the joints

If your Hackney horse is exhibiting symptoms of arthritis, have them examined by a veterinarian. You can work with your vet to relieve your horse from pain and stiffness. Treatment options might include anti-inflammatory medications, joint supplements or injections, Adequan®, or alternative treatments such as acupuncture and chiropractic care.

Working with a farrier to manage the health of your horse’s hooves is a good way to help reduce the risk of arthritis. A farrier can examine, trim, and shoe the hooves as needed. By keeping your horse’s hooves in proper condition and length, you can help to prevent joint issues.

What To Feed a Hackney Horse

The Hackney horse’s diet consists of high-quality forage such as grass hay or alfalfa hay. It is important to provide your horse with the amount of calories they need for their lifestyle. Grain may need to be given in addition to forage to provide necessary calories and nutrients.

In addition to forage, grain, and water, your veterinarian may recommend that you give your horse further support with nutritional supplements for horses. For example, an active horse may do well on a joint supplement to help maintain joint health.  

To support joint health, your vet might recommend a joint supplement with ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate.

The amount of food a Hackney Horse needs to eat daily depends on factors such as age, activity level, and size. In general, the recommendation is to feed about 2% of a horse’s body weight in forage (hay). If you are unsure of your horse’s nutritional requirements or needs, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian.

Hackney Horse Disciplines

Hackneys are athletic horses, so they can perform in various equestrian sports. In competitions, they show off their well-known, high-stepping gait.

Because they were bred to pull carriages, Hackney horses are particularly skilled at driving. According to the American Hackney Horse Society, the breed is excellent in combined driving and carriage driving, and can be arranged in singles, pairs, four-in-hand, unicorns, and tandems.

The Hackney horse can also do well in:

• Dressage

• Competitive trail riding

• Hunting/jumping

• Eventing

• English pleasure

In addition to shows and sports, Hackney horses are great for recreational riding.

Hackney Horse Personality and Temperament

Hackney horses are friendly and docile, with a lot of energy and a playful side. However, because they can be sensitive and nervous, it’s important to know how to handle these horses so they won’t become stressed or fearful.

Ensuring your Hackney gets daily exercise is one way to prevent negative behaviors. As you spend time with your horse, you will likely find that they learn quickly, are loyal, and thrive on interactions with people. The more comfortable these horses are with you, the more you’ll be able to experience their affection and companionship.

Hackney Horse Training

Experienced horse owners and trainers can do a lot with a Hackney. The breed is intelligent and accustomed to performing, so Hackneys can be easy to train—especially when they bond with their handlers. 

It’s important to remember that these sensitive horses tend to be high-strung, so training them in a calm, steady, and gentle manner is best. As with other breeds, harsh training methods won’t work with the Hackney. Take your time during training sessions so your horse won’t feel nervous. They’re eager to please, so once they feel comfortable and confident, they’re sure to excel.  

Hackney Horse Grooming Guide

Keeping your Hackney horse’s skin and coat healthy takes work. But once you establish a routine, it becomes easier to maintain their appearance.

In addition to standard grooming practices, you can enhance the look of your Hackney, especially if they’re a performer, by braiding their mane and tail. And, of course, hoof care is very important for these horses as well.

Coat Care

A horse grooming kit with various brushes (e.g., curry comb, body brush, dandy brush, shedding blade, mane and tail brush) will give you everything you need to keep your Hackney’s coat smooth, clean, and healthy. A gentle cloth can be used to clean their face. Aim to groom your horse daily or at least a few times per week.

In addition to removing tangles by hand, brushing and conditioning the mane and tail will keep them smooth and flowing beautifully.

Hoof Care

Working with a farrier can keep your Hackney horse’s hooves healthy, balanced, strong, and properly trimmed and shoed. This is especially important for Hackneys because it can help prevent injuries to their ligaments, tendons, and joints. Plus, a farrier can identify early signs of problems that need to be addressed by a veterinarian.

Check your horse’s hooves for signs of injury or infection every day. A hoof pick should be used to thoroughly clean the hooves, taking care to remove any dirt, rocks, or other debris that gets stuck in them.