and
BREED FEATURE
History of the Hackney
The evolution of the Hackney horse and pony, the effervescent
equines of the show ring, has been long and fascinating. The
high-stepping action that Hackneys are renowned for is a
characteristic that is partly inherited and partly taught, and
can be enhanced by training. While the derivation of the
word ‘Hackney’ is doubtful, it is thought to come from the
Old French ‘haquenée’ meaning ‘an ambling horse or mare,
especially for ladies to ride on’, and may be related to the
Old Spanish and Portuguese ‘facanea’ and Spanish ‘hacanea’.
Inherently, the term describes a riding horse with a particularly
comfortable trot or amble and, over the years, has become
synonymous with a general purpose ridden or driven animal
whose stamina and soundness is greatly admired.
The Hackney horse, from which evolved the Hackney pony,
is one of the earliest recorded breeds in the United Kingdom.
The Hackney horse originated in the early 1700’s and is
a descendant of the famous English trotting horses of the
time - the Yorkshire Roadster and the Norfolk Trotter. The
early ancestors of the Hackney were highly thought of by the
monarchs of the day with Henry VII, Henry VIII and Elisabeth
I all passing acts concerning horse breeding and the value
of the Hackney during their reign. Although not destriers,
the great war horses ridden by nobleman during that period,
Hackney horses were used as light cavalry in numerous wars
and skirmishes.
In their early days, Hackney horses were used by tenant
farmers in the east of England as general farm horses. The
Hackney was essentially a saddle horse, as the country roads
around Yorkshire were not suitable for light harness vehicles,
and so it was not unusual for these animals to carry farmers
many miles to and from market at a very brisk trot. Hence,
they became highly noted for their ability to trot fast and true.
Today, of course, speed is not required in the Hackney horse,
and breeders aim to produce great elevation and a free, clean
trotting action.
In the early 18th Century, English breeders began to cross the
native Hackney horse with the blood of imported Arabian
stallions. This cross added some refinement to the breed.
However, it did not remove any of the inherent qualities of
the original Hackney horses - qualities which are still visible
today. Interestingly, the high-stepping action that Hackneys
are renowned for was not developed until the second half of
the 19th Century, when it became the fashion to drive elegant,
showy carriage horses. As the evolution of the Hackney horse
progressed, breeders began to concentrate their efforts in
producing harness horses as road conditions improved and
the demand for coaching animals increased.
The
Hackney
By Marion Costello and Graeme Wakeling
Coaching season in the
United Kingdom. Father
and son Legend and Archie
in the lead. Photo courtesy
Hackney Horse Society, UK.
Hackney horses were prized for their stamina and soundness,
and their keen ability to trot many miles. Road races, usually
under saddle, were a popular event during this time, with
money commonly changing hands in the form of wagers.
As horse-drawn vehicles became more sophisticated, the
demand grew for showier animals with high head carriage
and lofty knee action. The Regency period was one of great
flamboyance and the ownership of flashy carriage horses,
notably the Hackney horse, was a true status symbol. The
Hackney horse also continued to play an important role
in breeding programs around the world. There are several
breeds that carry a large amount of Hackney blood, including
Holsteins, Gelderlanders, Dutch Warmbloods, Saddlebreds
and Morgan Horses. Hackney blood is dominant when
outcrossed and appears to influence, rather than be
influenced.
www.horsesandpeople.com.au • HORSES and PEOPLE • Page 19
The Hackney horse Eastmill Eclipse
was an Australian-bred hackney
posessing both quality and substance,
as well as grand all-round action. This
horse was bred from an infusion of
imported bloodlines.
Photo courtesy Graeme Wakeling.
In the United Kingdom
The Hackney horse in Australia
It was resolved by horse breeders present at a meeting in Norfolk
in 1878 that a register be established for English trotting horses,
including the Hackney horse. Henry F. Euren, the then-Editor
of the Norwich Mercury, undertook the task and, in 1883, the
Hackney Stud Book Society was formed. The first Stud Book,
Volume One, was produced a short time later. The current Stud
Book, Volume 54, was published in 2000. Over 100 years of
Hackney history are contained in the pages of those volumes.
A number of Hackney horses have been shipped to Australia at
various times since the 1890’s, but few pure-bred studs have been
established. A few private individuals attempted to prove the
value of the Hackney stallion that would undoubtedly pass on
the characteristics of the breed - its substance, stamina, quality of
conformation, athleticism and their aristocratic presence, along
with their great courage. The first Hackney horses imported to
Australia were Aconite and Lord Derby Junior in 1892. From
this date, more than 100 stallions and mares were imported to
Australian shores until the beginning of World War II, the most
famous being Detective, imported in 1893.
Possibly the greatest evolution of the Hackney horse took place
in the 20th Century as the breed was influenced by distance and
the events of the day.
At the beginning of the 20th Century, large numbers of Hackney
horses were still being exported across the world to places as farflung as the United States, Australia, South Africa and Argentina.
Hackney classes were proving incredibly popular at large horse
shows and, at the same time, Hackney horses were also playing
their part in World War I as cavalry mounts and artillery horses.
Between the war years, there was a marked growth in the
professionally-trained show Hackney, as opposed to the privatelyproduced Hackney horse of earlier years. However, with the
advent of World War II, things began to look very precarious for
Hackney horses.
As all available land was being used for the war effort and the
motor car grew in popularity, Hackney breeding was deemed
non-essential. Fortunately, the Hackney horse survived this period
due to the determination of a few breeders and perhaps due to
the petrol rationing of the day which left the horse, including the
Hackney, as an economical form of transport. Following World
War II, the emphasis on breeding the Hackney horse shifted
to producing the show animal known today. This spectacular
harness animal, with his presence, athleticism, elegance, stamina
and soundness, is a product of many years of careful breeding.
The Hackney horse’s value as a cross to produce show jumpers
and sport horses is very well-recognised and they continue to
have remarkable success in all forms of driving competition.
Capt. Phillip Charley of the Australian Light Horse contingent in
the South African war visited the United Kingdom in 1903 and
brought home the stallions Vanity Fair and Moncrieff Statesman.
His breeding establishment was located in Belmont Park in
Richmond, New South Wales, in 1909. This was the largest stud
in Australia with 50 pure-bred mares - it may well have been the
largest in the world at the time. Other famous stud masters of the
early days of the Hackney horse were the Angus family of South
Australia and the Horden family of ‘Milton Park’ in Bowral, New
South Wales.
Thomas Dwyer formed ‘Ellmore’ stud in the first decade of the
20th Century using blood lines from the formerly-mentioned
studs, which produced some great show Hackney horses. Royal
Stateman, sired by Moncrieff Statesman, had a triumphant
career in the hands of Mr Dwyer, winning nine consecutive
championships at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Very few
Hackney horses were imported during the 1930’s and, after
World War II, the breed was all but extinct in Australia. The first
Hackney horse to be imported to Australia in more than 30 years
following World War II was Arden Masquerade purchased by Tom
Dwyer from Mr H. Portlock. This transaction was made possible
by the assistance from the Hackney Stud Book Society in the
United Kingdom who recommended Mr Robert Billington to aid
in the purchase. Mr Dwyer was most pleased with his newlyacquired mare.
Page 20 • HORSES and PEOPLE • Phone: 07 5467 9796 • [email protected]
and
BREED FEATURE
Finality Rusulka. Photo
courtesy Marion Costello,
Australian Pony Stud Book
Society.
Marylind Question Mark
front on. Photo courtesy
Hackney Horse Society, UK.
30 years experience in
Carriage Driving & Breeding Fine
Carriage Driving Horses & Ponies
Home of English Hackneys
Beauwood Stud offers:
•Personalisedinstructionforbeginners
•Coachingforexprienceddrivers.
•Clinicsforgroups.
•Allbreedsofhorsescateredfor.
•Breakinghorsestoharness.
•Learntodrive.
Eyrie Houdini
Registered with the
Australian Pony Stud Book.
Harry is a 12.2hh Bay Hackney Pony, with
an expressive natural movement and lovely
nature, his foals are all stunning
Stud Fee: $800 plus GST
Breed yourself a great horse with lovely
movement for riding or driving.
Non Hackney mares accepted.
Max specialises in:
•CompetitionDriving(HorseDrivingTrails).
•Commercialandcoachdriving.
•ShowandPleasureDriving.
•Educationofhorsesandponiesinharness.
•Level2Carriagedrivingcoach.
•EAcarriagedrivingcoacheducator.
Woodbeau Strauss
Registered with the Hackney Horse Society
(UK) and the Australian Pony Stud Book.
Strauss is an elegant brown/black Hackney
Horse, 15.2hh. Strauss has spectacular
movement with exceptional hock action.
He always passes his natural talent on to all
his progeny whether full or part bred.
Stud Fee: $800 plus GST
Did you know?
Hackney’s are on the extinct
world breed list
For more information on the costs for educating, breeding your horse or stock we have for sale
Please contact Max: 02 4829 0178 or 0408 628 727 E: [email protected]
www.beauwoodstud.com.au
www.horsesandpeople.com.au • HORSES and PEOPLE • Page 21
The harness mare Hurstwood Maiden was imported in 1975,
she was by Walton Searchlight from Hurstwood Golden
Maid, and was very successful in the hands of Mrs Willsallen.
During the next five years, three more English mares joined the
‘Dunnolly’ stud, including Brookfield May Queen, Brookfield
April Princess and Hurstwood Premonition. All three mares
contributed greatly to this progressive breeding establishment.
Many of the ‘Dunnolly’ Hackney horses filled the harness
classes at the royal shows for many years and were very
competitive. Also during the 1970’s, Mr Carl Powell of Aberden,
New South Wales, was also very active in Hackney breeding
and exhibiting. He imported the impressive mare Hurstwood
Mirage in 1975, winning the Bull Trophy the same year. During
the same period, he bought in the stallion Hurstwood Specify,
and the mares Sunbeam Elegance and Hurstwood Fantasia
from the ‘Rhyll’ stud. Mr Powell achieved great success with his
imports and dominated classes at royal shows nationwide.
Hackney horses in the
1800’s. Image courtesy
Marion Costello, Australian
Pony Stud Book Society.
Hurstwood Mirage was sired by the leading stallion at the
‘Hurstwood’ stud, namely Hurstwood Consul. Mr Powell’s
stallion Hurstwood Specify was by Walton Searchlight from
Hurstwood Golden Maid, hence being full sister to Mrs
Willsallen’s Hurstwood Maiden. Hurstwood Specify was also a
great show horse, winning the stallion class a number of times
in the late 1970’s. The ‘Rhyll’ stud was slowly dispersed after
the death of Mr Powell, but his contribution to the breeding of
the Hackney horse in Australia is certainly worth recognising.
‘Rhyll’ blood lines live on in several breeding establishments,
including that of Mr Peter Keir of ‘Canberra Park’ and Mrs
Ashley Allison Woods’, as well as ‘Ellmore’.
Arden Masquerade was by Warwick Pegasus, who was by
Nork Spotlight. The mare Craigweil Crepe De Chine arrived
in 1954, Hurtswood Creation in the same period and the
stallion Marden K.C.B. in 1957. These three mares dominated
the harness classes at the major royal shows in the 1950’s and
early 1960’s. Craigweil Crepe De Chine’s sire was by Fullwood
Searchlight. This stallion was by Mercy Searchlight. Hurstwood
Creation was by Hurstwood Commander, who was by Solitude,
from the tap root of all modern-day winners in the United
Kingdom, Erliegh Mauden.
The stallion Marden K.C.B. was by Hurstwood Commander
from Glenavon Black Velvet. Thomas Dwyer passed away in
1961 and his two sons, Ted and Bill, carried on his stud and
bred many royal show champions from the imported blood
lines. Ellmore Prinction, Ellmore Viscount, Ellmore Field
Marshall, Ellmore Duchess, Ellmore Dame Margot and Ellmore
All Silk were all multi-royal show champions. In 1974, Mr Ted
Dwyer imported the well-bred stallion Suddie Vindication. This
stallion was by Carigweil Mabole from the mare Outwood
Inspiration, who was by Waltoon Diplomat from Hollywell
Florette - a great champion in the United Kingdom.
Suddie Vindication produced quality stock, but was only used
exclusively at ‘Ellmore’ and, by 1980, the Dwyer family ceased
show driving and pursued combined driving. They continued
breeding Hackney horses and reached a milestone - celebrating
100 years of Hackney horse breeding at ‘Ellmore’. Suddie
Vindication’s blood lines are still found in Hackney horses in
Australia today. The gelding Eastmill Eclipse, who carried most
of the ‘Ellmore’ blood lines, was successful at Sydney Royal
for many years, winning two open harness championships and
four reserves, and the Supreme championship at the Australian
National Horse Show, as well as being National Breed
Champion.
In 1961, Mrs G.B.S. Faulkner of the famous ‘Haddon
Rig’ property in Warren, New South Wales, imported the
handsome and well-bred stallion Hurstwood Sultan. This
horse was by Solitude from Glenavon Ena. Mrs Faulkner
later imported the mare Suddie Finnella. This mare was by
Walton Diplomat. Another mare foaled to Finnella Warren
Sensation was born in transit; she was by Woodland Sensation.
Later, Marden Princess Royal followed. This mare was by
Hurstwood Commander from Tennyson Princess. She had a
wonderful career with Mrs Faulkner and won the Bull Trophy
on four occasions. Later, the mares Farmville Venus and
Suddie Marcella followed. Farmville Venus being by Walton
Searchlight from Fairmile Lady Bird; Suddie Marcella being by
Hurstwood Consul.
During the 1970’s, the renowned ‘Makari’ stud, now under the
management of Mr Ron and Mrs Debbie Egan of Dubbo, New
South Wales, purchased the imported stallion Suddie Spartacus,
imported from Mr Ken Wood of Koorawatha, New South
Wales. This magnificent young stallion was bred by Miss Fiona
and
BREED FEATURE
Simmonds in the United Kingdom and was sired by Walton
Searchlight from Marden Dianna. Unfortunately, this majestic
horse died, leaving only two foals. Mr and Mrs Eagan then
purchased Suddie Dynamite, full brother to Suddie Spartacus,
from the same stud. Almost a clone, he sired only a few foals,
and was gelded and shown in harness with great success.
Both horses had no real impact on the breed, due to the
lack of stud opportunities. The Egan family then were able
to buy the great in-hand horse Hurstwood Solarity who was
the supreme led and driven stallion at the National breed
show held at Ardingly in the south of England. This stallion
proved to be a tremendous asset. The ‘Makari’ stud then
also purchased the imported mares from the dispersal of
the ‘Warren’ stud of Mrs Faulkner; namely Fairmile Venus,
Woodhurst Ballerina, Suddie Marcella and Warren Sensation.
With these implacable blood lines, the ‘Makari’ stud became
the most prominent breeding establishment for over 20 years.
‘Makari’ Hackney horses dominated at all the royal shows
during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Due to a rich gene pool and the
incredible partnership of Ron and Debbie Egan - Ron being
the man of the ground, possessing physical strength and a
sharp eye, and Debbie being a great trainer and tremendous
show driver - became a combination that was practically
unbeatable in competition. Their success was greatly due to
their recognition of the English training methods. Centuries
old, these methods were only accessible in Australia after Mr
Carl Powell employed Mr Dennis Midgley as a professional
trainer in 1975, the immigration of Mr Peter Burges, who
founded the ‘Eaglestone’ stud in England, and, of course, the
training schools conducted by Cynthia Haydon of the worldfamous ‘Hurstwood’ stud at the Sydney Royal in 1975. These
three professionals changed the status quo of training and
presentation of Hackney horses in this country.
The ‘Warren’ stud’s contribution to the future of Hackney
horse breeding in Australia was enormous and modern-day
studs owe Mrs Faulkner a great debt of gratitude for her
foresight and dedication to the breed. Mrs Faulkner passed
away in the late 1970’s. Her livestock was shared among the
studs ‘Dunnolly’, ‘Makari’ and the ‘Woodhurst’ stud of Mr
Vince Corvi.
In the late 1960’s, Mrs Mary Willsallen of Harden, New
South Wales, formed the ‘Dunnolly’ stud breeding Hackney
horses and ponies. During the forthcoming years, she enjoyed
success with Dunnolly Diplomat, by Mr Dwyers’ Ellmore
Diplomat, and Warren Super Girl. This attractive mare was
by Hurstwood Sultan from Suddie Finella. Later, in 1977, Mrs
Willsallen imported the stallions Brookfield Golden Emperor
and Suddie Lumination. Brookfield Golden Emperor was by
Hurstwood Apollo and Suddie Lumination was by Outwood
Florescent from Outwood Inspiration. These stallions were
used intensively at ‘Dunnolly’, producing quality progeny with
good temperament - a trait that is essential for a successful
career in harness.
Page 22 • HORSES and PEOPLE • Phone: 07 5467 9796 • [email protected]
www.horsesandpeople.com.au • HORSES and PEOPLE • Page 23
and
BREED FEATURE
BELOW: Champion Hackney stallion Vanity Fair owned by Major Philip Charley
(inset), who was responsible for the improvement of many Australian horse breeds. His
imported horses made possible many of today’s harness champions. He also helped
develop the reputation of Australia’s cavalry horses, including the Waler, which was
highly sought after as a charger. Image courtesy Graeme Wakeling.
Premium Blend
Multi-Vitamin and Mineral
Supplement for Horses
The Diet Perfecta
Corrects ALL Vitamin and Mineral
deficiencies AND balances
mineral ratios across the
whole diet.
Hackney horses playing
polo in the United
Kingdom. Photo courtesy
Hackney Horse Society, UK.
The Egan family migrated to the United States in 1998, but
their ‘Makari’ blood lines are highly sought-after today, and their
endeavours to breed and produce Hackney horses have left us a
lasting legacy. After the death of Mrs Willsallen in 2004, Mr and
Mrs Duddy of Willow Tree, New South Wales, acquired a large
number of the ‘Dunnolly’ blood lines, including both stallions
and mares. With their aim to breed and produce quality Hackney
horses, along with their input and foresight, the breed is in safe
hands. Without their enthusiasm and resourcefulness, the future
of the Hackney horse in Australia would have been grim.
Their stud prefix ‘Husdon’ is now synonymous with royal show
champions. Mr and Mrs Duddy have also imported Hackney
ponies from the United States and straws from the great English
stallion Southside Equaliser. This horse, bred in the purple, should
have a great impact on the Australian Hackney scene. The horses
produced by the ‘Hudson’ stud possess great quality and elegant
movement, and are professionally trained and produced by the
master of all things equine. Mr Vince Corvi, who has trained most
of Australia’s memorable Hackney horses, carries over 50 years
of experience behind him - he certainly is the master of the show
ring.
Breeding the Hackney pony
The scientific breeding of the Hackney pony as we know it today
began with the experiments used by Mr Christopher Wyndham
Wilson of Westmoreland, England, in applying the principles of
line breeding to establish type. He purchased the 14hh brown
stallion Sir George (779 EHSB) and mated him with a 13.2hh
Thoroughbred-type mare called The Pet. The result was a 13.2hh
bay filly named Snorer, winner of the Queen’s Gold Medal at
the Windsor Jubilee Royal Show in 1887. Snorer and two more
daughters of Sir George were bred back to their sire and the
resulting fillies bred back again to Sir George. Mr Wilson later
used another pony stallion Little Wonder [1,237 EHSB], who was
by Confidence [D’Oyly’s] from a Welsh mare. Confidence was a
15.2hh Hackney horse and was to become an influential line in
Hackney pony breeding.
Little Wonder, when mated to Snorer, produced the sire Little
Wonder 2nd. This pony, when crossed to Dorothy Derby, a
daughter of Lord Derby 2nd, produced one of the greatest pony
sires of his day, Sir Horace (5,402 EHSB). Later, Sir Horace, his
sister Dorothy Derby 2nd, their dam Dorothy Derby and other
Wilson ponies founded the famous ‘Tissington’ stud in Derbyshire,
England. The Hackney pony imported to Australia in the 1900’s,
Wallasey Ping Pong, was by Tissington Horace from Tissington
Orchid. Tissington Horace by Sir Horace from Dorothy Derby was
the further result of line breeding; of putting son over mother.
Interestingly, many Welsh cobs, which were recorded in the
first volume of the Welsh Stud Book, were in fact recorded
as Hackneys in the E.H.S.B. One such pony was Cassius, a
champion at the London Hackney Show and Royal Show at three
years of age, his sire Cadet (1,251 EHSB) is said to be the best son
of Lord Derby 2nd (417 EHSB) and his dam Belle 5th (406 EHSB)
is a daughter of Confidence (D’Oyly’s) (158 EHSB). Tracing back
in their pedigrees for generations of Hackney blood make Cassius,
to all intents, a Hackney pony. However, when purchased at
a later time by Welshman John Jones, he was recorded in the
newly-formed Welsh Stud Book as a Welsh C.
Sir Horace was also the sire of Traveller’s Joy [imp] imported
to Australia in 1910 by Sir Samuel Hordern. He was another
predominately Hackney-bred pony to be recorded as Welsh C in
the Welsh Stud Book. With the formation of the Australian Pony
Stud Book society in 1931, Traveller’s Joy and Wallasey Ping Pong
were included in the Reference Section of Volume One of the
stud book. Other notable lines connected with the breeding of
the Hackney pony included a son of the previously-mentioned
Page 24 • HORSES and PEOPLE • Phone: 07 5467 9796 • [email protected]
Gives you the freedom to choose
your horse’s feed with the peace
of mind that all vitamin and
mineral requirements are met.
Because feeding your horse
should be as simple as ABC.
RIGHT: This
well-bred
English Hackney
stallion, Walton
Searchlight, had a
huge influence on
Hackney breeding
both in the United
Kingdom and in
Australia. Image
courtesy Graeme
Wakeling.
Cassius in Julius Caesar 2nd (132 WSB). This pony proved to be
an influential and successful sire. Two of his sons, Fireboy and
Torchlight, in turn produced notable sons in Talke Fire King and
Torchfire (9,472 EHSB); the latter being the sire of Glenarvan
Torchstar [imp] (13,457 EHSB) imported to Australia by the Angus
family of South Australia in 1924.
Mr Wilson, who was also responsible for inventing the silo to
store Winter feed for farm animals, also used a variety of other
breeds, notably the Fell, as his foundation mares. His policy of
inbreeding to the prepotent Sir George enabled him to achieve
his aim of developing a Hackney with true pony characteristics.
In due course, other breeders would follow his lead. Earlier use
of the term “Hackney Pony” almost certainly referred to small
part-bred Hackney horses, until the development of the breed at
this later time.
The Hackney pony in Australia
The first Hackney pony imported to Australia was Young Sir
George by the previously mentioned sire Sir George. This pony
was imported by Mr J.A. Angus sometime before 1898 when his
first foals were recorded. Young Sir George stood at ‘Collingrove’
stud, South Australia, for many years before he was sold to
Suitable for horses and ponies, mules and donkeys
of all sizes from miniatures to shires
PREFORMANCE - ELITE TO BEGINNER
• PLEASURE AND PONY CLUB
• SHOW AND WORKING
• SPELLING AND RESTING
• SPORT AND RACING
• BREEDING AND GROWING
Don’t miss any more free
feeding tips and news
Like us at
EquineVitMin
Or visit www.equinevitmin.com
www.horsesandpeople.com.au • HORSES and PEOPLE • Page 25
Further imports of Hackney ponies to
Australia over the next two decades
included progeny of the highly-successful
English Hackney pony sire Highstone
Nicholas. A son, Marden Nureyev [imp]
(3,512H APSB) and a grandson, Marden
Swell’s Finality [imp] (3,512H APSB),
imported in the mid-1960’s produced
well over Marfleet Cadet mares. The
arrival of further progeny of Highstone
Nicholas strengthened this popular and
successful English Hackney pony blood
line in Australia in the following years.
Coaching season in the
United Kingdom. Photo
courtesy Hackney Horse
Society, UK.
Western Australia in 1906. Around 1904, Mr Angus imported the
colt Gallant Compton [imp] and, several years later, the stallion
Shirley Freelance (9,881 EHSB) and two mares - Polophelia
[imp] and Rusper Midget [imp]. A daughter of Polophelia [imp]
by Shirley Freelance [imp] became the dam of Lord Pompadour
(1,511 APSB) - the first Australian-bred Hackney pony stallion
registered in Volume One of the Australian Pony Stud Book.
In 1907, Mr Hope Osborne of Jugiong, New South Wales,
brought out the previously-mentioned 12.3hh stallion Wallasey
Ping Pong [imp] and two mares - Tissington Carride and
Tissington Humph Horace. Sir Samuel Hordern imported the bay
stallion Castlemai Clansman [imp] (1,825 WSB) (157 APSB) in
1927. The breeding of this pony and the previously-mentioned
Traveller’s Joy indicate how closely the blood lines of the
Hackney and the Welsh Cob were entwined in those days. The
pedigree of Castlemai Clansman [imp] had a direct line to the
famous English Hackney sire Southwouth Swell (11,219 EHSB)
through his sire Castlemai Jack Snipe (13,911 EHSB).
The Australian Stud Book
When the Australian Pony Stud Book Society was established
in 1931, a section for Hackney ponies was one of the initial
three breed sections included in Volume One of the stud book.
The APSB was the first stud book formed in Australia for the
registration of ponies, and is the registering body for the Hackney
pony and the Hackney horse in Australia. For the purpose of
judging, Hackneys are divided into horses and ponies. Ponies
are up to 14hh and horses over 14hh. Interestingly, the original
height limit for ponies, as recommended by the Hackney Horse
Society in the United Kingdom, was 14.2hh, but this was
subsequently reduced to 14hh.
The first Australian-bred Hackney ponies registered in the stud
book were bred and owned by Mrs E. Robins of New South
Wales. They were the previously-mentioned Lord Pompadour
(15H APSB), Sir Galahad (16H APSB) and the mare Dainty
Maid (53H APSB). These ponies were placed in the Hackney
Section of Volume One. Over the next few years, only three
more Hackney ponies were registered in the stud book. One
of these was the mare Mannequin (348H APSB) imported from
New Zealand by Mrs Robins. Her sire was Glenavon Torchstar
[imp], who had been sold to New Zealand when Mr Angus’
‘Collingrove’ stud was dispersed in 1927. The other mare
recorded at this time was Warrena (369H APSB) by Braishfield
Lucifer. This mare competed successfully in harness at Sydney
Royal on many occasions when owned by Mr E.E. Elliott of New
South Wales.
Several notable Hackney studs were established from the
1940’s. They included Mr H.C. Thackeray’s highly successful
‘Markari’ stud at Young in New South Wales founded in 1947, as
mentioned previously, with the arrival of the dark bay stallion
Marfleet Cadet [imp] (271H APSB). The stud also imported the
mare Little Legacy in foal to the famous Hackney sire Lend
Lease (15,094 EHSB). The result of this mating was the filly Miss
Legacy (1,944H APSB). Marfleet Cadet’s pedigree contained
some of the most successful and influential lines in English
Hackney pony breeding.
A pony of beautiful style and conformation, during his lifetime
he was to become a very influential factor in improving the
standard of the Hackney pony in Australia. He was put to
mares by Traveller’s Joy [imp] and Castlemai Clansman [imp],
resulting in a sound nucleus for the ‘Markari’ stud. Several
years later, Mr Thackeray imported another colt in Harley Boy
Blue (921H APSB), a beautifully-bred pony by Braishfield True
Page 26 • HORSES and PEOPLE • Phone: 07 5467 9796 • [email protected]
Later, imports of both Hackney horse
and ponies provided a sound nucleus
of world-class Hackney blood lines,
enabling breeders to produce Hackneys
of impeccable quality and type. Many
ponies were imported in the 1970’s by
established studs and enthusiasts and,
when the ‘Hurstwood’ stud in the United
Kingdom had a reduction sale in 1978,
over 20 Hackney horses and ponies were
bought by leading Australian breeders.
In 1986, Peter and Jennie Luyten of
Tasmania broke ranks with the United
Kingdom’s stream of imports to bring in a
Hackney pony, Reedann’s Royalty [imp],
from the United States. He was the first
American-bred Hackney to be registered
with the Australian Pony Society.
Characteristics of the Hackney
The Hackney Section of the APSB is a
closed section with specific requirements
for registration, in line with each of the
pure breeds under the umbrella of the
Australian Pony Society. The Hackney
pony, with its high-stepping action is
prized the world over as a carriage horse,
especially in the show ring, but it is also
well-known in combined driving events,
involving cross-country, cone drive and
as a dressage animal. The Hackney is
easily recognised when shown in-hand
or in-harness and, with its style, and
extravagant and spectacular action,
they quickly capture the imagination of
spectators and horse enthusiasts alike.
and
“
Despite the
popularity of this
breed for its beauty
and exuberance,
the Hackney
continues to fight
for its very survival.
The usual colours are bay, dark brown,
chestnut and black. Points that are looked
for in the show ring include: the action
must be fine, the leg raised and thrown
forward to cover the ground, not just
raised up and down to the elbow. The legs
must go 1-2-3-4, and be straight and true.
To produce this picture, presentation is
important. A good animal badly presented,
for instance with head on one side or
head held too high or low, will be beaten
by a lesser animal that is produced well.
A horse or pony requires that ‘look at me’
attitude combined with elegance. The
Hackney displays a small, convex head
with small muzzle, fairly long, wellformed neck, large eyes and small ears,
powerful shoulders, low withers, compact
body with great depth of chest, short legs
with strong hocks and well-formed feet.
The critical list
The Hackney horse and pony are beautiful
to watch in action. Their training is an art
form and, fortunately, here in Australia
there have been many talented and
experienced trainers who have been
prepared to offer their time and expertise
to set the standard, and pass their
knowledge on to ensure the future of these
beautiful equines for generations to come.
Despite the popularity of this breed for
its beauty and exuberance, the Hackney
continues to fight for its very survival.
From the records of the Hackney Horse
Society in England, it is confirmed that a
total of just 24 breeding female Hackneys
were registered in 2012, which includes
both horses and ponies. Promoting all
Hackneys in a positive and effective way
will be the mantra for 2014.
NutriRice
Stud and
Grow
A premium extruded feed,
formulated to provide
breeding and growing horses
with essential nutrition for
optimum health and
development.
Freecall 1800 029 901
www.coprice.com.au
and
Blue (14,508 EHSB) from Polmont May
(27,486 EHSB) and two mares - Ashley
Ramona [imp] (2,458H APSB) and Ashley
Wren [imp](2,459H APSB). Mrs Mary
Willsallen of Harden, New South Wales,
later purchased Harley Boy Blue for
her ‘Dunnolly’ stud. In coming decades,
Mrs Willsallen imported a number of
Hackney horses and ponies, and became
one of the most prominent Hackney
breeders and exhibitors in Australia, as
mentioned previously.
BREED FEATURE
CopRice is a division of Ricegrowers Limited,
trading as SunRice. CR0557SGHPE.
www.horsesandpeople.com.au • HORSES and PEOPLE • Page 27