American Hackney Horse Society

American Hackney Horse Society There is nothing like a Hackney, and the allure is magnetic. This high stepping "aristocrat of the show ring" is not only captivating but breathtaking. A.J.

The Origins of the Hackney Breed
The origins of the Hackney as we know it began in Norfolk, England where the horses called Norfolk Trotters had been selectively bred for elegant style and speed. Seeking to improve on both accounts, breeders mated the Norfolk mares to grandsons of the foundation sires of the Thoroughbred. The first Hackney as we know the breed today is said to be The Shale’s Horse

, foaled in 1760. During the next 50 years, the Hackney was developed as a special breed. The seas were being crossed regularly during the 1800′s, by ships bearing both Hackney horses and the smaller ponies which certain breeders were selectively encouraging. Vast improvements in British roadways in the mid-1800′s also contributed to the development of the swift trotting horse. These roads did not always demand heavy dray animals which tug carts from deep ruts. Now, a man could say “Trot On” and really go! The breeding of Hackneys in England was formalized in the founding of the Hackney Stud Book Society in 1883. This was the Golden Age of Driving, when automobiles were not even a dream. The Hackney was the ultimate driving machine of the 1880′s both in America and Britain. The first Hackney pony imported to America was 239 Stella, brought to Philadelphia by Mr. Cassatt in 1878. In 1891, Mr. Cassatt and other Hackney enthusiasts founded the American Hackney Horse Society, an organization and registry which thrives today. From 1890 until Depression, wealthy Americans brought boatload after boatload of horses and ponies of the most noted strains. The Hackney Today
The modern Hackney is colored black, brown, bay and chestnut in the minority, with or without strip and white stockings. He should possess a small head, muzzle and ears, giving the general impression of alertness. The neck should be long and blend into a broad chest and powerful shoulders. A compact body with a level back and round rib, a short strong loin and level croup with either a long or docked tail carried high are desired. The legs should be of medium length, the joints large and of strong quality. The thighs and quarters are well muscled. Pasterns are of good length and slope. The Hackney has a good foot and the breed, both the horse and pony, has a good reputation for soundness. The action of the Hackney, his hallmark, is spectacular and highly distinctive. Shoulder action is fluid and free with a very high, ground covering knee action. Action of the hind legs is similar but to a lesser degree. The hocks should be brought under the body and raised high. All joints should exhibit extreme flexion. The action must be straight and true. The whole effect must be arresting and startling, showing extreme brilliance. The remarkable high stepping gate of the Hackney is exciting to watch. Hackneys ponies are shown in four divisions, the Hackney Pony (Cob Tail), Harness Pony (Long Tail), Roadster Pony, and Pleasure Pony. The Hackney Horse can be shown single, pair, four in hand, obstacle, and some are shown under saddle.

It’s the last day of the 2025 World’s Championship Horse Show! No looking back now!
08/23/2025

It’s the last day of the 2025 World’s Championship Horse Show! No looking back now!

08/23/2025
🎉📸 Congratulations to our Grand Prize Winners! 📸🎉The AHHS WCHS Youth Selfie Photo Contest was a huge success with over 1...
08/22/2025

🎉📸 Congratulations to our Grand Prize Winners! 📸🎉

The AHHS WCHS Youth Selfie Photo Contest was a huge success with over 100 participants! Two lucky teams were drawn at the WCHS Youth Party, each winning $1,000! 💵✨

🏆 Grand Prize Teams 🏆
✨ The Golden Girls – Shelby Pagan (Cedarwood Farms) & Ellie Earehart (Heritage Stables)
✨ I Just Met You – Alexyia Pitre (Denise Vespa Stables) & Shelby Wahl (Shelby Creek Farm)

Every participant took home Hackney swag, and several others won other big prizes! 🎁🐴

👉 If you still need to claim your prize, stop by Heritage Stables in the North Wing on Friday.

Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun — what an incredible way to celebrate our youth at WCHS! 💛

Both the phones and the internet are currently down in the AHHS. We apologize for the inconvenience and will post when y...
08/21/2025

Both the phones and the internet are currently down in the AHHS. We apologize for the inconvenience and will post when you are up and running again.

Thank you for your patience.

Tonight is the night! Please make plans to join us! It’s going to be a great time!
08/20/2025

Tonight is the night! Please make plans to join us! It’s going to be a great time!

It’s been a fantastic week so far and it’s only Tuesday! We can’t wait to see what happens next!
08/19/2025

It’s been a fantastic week so far and it’s only Tuesday! We can’t wait to see what happens next!

🌟 Calling All Youth at the World’s Championship Horse Show! 🌟 Do you want to win $1,000 and awesome prizes like UNLIMITE...
08/19/2025

🌟 Calling All Youth at the World’s Championship Horse Show! 🌟 Do you want to win $1,000 and awesome prizes like UNLIMITED Doug Shiflet photo downloads or gift certificates to amazing vendors?!

The Annual Hackney Youth Contest is back — and open to ALL youth attending this year’s show! 🐴✨

Whether you’re showing, working or here to watch and cheer on your friends, this is your chance to connect, learn, and celebrate the joy of being part of our incredible horse community!

Let’s make this year’s WCHS not just about winning ribbons, but about lifting each other up and creating memories we’ll all carry forward. 🌈

📅 When & Where: WCHS August 15th-August 21st
📩 How to Join: Pick up a flyer in the Horse Show Office, the Youth Room or at Heritage Stables in the North Wing
Contact Katy Earehart with any questions!

🌟 Calling All Youth at the World’s Championship Horse Show! 🌟 Do you want to win $1,000 and awesome prizes like UNLIMITE...
08/19/2025

🌟 Calling All Youth at the World’s Championship Horse Show! 🌟 Do you want to win $1,000 and awesome prizes like UNLIMITED Doug Shiflet photo downloads or gift certificates to amazing vendors?!

The Annual Hackney Youth Contest is back — and open to ALL youth attending this year’s show! 🐴✨

Whether you’re showing, working or here to watch and cheer on your friends, this is your chance to connect, learn, and celebrate the joy of being part of our incredible horse community!

Let’s make this year’s WCHS not just about winning ribbons, but about lifting each other up and creating memories we’ll all carry forward. 🌈

📅 When & Where: WCHS August 15th-August 21st
📩 How to Join: Pick up a flyer in the Horse Show Office, the Youth Room or at Heritage Stables in the North Wing
Contact Katy Earehart with any questions!

The American Hackney Horse Society is proud to introduce our 2025 Lee and Beverly Dunn Hackney Hall of Fame Honoree, Mau...
08/15/2025

The American Hackney Horse Society is proud to introduce our 2025 Lee and Beverly Dunn Hackney Hall of Fame Honoree, Maureen Quackenbush!

On Wednesday evening, August 20, at the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show, we welcome Maureen Quackenbush into the Lee and Beverly Dunn Hackney Hall of Fame. On Wednesday evening, immediately following the last class, the AHHS is hosting a Hall of Fame reception to honor our new inductee. The reception will be held at Aisle N21 Stalls F 20 in the North Wing in front of Heritage Stables, Cater Stables & Shelby Creek Farm. Food and beverages will be served and there will be live entertainment. All are welcome! Please join us to celebrate and honor Maureen who has given so much to our industry and our breed!

Hackney Junior Exhibitors attending the World's Championship Horse Show - be sure to attend the Hackney Red Carpet event...
08/15/2025

Hackney Junior Exhibitors attending the World's Championship Horse Show - be sure to attend the Hackney Red Carpet event next Friday...exclusively for YOU!

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115 Park Street, Suite 101
Versailles, KY
40383

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