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.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the opening of the 2025 licensed official development grant application. The grants...
01/29/2025

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the opening of the 2025 licensed official development grant application.

The grants, first awarded in 2022, were designed to aid equestrians who desire to become a licensed official in addition to current licensed officials who wish to advance their knowledge and license level. Grants are intended to reduce financial barriers for USEF or U.S. Féderation Équestre Internationale officials to complete application requirements such as traveling to apprentice at a competition or attend a licensed official clinic.

During the 2024 application cycle, US Equestrian awarded grants totaling $20,000 to 42 qualified applicants.

The 2025 grants will be offered in two categories – general and U35.
-General grants will be considered based on the competition environment’s need for more officials or higher-level officials.
-U35 grants provide an opportunity to support individuals under the age of 35 to become a licensed official or apply for a promotion.

USEF members who meet the eligibility requirements and have an active licensed official application may apply, whether they are interested in obtaining their first USEF license or seeking a promotion in their respective breed or discipline.

Applicants are encouraged to think creatively and apply for competition and clinic experiences that would not normally be available to them due to financial barriers.

Application Details:
The application and complete list of grant requirements are available through the LO Grant Application tile on the LO Dashboard (linked below). All 2025 applicants must apply online through the LO Grant Application tile on or before February 28, 2025; emailed and mailed hard copy applications will not be accepted.

All portions of the online application must be completed for the application to be processed and reviewed. The 2025 applications may be considered on a rolling basis after the initial deadline if grant funds are still available, but all funds awarded must be claimed and utilized within the 2025 competition year which ends Nov. 30, 2025.

Questions may be directed to the Licensed Officials Department at [email protected].

National governing body for equestrian sport in the United States. Uniting the equestrian community by ensuring fairness, safety, and enjoyment since 1917.

The AHHS Limited Breeders Sweepstakes Committee is excited to announce the 2025 Limited Breeders Sweepstakes Grand Event...
01/28/2025

The AHHS Limited Breeders Sweepstakes Committee is excited to announce the 2025 Limited Breeders Sweepstakes Grand Event Weekend schedule. The weekend is scheduled for Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 in Lexington, KY. See the detailed schedule below!
Ticket prices and reservation forms for the Grand Event Luncheon will be released soon!

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Friday, March 14 - Day

9:00am - 11:00am - Open house at the new AHHS Office located at 115 Park Street Ste 101 Versailles, KY 40383

11:00am - 12:30pm - Lunch on your own

12:30pm- 4:00pm - Clinic at Hollow Haven Farm,
687 Kidds Mill Rd E, Versailles, KY 40383:
Preparing Your In Hand Pony For The Show Ring

Friday evening

Social event at historic Fasig-Tipton - Seattle Slew Room
6:30pm - Cocktails (cash bar)
7:00pm - Buffet Dinner: catered by Holly Hill Events
8:15pm - ? -Trivia Contest with special guest host Don Willoughby of Local Trivia Action
This event is free!

Saturday, March 15

Grand Event at Fasig-Tipton - Sale Pavilion
11:00am - 12:00pm AHHS Annual General Membership Meeting
12:00pm - Buffet Luncheon: catered by Holly Hill Events
1:30pm - AHHS Limited Breeders Sweepstakes Stallion Auction

The host hotel will once again be the Griffin Gate Marriott. We have secured a special rate of $149.00 per night. We were also able to negotiated a reduced resort fee of $5.00 per day, instead of $20.00 and the $5.00 is included in $149.00 rate*.

*Please note that the staff was not able to override the application of $20.00 resort fee with the online reservation system. When you reserve your room online, it will revert to $169.00 when you book the room. However, the event coordinator has said that credit cards will not be charged until check out and the charge will be corrected to the rate of $149.00. However, if you are not comfortable using the online reservation system, you can call Griffin Gate and make the reservation directly. Make sure you tell them you are coming in for the AHHS LBS weekend and ask for the special LBS rate. The event coordinator is Patrice Long and the phone number for the hotel is 859-288-6113.

Save the dates and reserve your room now, because we hope to see you there!!

It is time to renew your membership for 2025! 2024 Memberships expire on 2/1/2025. Do not forget to renew for 2025! Clic...
01/27/2025

It is time to renew your membership for 2025!

2024 Memberships expire on 2/1/2025. Do not forget to renew for 2025! Click the link below to renew online.

As a reminder, if you hold a USEF Hackney Judge’s Card you are required to be a member of the Hackney Society.

Please click the link to complete this form.

Us as we race into the 2025 show season! Counting down the days!
01/27/2025

Us as we race into the 2025 show season! Counting down the days!

On Friday, March 14th, at the Limited Breeders Sweepstakes Grand Weekend, the LBS will host an Open House at the new loc...
01/26/2025

On Friday, March 14th, at the Limited Breeders Sweepstakes Grand Weekend, the LBS will host an Open House at the new location of the AHHS office in Versailles, Kentucky, from 9:00 am to 11:00am. Stop in and see this original painting by renowned equine artist Janet Crawford hanging in the office.
AHHS
115 Park Street, Ste 101
Versailles, KY 40383

Hackneys come with built-in happiness 😃
01/25/2025

Hackneys come with built-in happiness 😃

01/24/2025

Hackney Horse stallion Highland Aristocrat enjoying this lovely sunny day in Georgia!
Video submitted by Chris Davison

How neat are these ads from the1946-1957? Which is your favorite?(Photos from The Hackney Horse Society)
01/23/2025

How neat are these ads from the1946-1957? Which is your favorite?
(Photos from The Hackney Horse Society)

Notice of Annual General Membership MeetingPlease take notice that the annual general membership meeting of the American...
01/22/2025

Notice of Annual General Membership Meeting

Please take notice that the annual general membership meeting of the American Hackney Horse Society will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2024 at 11:00am in Lexington, KY. The membership meeting will be in conjunction with the AHHS 2025 Limited Breeders Sweepstakes Stallion Auction and Grand Event at Fasig-Tipton located at 2400 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511.

Brand New Man, 2023 World's Champion 3 yr old harness pony, will be the featured stallion of the 2025 AHHS Limited Breed...
01/22/2025

Brand New Man, 2023 World's Champion 3 yr old harness pony, will be the featured stallion of the 2025 AHHS Limited Breeders Sweepstakes.
Sired by Handsome Harry and out of Heartland Dreamboat and bred by Music Row Farm.

Thank you to owners Alex & Alyssa Curry and trainer Chris Gantley.

Hackneys make the best best friends! Be sure to hug your Hackney today... !(Pictured: Suncoast's Phenomenal Priority and...
01/21/2025

Hackneys make the best best friends! Be sure to hug your Hackney today... !
(Pictured: Suncoast's Phenomenal Priority and Madeline Elliott)

State Line Tack, one of our sponsors, is offering great deals on winter blankets.  Follow this link https://bit.ly/4hqmT...
01/20/2025

State Line Tack, one of our sponsors, is offering great deals on winter blankets. Follow this link https://bit.ly/4hqmTYF. Please use your code PAAHHS30 at check out for the AHHS to get 7% back on your orders.

I think I can fly!
01/20/2025

I think I can fly!

Still reliving the amazing memories from last show season! 😍
01/18/2025

Still reliving the amazing memories from last show season! 😍

The American Hackney Horse Society congratulates Tom Lowry!
01/15/2025

The American Hackney Horse Society congratulates Tom Lowry!

The American Hackney Horse Society congratulates Alexus Texas and Elizabeth Scoggin!
01/15/2025

The American Hackney Horse Society congratulates Alexus Texas and Elizabeth Scoggin!

Address

115 Park Street, Suite 101
Versailles, KY
40383

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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