HACKNEY HORSE SOCIETY
Hackney Round Up U
With Barbara Stockton
nder the revised Rare Breeds Survival Trusts listing, the Hackney Breed has now sadly been categorised as “critical”. T is should
be very concerning for all devotees of the breed, and carriage driving enthusiasts, especially as the Hackney has such a long and proud heritage. You do not have to go back that far to a time
when, prior to the motor car, the ancestors of our current breed were playing essential roles in the service of our country during wartime and peacetime, as well as earning valuable foreign currency due to the high demand for their qualities by foreign governments and breeders keen to develop their own horses. Nowadays the Hackney is more known for its
show ring prowess, and again you do not have to go that far back to a time when they dominated the harness classes at the larger shows. Reading a very old show catalogue for the Richmond Horse Show, I realised, to my surprise, that the participants of most of the numerous harness classes, including singles, pairs and multiples that were to take place, were assumed to be Hackneys, and just two classes were reserved for non Hackney types. However, dwelling in the glories of the past is of absolutely no use now and we must address the current situation. If you have ever had anything to do with
Hackneys, either as an owner or spectator, if you have thrilled to see these magnifi cent horses producing their athletic movement, or enjoyed their elegance, the breed needs your support now. T e word needs spreading that, although spectacular harness horses, they are also extremely versatile and make great riding horses. We need people to start thinking about
buying British; breeders and this follows for all the designated rare equine breeds, need to know that there is a market for their stock and then maybe they will put that extra mare in foal; even 10 more foals registered each year would be a great step forward. When you study the Rare Breeds Survival
Trust’s equine list it is interesting to note how many of the breeds are harness orientated or at least excellent dual purpose animals.
Critical:T e Cleveland Bay, Suff olk, Hackney and Eriskay Endangered: Dales and Exmoor Vulnerable:Clydesdale, Dartmoor and Welsh Mountain Section A (semi feral) At Risk: Fell, Highland and Shire.
All of these breeds have a distinguished history and deserve a guaranteed future.
New Rare Breed Show T e exciting news is that to try to help focus attention on the plight of the Hackney, and to recognise the other equine breeds that are in the
January 2012
same predicament as us, we are delighted to be able to support the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and take part in an end of season two-day show. T is wonderful new venture and opportunity
will hopefully grandstand all the rare breeds mentioned and for the Hackneys will feature their Horse of the Year Championship classes. T e show will be held the weekend of the 23 and 24 September, and will take advantage of the marvellous facilities at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre, (T e First Equestrian Village) Buckinghamshire. More details in future issues ofCarriage Driving. Come and support us at this show and also
at our Annual National Breed Show, held at the South of England Showground, Ardingly from 4-8 June, 2012. Here you can view the Hackney in numerous classes, both in hand and harness as well as ridden, and chat to breeders, exhibitors etc; you will all be very welcome. Finally joining the society, which is a
registered charity, is a great way to both give us support and also help you to fi nd out more about Hackneys. One of the perks of membership is the annual year book out in March 2012 full of information and photographs.
Elections for Council T e results of the voting for the council of the Hackney Horse Society are now in and Roger Bass, Roly Connolly, Janice Clough and Alan Ward have retained their seats for a further three years. T e society is also delighted to welcome three
new members of council; Alistair McNinch, who hails from north of the border and is already a much valued worker for the society, who will bring his wide experience in the driving world. Joey Peters whose family have long played an
important role in the breeding and production of Hackneys, as well as being enthusiastic supporters of the society in general, particularly the junior whip classes. And Georgina Turner, who as a highly
successful professional producer needs no introduction, also takes her place. T e society has much to achieve in the
coming months, it is a very exciting time and we wish all our members and supporters a very happy Christmas and a successful and prosperous New Year.
Dawn Hicketts, Secretary, Hackney Horse Society, Haydon Farm Cottages, Sutton Parva, Tytherington, Wiltshire BA12 7AF t: 01985 840717 f: 01985 840618
e:
dawn@hackney-horse.org.uk w:
www.hackney-horse.org.uk
Horse Driving Trials Hamewith Lonach and Ian Bertram, 2006 FEI World Championship single horse team gold medallist in horse driving trials.
The versatility of the Hackney Hunting
Paul Bennett hunting Halloughton Wattie with the Albrighton Hunt.
Show wagon The legionary Cynthia Haydon, showing Hurstwood Superlative at the Royal International Show at the White City, Hackney Horse Harness Champion 1955 to 1959.
Private Driving Lucy Smith and Royal Sunshine, a Dutch breed stallion and consistent winner in UK private driving, HOYS Champion 2008.
Carriage Driving 47
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