The Hackney pony - Used as show ponies

Originating in the UK, Hackney ponies differ from the Hackney horse since they have been crossed with Fell and Welsh Ponies. This means that they often stand up to four hands smaller than the Hackney horse and also have typical pony characteristics. For horse insurance purposes, among other things, this distinction is important. Originally bred for driving carriages, they are now used predominantly as show ponies. They were bred not to make a smaller version of the Hackney horse, but in order to have the distinctive character of a pony and this can be seen in both temperament and appearance.

Hackney ponies can be found with bay, brown, black or chestnut coats and are generally between twelve and fourteen hands high. Bay is the most common colour that you will find in Hackney ponies. Seen as a breed of class, Hackney ponies have a beautiful trot in which their front and back legs come up very high. Although these ponies have a light frame, they have powerful and muscular legs and necks. When watching a Hackney pony trot, they should look active and alert and hold their neck majestically.

Hackney ponies are found to have the temperament of typical ponies, and they can be extremely friendly. They are often used as show ponies, as their stamina and alertness make them ideal for this, but their kind nature around people means that they can also make fantastic pets.

In shows, Hackney ponies are most often seen being driven in harness. Since they were bred for the purpose of carriage driving they look beautifully at home when doing so. However, they can also be seen in shows under saddle, albeit less commonly.

Many people find Hackney ponies to be incredibly intelligent and enjoy the fact that they pick up on things that you have taught them quickly. For many trainers this can be a blessing because it means that you do not have to spend too much time going over the same things and can move on to teaching your pony other things in order to either gain more enjoyment from them or to perfect them for shows. For a quote click here and feel good >> Hackney pony Insurance Quote