“Hackney” Photographic Art Print

The Hackney is a recognized breed of both horse and pony that was originally developed as a riding horse. The origins of the breed date back to the 14th century when powerful and attractive horses with an excellent trot were required as riding horses. These trotting horses were the common mode of transportation and they also made very suitable war horses. In the early 18th century a Norfolk trotter stallion and an Arabian stallion contributed to the bloodline resulting in the Norfolk Roadster which had both stamina and speed.

Some bloodlines of the Norfolk and Yorkshire Trotter were selectively bred for elegance, style and speed, and, consequently became what we understand to be the modern Hackney Horse.
With the improvement to road surfaces, the Hackney horse was used in harness as well as under saddle. Their distinctive high-stepping trot made them an exceptionally elegant carriage horse. They also possess great stamina and so they are capable of trotting at high speeds for prolonged periods of time.

The Hackney horse tends to be between 14.2 and 16.2 hh and may be any solid colour, including bay, brown, black and chestnut. They often have white markings, they have a high head and neck carriage, a moderately long neck, an angled shoulder and a well-proportioned and well-muscled body. They are known for their alert and intelligent nature and their light and springy step. The trot can be described as showy with an exaggerated high knee and hock action due to very good flexion of their joints.

The Hackney is the only breed which recognises both horse and pony variations. The Hackney pony was developed in the late 19th century, when Hackney horses were bred to various pony breeds, in order to create a very specific type of show pony. The pony tends to stand between 12.2 and 14.2hh and demonstrates typical pony characteristics such as small, neat ears, as well as a bright and alert nature. Whilst he may have a more compact body, his conformation is very similar to that of the Hackney horse. Likewise, in terms of action, the movement of the Hackney pony is brisker than that of the horse but the main features, namely the distinctive high action, are similar.

During the 19th century, with the expansion of the railway, the breed fell out of fashion and was only revived when the Hackney Horse Society was formed in 1833 by a group of individuals who were keen to promote and maintain the breed. The unique gaits of the Hackney Horse have allowed it to achieve great success in the show ring. They are still extremely successful as carriage horses and can also make lovely riding horses, especially in the fields of show jumping and dressage.

The Hackney Horse and Pony are currently classified as "critical" on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust's watch list. This means that there are less than 300 in existence. It would be a devastating blow if these animals, who are the epitome of poise and elegance, disappear from our show rings forever.

About the Collection

In the UK we are lucky enough to have beautiful native horses and ponies roaming our land. Some of the Native breeds originate from particular regions across the UK & Ireland and roam in semi-wild herds that are accustomed to their particular environments. They graze in harsh, vast landscapes where hill farmers with commoner’s rights are custodians of these breeds. They care for them, protect them, ensuring their safety, health and continuing the long line of ancient gene pools continue for these native breeds to thrive and be healthy. Other native breeds are traditional workhorses with a long history of working alongside men from agriculture to industry over the years.

Their environments are changing, from intensive agriculture, expansive building, fencing off vast areas of moorland which restricts grazing, lack of interest in native breeds from horse enthusiasts, hill farmers whose families have farmed their land for many generations are unable to pass down their farms to new generations due to financial pressures and changes to farming legislation. All these elements are diminishing the likelihood of a future in the wild for our rare native breeds.

I’m passionate about our rare native breeds and the natural habitats they live in. I have loved every minute of creating this wonderful book project. I hope that Wild Hearts will raise the profile of our native breeds who have grazed and shaped our land for hundreds of years – some of which are facing possible extinction.

At a time when our world is fragile and in need of great change and care from us all. I believe it’s so important to cherish all our environments, nature and animals. With a passionate message of conservation at its heart, once complete, I hope that my fine art horse photography art book aim will show people the heart and soul of these wonderful breeds and to encourage people to support these vulnerable breeds, either by protecting them in their natural environment or by buying a registered pony; a step which could help save these rare breeds.