Eligibility and Type

HCK 1.0 Eligibility and Type The American Hackney Horse Society (AHHS) and the Canadian Hackney Society (CHS) are the two official registries for Hackney Ponies. Ponies should be entered using their full registered names and registration numbers, under the ownership of those listed with AHHS or CHS. The Hackney Pony has a dynamic and expressive demeanor. It is admired for its liveliness, stamina, resilience, and inherent gracefulness. Specifications for Hackney Pony Conformation:

General Appearance:

● The Hackney Pony should give an overall impression of elegance, athleticism, and alertness.

● Proportions should be balanced, with a harmonious blending of parts.

● The body should appear compact yet refined, with clean lines and smooth transitions between muscle groups.

● The head should have an expressive look with a refined muzzle, alert eyes, and well-shaped ears. Height and Weight:

● The height at withers should range between 12.2 to 14.2 hands.

● Weight should be proportionate to height and body condition, showcasing athleticism and stamina. Head:

● The head should be well-proportioned to the body.

● The profile should be straight or slightly concave.

● Eyes should be large, bright, and expressive, set wide apart.

● Ears should be well-shaped, alert, and proportionate to the head. Neck:

● The neck should have a well-arched shape that blends smoothly into the withers and shoulders.

● Its length should be proportionate to the body.

● The neck should be set high while carrying the head proudly. Shoulders:

● Shoulders should slope to allow freedom of movement.

● They need to be muscular and well-defined while blending smoothly into the body. Body:

● The back should be short, strong, and well-muscled.

● The chest should be deep and broad, allowing ample room for heart and lung capacity.

● Ribcage should be well-sprung, indicating good lung capacity and stamina.

● The loin should be muscular and slightly arched, connecting the back to the hindquarters seamlessly. Legs and Feet:

● Legs should be straight, with well-defined joints and strong, clean tendons.

● Forelegs need to be set well under the body to provide balance and support.

● Hindquarters should be powerful, with well-developed muscles for propulsion.

● Hooves should be well-formed, round, and proportionate to the pony's size. Movement:

● Movement should be free-flowing, fluid, and ground-covering.

● Stride needs to be long and elastic with noticeable reach and drive.

● Hackney Ponies should move with impulsion, elevation, and style while displaying natural animation and presence. Coat and Color:

● The coat should have a glossy appearance that reflects good health and condition.

● Acceptable colors include solid black, brown, bay, chestnut or roan. Minimal white markings are allowed. Overall Impression:

The overall impression of Hackney Ponies should embody gracefulness, elegance, athleticism. They must exude confidence, alertness, and willingness to perform. Their conformation should reflect their heritage as stylish and versatile driving ponies. Judging penalties are applied for deviation from the Hackney breed standard, which includes features such as a coarse or unrefined head, a Roman nose, drooping ears, small or pig-like eyes, a short, straight, or overly arched neck, a bulky throat latch, flat withers, a swayed or hunched back, straight shoulders, misaligned legs, bowed knees, excessive knee bending, bowed legs, straight pasterns, extreme splaying outward or inward turning of the feet, contracted heels, an overly wide or narrow stance, a sickle-shaped hock, severe cow hocks, inadequate muscle development, undernourishment, excessive weight, a rough coat, or overall poor physical condition. Horses and ponies must exhibit soundness, free from any signs of lameness or respiratory issues. Recognizing the diversity within the breed, animals fulfilling all other criteria for a specific event or discipline should not face undue penalties. If an entry has lost sight in one eye, it may still be shown. A contact lens is permitted for cosmetic purposes only, not in an effort to enhance performance. Height regulations for Hackney Ponies and Harness Ponies are strictly enforced, with specific provisions for measurements and divisions in competitions. Ponies must have a current measurement card issued by a governing organization, or be measured at the competition prior to exhibiting. Hackney ponies are restricted to a maximum height of 14.2 hands, while 12.2 hands is the maximum height of Harness ponies. Harness ponies 48 inches and under may be further divided by the competition. The maximum height of Roadster ponies is 52” and the class may be divided for ponies measuring 50 inches and under, and another for those measuring over 50 inches up to 52 inches.