Standards of Judging
HCK 4.0 Standards of Judging Hackney Pony - Amateurs To be exhibited by an Amateur handler. Open to mares, stallions, and geldings, these classes allow for a bit more strength and bolder performance. They are expected to exhibit increased action and animation, with less emphasis on manners compared to Ladies or Juvenile cases. Nevertheless, ponies must stand quietly and back promptly. Evaluation criteria for these classes include manners, performance, quality, presence, and conformation. Hackney Pony - Juvenile Available to Juvenile exhibitors exhibiting mares or geldings. Manners hold utmost importance, with ponies displaying willingness to perform, suitability, and balanced action. Gait execution should be brilliant upon command, while also standing quietly and backing readily. Stallions are not allowed in Juvenile classes. Judging criteria: manners, suitability, quality, performance, and conformation. Hackney Pony - Ladies Available to mares, stallions and geldings. A pony intended for a lady driver should exude refinement and grace, with careful consideration given to the pony's suitability for the driver. Expression plays a significant role, and high quality is paramount. The execution of gaits should be executed with precision upon command. Additionally, the pony should demonstrate the ability to stand calmly and back up readily. Judging in these classes takes into account manners, quality, suitability, performance, and conformation. Hackney Pony - 4YO & Under These entries are stallions, mares and geldings four years of age and under, shown at the Park Trot and Show Your Pony. To be judged on performance, presence, quality, conformation and manners. Open/Geldings/Mares/Stallions/Limit/Novice/Maiden/Owners/Gentleman Entries should epitomize the highest standards of the breed, striving for near perfection, displaying all gaits with remarkable presence, brilliance, and exceptional all-around action. Performance takes precedence in these classes, with judging criteria encompassing performance, presence, quality, conformation, and manners. Gaits include Park Trot and Show Your Pony. In all Ladies, Amateur, Juvenile, and Pleasure classes, the judge(s) must walk the lineup. Hackney Pony - Championships Championship competitions should be provided for both driving and riding classes. In the event that an amateur ladies' class is unavailable, amateur ladies participating in the open ladies' class will automatically qualify for the amateur championship. Hackney Pony - In-Hand Open to stallions, mares and geldings of various ages. Show Committees are urged to offer separate classes for stallions, mares, and geldings, two years of age and over.
1. Ponies are shown in-hand at a walk and trot, in both directions of the ring. Conformation, type, quality, and finish account for 50% of the score for weanlings, yearlings, two-year-olds, and older ponies. Performance, manners, disposition, and way of going contribute the remaining 50% for all age groups.
2. Two-year-old stallions and geldings have the option to be shown in stallion Tack & Apparel. Stallions and geldings over two years old must be shown in stallion Tack & Apparel.
3. The first and second-place winners in the qualifying class will be designated as Show Champions and Reserve Champions.
4. Inconspicuous hair and/or tail brace are permitted, while a spoon crupper is optional.
5. Only two individuals per pony are allowed in the ring. Handlers/attendants must be dressed neatly and appropriately, wearing clean and well-fitted attire. Each person may carry or use a whip not exceeding 6 feet in length, including the lash. The lash must remain unaltered and adhere to standard whip style. An exception is made for small empty paper or plastic bags, or ribbons attached to the whip, which may be used separately.