THE HACKNEY HARNESS PONY 185 



THE HACKNEY HARNESS PONY 



It is really wonderful what can be achieved by selection 

 and care. The Hackney pony is an illustration of an 

 elaborate system of breeding. 



The Rigmaden ponies were the fashion thirty years 

 ago ; they were originated by Mr. C. W. Wilson, who 

 discreetly crossed good Welsh ponies with the best -bred 

 Hackneys, and then by a wonderful system of in-breeding 

 eventually bred a beautiful little Hackney pony. 



The Hackney pony stallion crossed with a Welsh, 

 Exmoor or Forest pony usually breeds a good type of 

 pony with courage and good action. The farmer who 

 has a favourite pony would do well to breed her to the 

 Hackney pony stallion, especially if he is prepared to 

 give the offspring a good winter. This cross cannot be 

 recommended for rough wintering on the moors or 

 mountains. 



The specimens seen to-day in the show-rings are 

 magnificent, and no pen can really do justice in describing 

 them. I like them better than the big Hackney, because 

 they are so active and pony-like, and really sensational 

 in every sense of the word. The pony is easier to breed 

 to type than the bigger horse ; this is why the Hackney 

 pony has come to perfection. 



