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imparts a weedy appearance and makes the horse liable to cut 

 himself when moving. Viewed from behind, a typical Hackney is 

 equare, with muscular thighs and gaskins and with no tendency to 

 being " split up " between the legs (a bad fault) ; he should stand 

 well at the ground with the hocks neither in nor out. The general 

 appearance should give the impression of a bold, stylish animal 

 eminently fitted for work in harness but also able to carry and keep 

 a saddle in its proper position. Stallions show distinct masculinity 

 all over, especially as regards their heads, crest development and 

 general strength. 



The action of the Hackney is unique. He should be a good 

 square walker stepping well out and bearing himself jauntily, but it 

 is in the trot that he excels. He goes with both head and tail well 

 up, the delivery in front is very free from the shoulder, the knee 

 being raised a great height and vigorously snapped in the air ; the 

 foot is then shot forward and the whole leg almost straightened out 

 before the foot regains the ground. The hocks are well and 

 vigorously flexed, the hind feet are raised well off the ground and 

 then brought sharply forward and easily replaced in a direct line 

 with the fore ones. Viewed from the side, a good Hackney appears 

 to be stepping well away in front and well under himself behind ; in 

 meeting one he should come with great resolution and without any 

 suspicion of rolling, and in leaving one his action should be strong 

 and true. 



Heavy plodding action is extremely objectionable, and is 

 generally to be found accompanied by a low, heavy head carriage 

 and a crouching style. 



Colour is regarded as a very secondary consideration by breeders, 

 and Hackneys are to be found of all colours and shades. Chestnut 

 of varying hues predominates and is often accompanied by white 

 markings. Bays and browns with black legs are numerous. Red 

 roans are not numerous now but blue roans of marked beauty may 

 occasionally be seen. Chestnuts with roan markings on flanks and 

 quarters are common. Blacks and greys are not often seen. 

 '" Off-coloured " animals occasionally turn up. 



The Hackney is claimed to be the soundest breed of horses in 

 existence ; there is no doubt of his good temper. 



Hackneys Abroad. Hackney exports exceed in number and 

 value those of any other light breed except the Thoroughbred, and 

 horses are sent to almost every part of the globe, the United States, 

 Chili, Argentina, Canada, the Continent and Japan being perhaps 

 the largest buyers, though a brisk and growing demand is springing 

 up in Australia and South Africa. 



In America as in other countries the Hackney has surpassed all 

 others in open competition as a high-class harness horse. 



The Hackney Horse Society, founded in 1883, looks after the 

 interest of both Hackneys and Hackney Ponies. It does not hold 

 a public sale in connection with its Annual Show (held in London 

 in March) but keeps a sale register on which owners can place the 

 names of exhibited horses which are for sale. The membership of 

 the Society runs to about 2,100 and all the leading home, and most 

 of the foreign breeders are connected with it. 



