THE HEAVY-HARNESS BREEDS OF HORSES 45 
hacquenée, which he states was recognized as far back as 
the year 1303. Chaucer also used the word ‘‘ hakeney ” 
or “ hacknay,’’ but does not give any clue as to the class 
of horse referred to. Cully, an early English writer on 
live-stock subjects, does not mention the Hackney. Law- 
rence, however, in some of his writings, gives us an inkling 
as to its application, and, as stated, it meant a roadster. 
44. Origin. — The development of the Hackney into 
a breed may be traced to definite stimuli, which have been 
noticeable and in operation with more or less force in the 
development of several other breeds of horses. In the 
evolution of the breeds of light horses, there may be said 
to be a district suitable for rearing light horses of quality, 
which implies a soil well-drained, either light, hilly or 
underlaid with limestone, with good grass, all of which 
should indicate wholesome grazing conditions. With these 
associate men who love a horse, and let them be inspired 
with a definite aim, and the breed takes form and becomes 
popular according to the force and growth of the demand 
and ideals. A variety of sourcesare invariably drawn on, 
frequently very diverse in some attributes, but somewhat 
similar in the breed characteristics desired ; and, these once 
secured, the aim becomes to concentrate and multiply them. 
With these general conditions in view, let us bring their 
particular application to the Hackney. As bearing on 
this, and also to show that these factors were recognized 
by horsemen at a very early day, a quotation from Law- 
rence will suffice: ‘“ Light soils and a hilly surface of 
ground generally produce clean, vigorous and active 
horses, and probably there is no county in England where 
a better sort are bred than in Shropshire. Yorkshire and 
Lincolnshire are celebrated for carriage horses, and many 
very good ones are reared in those districts.” Yorkshire 
