56 THE BREEDS OF LIV E-STOCK 
a marketable product is a factor that has to be considered, 
as well as the breed characteristics. However useful 
pure-bred horses may be, yet the degree to which they 
may contribute to the general improvement of the horses 
of a country is a broader and more influential factor 
entering into their standing. In this respect, the Hackney 
has established a reputation. On our common mares of 
much quality and some action, the Hackney makes a 
desirable cross. As Johnstone says, “the similarity of- 
action I count the most salient of its features,” and it is 
because this mechanical action is so deeply bred into the 
Hackney that it is, perhaps, the most likely of any of the 
European light horses to transmit it. It seems to be 
easier to produce the type than it is to secure the natural 
heavy-harness action. The tendency toward this action 
and type is surely stronger in the produce of the Hackney, 
because the breed itself has been bred for years for just 
those things; yet it is not safe to assume that it will come 
spontaneous to the service without proper mannering and 
encouragement. 
53. Distribution. — The good qualities of the Hackney 
have attracted world-wide attention, and, as a conse- 
quence, it is now found in many lands. In general, from 
England it has gone out into France, Germany, Holland, 
Denmark, Belgium, Spain, Italy, far east into Japan and 
south into Africa, Australia and New Zealand, and west- 
ward into the Argentina in South America, and into 
Canada and the United States in North America. It is 
pressing its way into every land where heavy-harness 
horses are in demand. In America, the Hackney is bred 
in the largest numbers east of the Mississippi river, but 
numbers of the breed have become very broadly scattered 
over the states and provinces. 
