'THE HACKNEY COACH HORSE I4I 



Royal ^A.gricultural Society, increased the standard height 

 for the breed to 15.2 hands. Hackneys are often classified 

 accor^ -g to height: Hackney ponies, under 14 hands; 

 Hackney cobs, 14 to 15.2 hands; and Hackney coach 

 horses, above 15.2 hands. The weight is also variable, 

 but 1,000 pounds is a good weight for a mare and 1,200 

 pounds for a stallion. At present chestnut is the favored 

 color, though all colors are found. White markings are 

 also very common. 



Mucl Jmphasis is placed upon soundness, and for the 

 past few years the English Hackney Horse Society has 



FIG. 83.— HACKNEY STOCK FARM 



subjected the entries to its shows to veterinary examina- 

 tion. This has favored keeping the breed free from un- 

 soundness; and the percentage rejected is very small, 

 perhaps about 5% on the average. 



The action. — Formerly the Hackney was valued for its 

 long and strong action at the trot, but at the present time 

 its chief merit resides in the high and often rather flashy 

 action of the knees and hocks. It is said that Confidence 

 (158) was noted for the transmission of this particular 

 quality to his offspring. In the walk or trot the feet are 

 lifted with snap and spring, and at the trot the front feet 

 go forward after being uplifted, as if they were following 



