Origins: The Hackney horse was bred from Norfolk and Yorkshire Trotters and also has Arabian and Thoroughbred breeding. They were used mainly as harness horses and the Hackney Horse Society was founded in 1883. Later the Hackney horse was crossed with the ponies to create the Hackney pony and there are now separate stud books for horses and ponies

Characteristics: Small head, long neck and compact body, staight shoulders, short legs and tailed carried high. High knee action in trot, good stamina

Height: 12.2 to 14.2 hands

Color: Bay, dark brown, chestnut or black

Personality: Alert, spirited and brave