Horse breeds / Hackney horse
Photo: Cgoodwin · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Hackney horse
The Hackney comes from England, where it was developed in the 18th century from crosses between trotting-type horses and Thoroughbred blood. It was bred for the high-stepping trot and the showy action that made it prized as a harness horse for pulling light carriages on the road and in town.
Hackneys are known for a bold, flashy way of going, with a high-lifted front leg and a free, elastic stride. They are often spirited and forward, so they suit experienced handlers more than complete beginners, though many are willing and people-oriented once they are settled. Their ride is energetic and their presence is striking, which makes them popular in the show ring.
Day to day, a Hackney needs regular work, whether driving, riding, or in-hand training, along with time out in a paddock. They do best with steady routines and enough mental stimulation to keep them occupied and content.
Good for: Experienced riders, driving enthusiasts, show ring competitors
| Size | medium |
| Weight | 882–1102 lb |
| Height | 56–64 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | England |
Hackneys are spirited and forward, so a first-time owner should expect to work with an experienced trainer.
Living with a Hackney horse
Exercise
A healthy adult Hackney typically needs daily work of about an hour, plus turnout to move freely. Too little exercise can lead to excess energy, weight gain, and a more difficult, fizzy temperament.
Grooming
The coat is fine and short in summer and thicker in winter, and it sheds moderately in spring. Mane and tail need regular brushing, and hooves should be trimmed or shod every six to eight weeks. Many owners clip for show or to manage sweating during work.
At home
Hackneys are hardy and generally do well with ample turnout on good grass, with shelter available in bad weather. They can live in a herd, but many are sociable with a companion horse or pony. Most are moderate keepers, so feed should be matched to workload, with forage as the base and close attention to body condition.
Training
Hackneys learn quickly and respond well to patient, consistent handling. They excel in harness driving, hunter-style classes, and show ring competition, and they can also be ridden on the trail. A green Hackney may be forward and quick to react, so expect a rewarding but sometimes hot ride that needs a calm, experienced hand early on.
Health
Hackneys are generally sound, but some lines are prone to conditions such as laminitis and metabolic issues linked to weight. Because breed-specific risks vary by bloodline, ask a veterinarian about screening and management suited to your individual horse.
- Laminitis
- Metabolic issues
- Colic
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Hackney horse
Forage and water, adult
15–25 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 882–1102 lb, and 9–16 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$2,950–$5,050
Hay about $1,752, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Hackney horse is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Hackney horse
Shelters and breed rescues list Hackney horses and Hackney horse mixes every week. Search adoptable Hackney horses on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Hackney horse right for you?
- Yes if you enjoy showy, high-stepping horses
- Yes if you drive or want a driving-capable horse
- Yes if you can handle a forward, spirited ride
- Think twice if you are a complete beginner seeking a calm mount
- Think twice if you have limited time for daily work
Questions owners ask
Is the Hackney good for beginners?
Usually not as a first horse. Hackneys are spirited and forward, so they suit riders with some experience or those working with a knowledgeable trainer.
How much does a Hackney cost?
Prices vary widely with bloodline, training, and show record. Budget for purchase plus ongoing feed, farrier, veterinary, and tack costs.
How tall is a Hackney horse?
Hackneys typically stand around 14.2 to 16.3 hands at the withers, though this varies by type and bloodline.
How long do Hackney horses live?
A well-kept Hackney often lives into its mid-to-late twenties, with care and health management shaping individual outcomes.
What are Hackneys used for?
They are used mainly for harness driving and show ring classes, and some are also ridden on the trail or in hunter-style events.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.