Buyer question
Is a Hackney horse good for beginners?
Usually not: our Animal Library rates the Hackney horse 2 out of 5 for beginners (hot for novices).
Source: the Hackney horse page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Hackney horse in the Animal Library
The detail
An English carriage breed famous for its extravagant, high-stepping trot, bred as a horse and a pony. Hackneys are spirited, alert and athletic, and most are trained and shown in harness rather than ridden.
- Temperament
- Spirited, alert, bold
- Best fit
- Driving, experienced handlers
- Trainability
- 4 out of 5 (Quick, needs skill)
- Upkeep
- 3 out of 5 (Show shoeing if shown)
- Energy
- 5 out of 5 (Fiery and animated)
What to weigh
Hackneys are hot and reactive, and show horses need specialist shoeing and handling. They suit experienced drivers more than beginners.