Hackney Ponies Added to the Excitement at the World Equestrian Games

Early Edition, a high stepping Hackney Pony, took part in a driving demonstration at the Equine Village at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, much to the delight of the crowd who gathered around to find out more about the glamorous, eye-catching Hackney. Early Edition, owned by T.J. and Georgia Blevins of Blevins Farm in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is an American and Canadian National Champion Hackney Pleasure Pony.

Blevins said she was thrilled to be asked to perform a demonstration with Early Edition at the World Equestrian Games and was pleased that so many people were introduced to the breed. In addition to winning the Canadian National Champion Pleasure Pony title in 2009, the flashy Hackney, who is trained by Matt Schuckert of Debonaire Stables, also won the Championship at the Indianapolis Charity Horse Show in 2010.

Early Edition was bred by Bent Tree Farms of Virginia and started his career as a Road Pony, becoming the 2002 World Champion Four-Year-Old Road Pony Champion. Under the ownership of the late Jane Mueller, Early Edition switched to the Pleasure Pony division where in 2006 he became the World Grand Champion Pleasure Pony.

Blevins also gave a demonstration with her Hackney Pony, Lieutenant Dan, who has also achieved American and Canadian Champion status. Dating back to 1760, Hackney Horses and Ponies have become the high stepping aristocrat of the show ring and draw a fan following wherever they go. The action of the Hackney is not only highly distinctive, but thrilling to watch. Hackney Ponies are mainly shown in five divisions: Hackney Pony; Harness Pony; Roadster Pony; Pleasure Pony, and Country Pleasure. The Hackney Horse is primarily shown single, pair four-in-hand, obstacle plus some are shown under saddle.

Despite the overall winning package of the Hackney breed, in past years the Hackney Horse has been listed on the endangered species list. Thanks to a growing interest in driving and carriage driving, however, Hackney Horses are now being sought after for their glamour and driving ability as singles, pairs and four-in-hand teams. Hackney Ponies, a smaller power-packed version of the Hackney Horse, have become a prized show pony and companion to not only children of all ages, but adults as well. Fortunately, the numbers of Hackney Horses and Ponies are now increasing, and broodmare bands are flourishing in the United States.

The headquarters of the American Hackney Horse Society is located on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park, the site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Designed to maintain a current registry of the Hackney, the society also compiles and publishes a studbook of the Hackney Horse and Hackney Pony and ensures the proper transfer of the certificate of registration.

The American Hackney Horse Society endeavors to promote the breeding of quality Hackney Horses and Hackney Ponies, create an interest in the breed and encourages exhibitors to support horse shows by showing their Hackneys in classes offered. In addition the Society offers several programs for amateur exhibitors to participate in. These programs encompass exhibitors of all ages. A fifteen-member board of directors from across the country oversees the operation of the Society.

For more information on Hackney Horses and Hackney Ponies, visit their website at www.hackneysociety.com.