Hackney

 History
In 18th century Norfolk, Thoroughbred stallions were crossed Norfolk Trotter mares. The resulting horse was excellent at hacking(hence the name) and could easily trot over long distances, going as fast as 18 miles an hour. In the mid-1800s, as roads improved, the Hackneys became carriage horses, moving much faster than they heavy carriage horses meant to pull wagons over uneven roads, a difficult task. Soon after, the Hackney pony came into existence by breeding Fell pony/Thoroughbred crosses with small Welsh Cobs, and then breeding those offspring with a 14 hands high Hackney named Sir George. Though it is disputed by many, Hackney ponies and horses are considered one breed, are registered under the same studbook, and judged the same way in the show ring.

Both Hackney ponies and horses look very similar
and have the same high-stepping gaits. credit

In 1883, the Hackney Studbook Society was founded. Since then, the horse became known as the ultimate carriage. People from both America and England loved the breed because it was quick transportation.

 In 1891, the American Hackney Society was founded, and up until the Great Depression in the '30s, hundreds and hundreds of both Hackney horses and ponies were shipped to America.

Breed Description and Uses
 Both the Hackney horse and pony are very similar in appearance. They have long hind hocks, a lot of knee action, a level croup, sloping shoulders, and a high-set neck. Their head is elegant and small. The horse type stands 14 to 16 hands high, while the pony is only 12 to 14 hands high. Both come in black, bay, chestnut, and sometimes pinto. Their tails are often docked.

 Hackneys are generally used for English disciplines, such as dressage, jumping, and saddle seat, though they can also be used in driving, something even the ponies do well at.

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Fell Pony

History
The Fell Pony is an ancient breed from the United Kingdom. For almost 2,000 years, the breed has developed and adapted to the harsh climate of northern England, becoming a tough pony able to thrive under such conditions.

 Before the 18th century, well-maintained paved roads were a rarity, so people needed sturdy, strong ponies as transportation. Many people decided upon the Fell Pony, who fit the criteria. As time passed, whoever, roads improved and people needed faster horses for long distance travel. At that point, the Fell transitioned to a farm horse for farms living in the hilly northern England.

 Then, in the 19th century, the use of Fell Ponies for pleasure, such as trotting races and other sports events, began. Fells were also used for shipping goods. During the late-19th century, Fells began pulling cartloads of coal out of mines and working with the machinery nearby the mines. In 1916, the Fell Pony Society was founded.

 Only about 700 Fell mares are registered worldwide.

Breed Description and Uses
 The Fell Pony, standing 12.2 to 13.3 hands high, is a muscular, draft-like pony. Their hooves are hardy, thighs strong, and haunches muscular. Because of their strength and sturdiness, they can carry heavy weights. Commonly, Fells are black, although brown, bay, and gray are occasionally seen.

Fell Ponies resemble miniature Friesians, though many breeders
doubt that any Friesian blood is present. credit

 Fells have calm, even temperaments and are willing to work hard. They are intelligent and love activities that engage their mind.

Today, the versatile Fells are most commonly used for combined driving, though they also excel at jumping, dressage, and endurance racing.

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