English Hack

The equine Hack is an essentially British horse type – a refined riding horse. A Hack is any riding horse or pony that is not part of an established breed, of any colour and does not exceed 15.3 hands in height.

The Hack is a general category that includes many horses that do not qualify for specific breed designation due to parentage.

A winning Hack must be entirely without blemish having perfect form. Being of any breed or mixture it must by definition also be a nearly perfect example of a horse. In practice that simply means a Thoroughbred. It should be noted that hacks also include horses that are never shown and live useful lives on farms and at riding stables.

All qualities that are expected of a Thoroughbred are required in a winning Hack. A refined head to neck fit, a neck of true proportions, a well laid back shoulder, a pronounced but not exaggerated wither, a short back and large girth, with well sprung ribs and powerful quarters. The legs must be clean, true and level.

The show winning Hack must be able to stand immobile while being mounted and dismounted and the horse must walk with ease, freedom and use its shoulders without turning its head. At the trot, as with the walk, he should be capable of collection or extension when asked, with the same being applied to the canter in which it shows no sign of knee or harness type action.

When assessing a high class hack it must give the impression of being under complete control and willing to answer the rider with a minimum of effort. It must have a good attitude and not be resistive.

As to which bred is best suited as a winning Hack? It only be a horse that can carry its self with extreme grace and poise, have clean action and pleasant to ride.

The British Show Horse Association sponsors and operates shows specifically for English Hack and English Cob horses. It was previously the British Show Hack and Cob Association.