|
|
Hack |
|
|
|
|
|
Hack |
|
|
Just as any horse which follows hounds can be called a Hunter, so any horse used for leisure riding can be called a Hack. As with the Hunter, however, the Hack which approaches nearest to the ideal in type, conformation and manners is that exhibited in the show ring. The show Hack must not exceed 15.3 hands high and must have impeccable manners, absolute obedience to the rider, smooth and elegant paces and be as near to perfection in conformation as possible. In short, he should be the perfect riding horse, a pleasure both to ride and to behold. In England, it is the Thoroughbred horses that usually make the most successful show Hacks. (Enc. Horse 1983)
This horse type originated in Great Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries, and may be found in many other countries. Since it is not a breed, there is no universal height or characteristic standard, only a high degree of quality and presence suitable for pleasure riding. Hacks are typically bred in a controlled, temperate environment, and are considered either warmbloods or hotbloods. Primarily used under saddle, these horses usually stand between 14.2 and 15.3 hands high and come in all solid colors. Development of this type has been influenced by Thoroughbreds and Anglo-Arabians. Elegance and balance, as well as good conformation and movement were inherited from the Thoroughbred, and similar elegance with a more equable temperament was supplied by the Anglo-Arabian.
The term "hack" has been used to describe a variety of horses depending on the region or country in which it is bred. Initially, the term meant "a horse for hire," and is derived from the English word hackney, or Norman French word haquenai or haquenée. In medieval times, this referred to a hired horse of poor quality. Not so today, as we shall find out. Tradition changed, and the term Hack was applied to a general riding horse, to distinguish it from a horse used for hunting. Soon two type of Hack developed - Covert and Park.
A Covert Hack is one that a gentleman rides on his way to the hunting field. His groom brings his hunter at a sedate pace to the same field to meet him there. The gentleman then mounts his hunter to follow the hounds in the chase. The Covert Hack was well mannered and a comfortable ride. "Riding Horses" tend to take on this task in today's hunts, and they have their own show classes.
In times gone by, grooms rode their masters' hunters quietly to the meet and the owners. After breakfasting, followed in their dog-carts or carriages, or they cut a dash on a "covert hack." This was a Thoroughbred riding horse, elegant, well mannered, and comfortable to ride at a smooth "hack canter." The covert hack was an attractive, show horse, lighter than a hunter. It did not have to carry weight for a full day's hunt nor, therefore, have to have the substance and bone essential for the hunting field. (Ultimate Horse)
An elegant, refined horse to be ridden by fashionable people has also been referred to as a Hack -- in this case the Park Hack. It was ridden out for pleasure in the English parks by individuals of high esteem. Because of these fashionable socialites on their showy horses, the most popular riding place became known as London's "Rotten Row." From this practice, the term "to hack" came to mean "to ride out," and thus a popular form of riding is called "hacking." Modern Hacks resemble the Park Hack in style and manners.
Even more refined than the covert hack was the beautiful and highly schooled "park hack." In the fashionable days of riding in the Rotten Row in London's Hyde Park, the park hack paraded its well-tailored owner, who often might be escorting a lady, before the appraising and sometimes critical public eye. To show off its rider to full advantage the park hack was brimful of presence, moving in all the paces with lightness and with great gaiety and freedom. Its manners, like its appearance, could not be less than absolutely impeccable. (Ultimate Horse)
In the United States, a riding horse is often referred to as a hack. This can be applied to a Saddlebred type or a Hunter. Saddlebred types are called Bridle-Path Hacks, while Hunter Hacks are generally Thorughbreds. A third type is the Road Hack, which may have Morgan, Saddlebred, or trotting blood. Saddlebreds are the favored mounts used as Hacks.
Australian Hacks are Thoroughbreds, while British Hacks are smaller horses, sometimes Thoroughbred or a crossbred. Small Thoroughbred types with a dash of Arabian blood are popular as Hacks in Europe. Hacks are also popular in the show ring in South Africa.
The Hack today is a showy, well-trained horse which is responsive to riding aids and very easy to ride. People who like non-competitive riding typically enjoy riding on a Hack. The Hack's manners should be impeccable, and its gaits light and easy. This horse is a top-quality riding horse for individuals who like to look good while riding. The Hack must have the ability to jump small fences.
Classes held for Hacks vary depending on the region, but all shows admit lightweight, elegant riding horses. Requirements for classes also vary by height, work required, etc. Hacks are primarily judged for their conformation, presence, action, training, manners, and ride. A short demonstration is required by contestants to display correct training of the horse. The majority of show hacks are Thoroughbred, although some may be Anglo-Arab, part-bred Arabians or halfbreeds. Small Hacks are those between 14.2 and 15 hands high, Large Hacks between 15 and 15.3 hands high, and Ladies' Hacks are 14.2-15.3 hands high. Ladies' hacks are shown under sidesaddle. All hacks are shown at walk, trot and canter;. While they are not required to gallop, they must give an individual display. In British shows, entries are also ridden by the judge.
Definition -- One telling definition of a hack describes it as a horse to be ridden with one hand while its owner flirts with a lady companion.
The Hack has a small head of great quality, and an elegant, crested neck. The eyes should be big, bold and generous, and its ears should be mobile and inquiring. When shown, the mane is braided to show off the neck, and the tail is either thinned by puling or it is also braided. Its body is deep, with rounded quarters. It should have the classic shoulders of the quality riding horse. The Hack’s overall outline should be that of a Thoroughbred-type, with its structure designed for speed. The hind legs should be notably straight, with long musculature and prominent second thigh. Its legs are light and graceful, but there must be ample bone below the knee. There should be symmetry in the horse’s hindquarters and no deviation from straightness in the hind legs (rear view) or joint construction. The Hack should have a good, second thigh, with sufficient width over the quarters. The Hack should also have hooves of the highest quality.
The modern Hack should be have the supreme elegance of a show horse, full of presence, beautifully balanced in its paces, and with perfect manners. A hack must neither be ponyish, nor gangly, and it is expected to have 8" (20cm) of bone below the knee. The fine limbs should have correct conformation, and its action should be light, straight and true. The action should also be low to the ground with no "cheating" or lifting the knee. The trot should be smooth and floating and the canter slow, light and perfect in balance. The Hack’s movement is distinguished by a particular brilliance. The Hack is schooled to perfection, but there should not be any resemblance to disciplined accuracy of a dressage horse in the Hack’s performance.
For more information visit:
|
© 1997-2007
NW Breyer Horse Club & Refiner of Gold Creations Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 3/13/2007 |
|
| ||
|
|||||
