Hacks and things

[HackFantoo]

I too think that the Hack way of going is a dying art, I would love to read up about the old Park Hack, any suggestions perhaps, then I could improve the way my go (in my dreams)

Didn't go to Wembley (Novices) so I can't comment on the Champion.

[Jo Jenkins]

In the heyday of the hack the shows were much quieter, they had a more varied work programme (not always in a school) and people were a lot more patient. There was not the number of shows put on to tempt people to keep going on and on and this helped with their brains I think. Also when you look at old pictures it proves that old irish saying of 'put a big bit in the mouth and a little bit in the stomach'. The old hack bits look horrendous but the hands on the end of them were good these riders had tru independant seats thanks to hunting etc. IMO most show horses are fed too much and not worked/turned out enough. Modern hack people have theri work cut out I think.

[HackFanToo]

Hacks certainly seem to have their work cut out!!!
Have to be beautifully looking, elegant and have manners to burn!! Definitely the supermodels of the showring!!!

I too have a new hack for next year, does anyone else?

[hackety]

It is lovely to see that Hacks are becoming more popular again. Totally understand how people could find them intimidating, but the classes have some really friendly people in them now.

When I am judging Hacks, type and way of going is all important. Light in the hand, balanced, rhythmical and completely easy and elegant. Easier said than done, there is no quick production tips for a hack, their schooling has to be be precise, correct and thorough without hammering away at it until they are sour and lose the panache.
Conformation wise, again quality all the way, but a small horse not a big pony, correct and balanced with an elegant front, good turn and length of rein. Clean, quality bone is important as it should be with anything. Movement should be smooth, regular and low to the ground with a long stride and pointing of the toe.

[hackety]

A few years ago, a doyenne of the hack world told me that any show horse should have the head of a lady and the ar**end of a cook.
An elegant and shapely turn of front and a good old fashioned rump shouldn't be mistaken for cresty in front and fat behind!

[hackety]

Doh, keep thinking of other things to put ......

I can only actually think of a couple of the Hacks at HOYS that were too cresty or 'fat bottomed'. I don't think that anything placed fell into that category.

[hackett]

God someone knows there rule book inside out dont they, have to say i do agree though!

[hackety]

It's just what we aspire to, how I want my hack to go and what I look for when judging.

[HackFan3]

Can somebody please explain to me why riders in the Hack Class at HOYS are dressed beautifully Top Hat and Tails, but when your competing at the RIHS riders still wear their normal dress, unless you are lucky enough to get into the championship? Both shows involve qualifying for.

I'm sure that there is a simple explanation, but I don't know the answer!!!

[Molly]

HackFan3- I have often wondered that..

[HackFan3]

I just think that having tried really hard to qualify for the class that it would be extra nice to dress up tooo

Molly nice to hear from you

[elegant pics]

The picture of elegance!

[HackFan3]

Absolutely, is well absolutely gorgeous..................!!!!

[Hackpics]

Absolutely was fantastic at hoys, and i personally had it down to win, The individual show was a delight to watch, true elegance with a capital E!

[HackFan3]

Absolutely is my perfect hack!!!

[me2]

and mine

[HackFan3]

Me2 do you have a favourite large?

[daysgoneby]

Absolutely is one of the few being shown as a hack who both looks and performs as a true show hack should. Too many heavy animals in these classes now who go 'into the ground', lots of pony types and horses who are just not elegant. Remember Tenterk? another wonderful example.... ah, those were the days!!

[HackFan3]

I have too say that talking Hacks is sooooooo my favourite past time!!!
(if you hadn't already noticed)
No, I don't remember but I have seen one photo did Robert Oliver ride him?

[tenterk fan]

erm not sure on a fave large hack, WHO REMEMBERS FORMIDABLE?? have to say the keens are legends in their own day when it comes to hacks.

[Buzz fan]

Brown Buzzard was a star and he knew it
Fair Change had exceptional manners
Formidable and Gainsborough were truest Hacks

[Absolutely]

I totally agree, a producer once said to me the Keens have forgotten more about Hacks than I'll know in a lifetime ..... TRUE!!!

[Absoluetly]

Agree with all said^^^ but does anyone agree that Absolutely should have won at HOYS this year? no disrespect to any of the others

[Agree]

yep my heart sank when he was called in 5th / 4th thought he should have won by a mile, he did a spectacular display in his indivdual show and i wanted an encore in the lap of honour! never mind i will watch and enjoy next year!

[Molly]

Favorite large hack is Ardent Viscountess, Absolutely is stunning and performs well every time, very consistent horse. Anyone know if he's coming out again in 2007? Would like to see it out again, its very nice.x

[Stunning]

Absolutely was fab at hOYs but does anyone remember that shiny little bay hack ridden by David Cronk when he thrashed the Keens inthe championship at Wembley by doing passes back and forth across the Arena. the house came down. It was pure magic. Seen nothing like that since

[Wow Factor]

WoW sounds good, thats what I like about the hacks, they get the chance to put on a display, I agree wholeheartedly with katie Jerram when she said in H&H they should have had the chance to do an individual in the preliminary of the Supreme. It was quite a let down really as I watched it last year and found it quite facsinating, didn't realise some of the british show producers were capable of such artistic wizardry!

[hack perosn]

That was Agar Heir Apparent. At the time David apparently had no schooliing facilities and used to practice his half passes down the roads. The horse was well capable of 2 time flying changes and gawd knows what - amazing beastie. If you remeber David Cronk was killed whilst pulling a pony's tail. The horse went to Julie Watts who was produced by the Ramsays. He was an absolute saint and a wonderful horse. The Ramsays produced him at the same time that they had Valentino - another fantastic hack. Agar Heir Apparent was in the hack championship a few times in his career. Valentino won it and lost it the year that he would not stand and was chucked out, then the second placed horse (which may have been a Keen horse - can't remember) also got chucked out for not standing and in the end the 3rd or 4th placed horse won the class. After that the Ramsays spent hours on Valentino getting him used to the electric atmosphere and he stood like a police horse the following year when he won the championship.

Don't forget that the horse has to feel wonderful to ride as well as look like a hack. Don't get overcome by flashy movement and not look at conformation!

Personally, I thought that there were some very good hacks at HOYS this year, and it was great to see some of the younger horses coming through. From where we were sitting it was difficult to see the wear on limbs and I am sure with the amount of working in required for some hacks, they will start showing wear at some point.

Have to say all credit to John Keen for his results with Absolutely. I have watched in awe at his horsemanship and ability to stick in the saddle when the horse (as many hacks do, alas) throws all his toys out of the pram and goes completely mad!

Stunning said:

Absolutely was fab at hOYs but does anyone remember that shiny little bay hack ridden by David Cronk when he thrashed the Keens inthe championship at Wembley by doing passes back and forth across the Arena. the house came down. It was pure magic. Seen nothing like that since

[Showing Fan]

HackFan3 said:

Can somebody please explain to me why riders in the Hack Class at HOYS are dressed beautifully Top Hat and Tails, but when your competing at the RIHS riders still wear their normal dress, unless you are lucky enough to get into the championship? Both shows involve qualifying for.

I'm sure that there is a simple explanation, but I don't know the answer!!!

Anyone know the answer?

[Jo Jenkins]

I think the reason for this is that quite a few years ago now the classes had two sections. The 'morning' initial judging and then the 'afternoon' final judging when the horses were placed. If you got thru to the afternoon you then put your glad rags on.
When the HOYS people did away with the final judging it was promoted for everyone to put silk hats/dark coats etc on as this morning session was the only one going to be held and so this WAS the final judging. Some people were in favour and some were not, but the general feeling was that at least it made people feel that it was a 'special occaision' and the photos look good.
Unfortunately the International has also done away with the final judging for all but about 1 show class. However I think because this is an OUTDOOR show it was never promoted that competitors wear the 'afternoon' type clothes.
There has always been several distinctions between shows. For example 'london shows' ie HOYS even though this is now Birmingham! and 'Royal' shows like Windsor. Then you get other rules for what to wear if it is after 12.00 and a Royal Show!!!
This is why the majority of people wear silk hats/navy coats for the various championships that go forward later in to the main ring at Royal Windsor Horse Show. Hope this explains.