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‘The hardest class to master’: how to achieve the calm perfection judges want to see in a sparkling show hack

As part of this exclusive series for Horse & Hound subscribers on winter training for different types of show horse, it’s the turn of the show hack experts, who give their advice on challenges ranging from creating that all-important picture of elegance to priming the horse for the ride judge
Alex Robinson Alex Robinson

    • The show hack is the most refined type of show horse. Training the show hack to demonstrate its elegant movement, while providing a comfortable, mannerly and super smooth ride, is the ultimate in schooling for the show ring. The picture of a hack and rider should be one of calm perfection, with contained sparkle and the all-important presence that all successful show horses possess.

    According to the British Show Horse Society (BSHA), the ideal show hack is of thoroughbred type and should be capable of carrying an average adult. The hack must be a pleasure to ride and have excellent manners. The hack should perform in self-carriage and be light and soft to ride – it should also have correct conformation with the emphasis on quality and elegance. The latter stems from a well set-on head and neck combined with a good length of shoulder. The movement should be smooth and graceful with a true pointing of the toe. To achieve these qualities the hack must be extremely well-schooled.

    Hacks are shown in either small or large divisions depending on their height. In some classes, such as novice and amateur, small and large hacks will be judged together. The small hack should exceed 148cm, but not exceed 154cm. The large hack should exceed 154cm, but not exceed 160cm.

    Hacks are judged on type, ride, manners and conformation. Judges are recommended to use the following percentages when judging: ride 40%, conformation 40% and individual show 20%. The compulsory individual show should not exceed 1½ minutes and should include walk, trot, canter, rein-back, halt and obedience to the leg. Judges should penalise lack of manners.

    The hack is arguably one of the hardest types of show horse to master given the refinement that is required in each phase. However, when presented correctly, a quality show hack is exceptionally hard to beat in mixed show horse fields and in supremes.

    Training the show hack to impress the judges

    H&H speaks to some of the showing world’s most successful producers to find out how to prepare your prospective hack for the ring this season.

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    Alex Robinson
    Alex Robinson

    Freelance equestrian journalist
    Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
    Alex Robinson

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