The Harness Horse (Classic Reprint)

Harness horses and the driving force behind England’s carriage-stock boom This book traces how the rise of roads, railways, and continental demand reshaped English horse breeding. It explains why harness horses became a distinct and highly valued class, and how the Hackney line helped Britain compete for high‑quality road horses.The narrative covers the history of roadsters and the export trade, showing how foreign buyers and national policy influenced which animals stayed in England. It also explains the shifting balance between racing horses, hunting stock, and carriage horses, and why the Continental market helped lift breeding standards at home. Along the way, examples from Norfolk Hackneys and other breeds illustrate the traits sought for road work, from strength and carriage to speed and action.- Learn how roads, coaches, and armies shaped a demand for reliable harness horses- See why the Hackney sire is considered essential for high‑class carriage stock- Understand how mating choices, mare vs. gelding values, and international buyers affected stock quality- Discover the market dynamics for three-year-olds and the role of government remounts programsIdeal for readers of horse history, breeding strategy, and anyone curious about how carriage horses rose to prominence in Britain. Read more