Tony The Pony is a black bay Hackney Pony. Hackneys are trotting ponies, bred in England to pull ladies carriages. Most of these ponies are seen today in fine harness and pleasure driving shows. They are high stepping and very proud. Not your average pony, these guys are bold and very fine boned. Resembling the Hackney Horse so much, they look like they were just shrunk in proportion down to pony size.

Tony was my competitive trail pony and we conquered many 15 and 30 mile rides in Ohio. A 50 mile elevator ride in Kentucky was the highlight of our competitive trail career. It was at that ride that Tony was pinned Grand Champion non-Arabian horse, and 1st place for the light weight and novice divisions.

In competitive trail you are judged on your horse’s ability to handle the miles while keeping his vitals in a normal range. Heart rate, respiration, hydration, soundness, and general hardiness are all judged at vet checks along the trail. The event is not a race, but you do have to complete the miles within so many hours. It is a true test of fitness of horse and rider.

Today Tony is used for our youngest rider’s lessons and trail rides. Once in a while he can be seen in a hunter under saddle class with an experienced youngster. He loves the little children best and takes great care of them in their first riding lesson adventures.