In equestrian terms, “hack” carries more than one meaning, and all of them are worth understanding. It can refer to a type of horse, an activity, or a specific show class — each with its own context, history, and practical application.
Hacking as an Activity
The most common use of the word is as a verb: to hack, or to go for a hack. This simply means riding out on the roads, bridle paths, woodland tracks, or open countryside, typically for pleasure or to provide a horse with exercise and mental stimulation away from the arena. Hacking is part of a well-rounded training programme for virtually every riding horse, regardless of discipline.
A good hack horse needs to be calm in traffic, sensible around other horses, and comfortable navigating varied terrain at all gaits. Horses that spend too much time in the school and not enough time hacking can become ring-sour, tense, and difficult to keep motivated. Regular hacking keeps horses’ minds fresh, develops their rhythm and balance on uneven ground, and builds topline through varied hill work and terrain.
In many British yards, hacking forms an essential part of a horse’s weekly routine. A typical competition horse might school three or four days a week and hack the others, sometimes in company and sometimes alone — the latter being a useful confidence-building exercise for both horse and rider.
The Hack as a Type of Horse
Historically, a hack was a horse used for everyday riding — as opposed to a hunter, a draught horse, or a warhorse. The term comes from the Old French “haquenee,” referring to a horse for hire or general use. In 18th and 19th-century England, hacks were the horses used to ride in Hyde Park, to attend social calls, or to travel between estates. They were expected to be elegant, well-mannered, and smooth-gaited rather than particularly athletic.
This distinction persists in the show ring today.
The Hack in the Show Ring
Hack classes at British horse shows are among the most traditional and visually refined in the schedule. Show hacks are typically Thoroughbred or Thoroughbred-type horses of exceptional quality, judged on their movement, manners, conformation, and ride. They must demonstrate a floating, elevated action, particularly at trot, combined with impeccable obedience and a calm temperament that gives the impression of effortless control.
Classes are generally divided by height into small hacks (not exceeding 15hh) and large hacks (15hh to 15.3hh). Show hack classes are judged in hand as well as under saddle, with the judge usually taking a ride on each horse. The overall picture — the horse’s presence, elegance, and way of going — is as important as any individual attribute.
Show hack training requires a very particular balance of freedom and control. The horse must appear light and forward-going whilst remaining completely in the rider’s hand, executing smooth transitions and perfectly balanced canter work. A well-produced hack is a genuine pleasure to watch.
Hacking Safety and Preparation
Whether riding on quiet bridleways or busier roads, hacking demands sensible preparation. Hi-visibility clothing for both horse and rider is strongly recommended on roads, and many local authorities and equestrian organisations in the UK — including the British Horse Society — actively campaign for better road safety awareness around horses. The BHS Dead Slow campaign provides guidance for drivers on how to pass horses safely.
See also: lead (for canter leads on hacks and in schooling) and the horse care section for advice on preparing a horse for roadwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a hack be?
This depends on the horse’s fitness level and the terrain. For a horse in regular work, a 45-minute to two-hour hack on varied ground is typical and beneficial. Horses being brought back into work after a rest period should start with shorter, walk-only hacks and build up gradually. Always consider the footing: deep mud, hard roads, or uneven tracks increase strain on legs and feet.
Can you hack alone safely?
Yes, though it carries more risk than hacking in company. If hacking alone, always tell someone your planned route and expected return time. Carry a mobile phone and consider wearing a personal alarm. A horse that is calm and responsive in company may behave differently alone, so introduce solo hacking gradually with a horse you know well.
Is hacking good for a horse’s fitness?
Absolutely. Hill work in particular is excellent for building hindquarter strength and cardiovascular fitness. Varied terrain challenges a horse’s balance and proprioception in ways that flatwork in an arena cannot replicate. Even steady walking hacks on roads contribute to bone density and leg conditioning, particularly useful for horses returning from injury.