The show hack is the elegant aristocrat of the British showing world — a Thoroughbred-type riding horse judged on quality, manners, and the ability to give a comfortable, polished ride. Where the show hunter is judged on the ability to carry a hunting man across country, and the cob on power and substance, the show hack is judged on refinement, lightness and the kind of poise that originally distinguished a horse worthy of a lady or gentleman taking a turn around Hyde Park’s Rotten Row. This guide explains the show hack classes, what judges look for, the conformation and turnout that wins, and how riders prepare a hack for the show ring.
Table of Contents
What Is a Show Hack?
A show hack is a refined, well-mannered riding horse shown in a class judged on quality, presence, manners, conformation and ride. The classes are run under the rules of the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) in the UK, with similar classes governed by the Royal Agricultural Society of England, the Sport Horse Breeders of Great Britain and equivalent bodies in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
The horse most often shown as a hack is a Thoroughbred or near-Thoroughbred — refined, balanced, with light bone, a beautiful head and an elegant carriage. Horses of any breed that meet the type can compete: registered Thoroughbreds, Anglo-Arabs, Arabian crosses, lightly built warmbloods and quality riding horses are all seen in the ring.
Origins of the Show Hack Class
The hack originally meant the horse a gentleman or lady rode for pleasure, in contrast to the working horse used for hunting, driving or farm work. By the late nineteenth century, “park hacks” — light, well-mannered horses suitable for fashionable rides in London’s Hyde Park — had developed into a distinct type. The Royal International Horse Show began offering dedicated hack classes in 1907, and the modern judging structure has evolved from there.
The class survives because the qualities it rewards — manners, balance, refined movement and a clean ride — remain prized, both as ends in themselves and as the foundation skills for almost every other ridden discipline.
Classes and Standards
Show hack classes are typically divided by the height of the horse and the experience of the combination. Standard divisions in BSHA classes are:
| Class | Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small Hack | Exceeding 14.2 hh, not exceeding 15 hh | Often the most competitive hack class |
| Large Hack | Exceeding 15 hh, not exceeding 15.3 hh | Maximum height for hack classes |
| Novice Hack | Open by ability rather than height | Horses not having won a qualifying card |
| Ladies’ Hack | Ridden side-saddle by a lady | Habit, top hat or bowler with veil |
| Pony Hack | Up to 14.2 hh (some societies) | For smaller riders and ponies of hack type |
Above 15.3 hh a horse moves into riding horse classes; below 14.2 hh into pony hack or small show pony classes. Note that the height bands are checked under official measurement at affiliated shows — entries in the wrong class are disqualified.
Major championships include the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead, the Horse of the Year Show, the Royal Welsh Show, and the South of England Show. In South Africa, hack classes feature at SANESA shows and the SA Show Horse Championships.
Judging Criteria: How Hacks Are Marked
BSHA hack classes are judged on three components, each carrying equal weight:
- Ride (40 per cent) — the judge rides each horse and marks it on quality of paces, balance, lightness in hand, response to leg and seat, and overall comfort. A horse that gives the judge a polished, easy ride scores high; one that is heavy, hollow or unresponsive does not.
- Conformation (40 per cent) — the horse is stripped of saddle and stood up for the judge. Marks reflect quality, balance, correctness of limbs, depth of girth, set of neck and overall presence.
- Individual show (20 per cent) — a short workout to demonstrate the horse’s paces, manners, and the harmony between horse and rider.
Some judges weight the components slightly differently or combine them differently across societies, but the three-part marking is the BSHA standard. Manners are decisive. A horse that pulls, jogs, or shies in the line-up will lose more marks than one with imperfect conformation but impeccable behaviour.
Ideal Conformation and Type
The ideal show hack is a small Thoroughbred in type even if not in registration. Specific points judges look for:
- Head: Refined, with a broad forehead, large bright eye, small alert ears and clean throatlatch.
- Neck: Long, well set on, arching gracefully into the withers — a “swan neck” is ideal.
- Shoulder: Long and well sloped, allowing the elastic, low-set forearm action that makes a hack a pleasure to ride.
- Withers: Defined, well-positioned, blending smoothly into the back.
- Back and loin: Short, level and strong; a long back loses marks.
- Quarters: Powerful but refined, with a level croup and well-let-down hocks.
- Limbs: Clean, dense bone — typically 18–20 cm of bone for a 15.3 hh hack — with good joints, well-developed tendons and medium-length sloping pasterns.
- Feet: Hard, neatly shaped, in proportion to size.
- Overall impression: Quality, balance, harmony of parts, and the indefinable “presence” that catches a judge’s eye.
Bulky muscle, thick limbs, plain heads or coarse outlines lose marks even when conformation is technically correct. The hack should look light, refined and capable of carrying its rider with ease.
Movement and Way of Going
Movement is the area where a good hack truly distinguishes itself. The class rewards three correct, expressive paces:
- Walk: Long, free, four-time, with a relaxed swinging stride. The horse should track up cleanly and arrive at the judge in a balanced, even rhythm.
- Trot: Elastic, cadenced, low and ground-covering rather than high or knee-snappy. The rein contact should remain light and consistent.
- Canter: Three-time, balanced, uphill, with a defined moment of suspension. The horse should canter quietly on a soft contact and change rein without fuss.
- Gallop: Required in many championship classes — a controlled lengthening to genuine gallop, then collected smoothly back to canter and walk on a soft contact. A hack that fights against its rider in the gallop loses serious marks.
The over-arching quality is lightness. The horse should travel in self-carriage, accepting the bit without leaning on it, and respond to invisibly small aids.
Tack and Turnout
Saddle and Bridle
- Saddle: Straight-cut working hunter or show saddle in dark leather. Avoid jumping or general-purpose saddles, which interrupt the line of the shoulder.
- Bridle: Double bridle is standard for senior hack classes — a fine cavesson noseband, light bit straps, and a delicate browband. Snaffle bridles are accepted in novice and youngstock classes.
- Bits: A double bridle uses a thin curb and bridoon. Bits should be polished, well-fitted and never severe.
- Numnah and pad: Either none or a discreet shaped pad in black or matching colour — never coloured or boldly contrasting.
Horse Presentation
- Mane: Plaited into approximately 9–13 small, neat plaits along the crest, with a forelock plait. Sewn in is preferred to banded for serious showing.
- Tail: Pulled and plaited at the dock, or pulled and left flowing depending on regional convention. The bottom is squared off to fall just below the hocks.
- Coat: Bathed, clipped where appropriate, and finished with a damp cloth or fine mist of coat conditioner. Quarter marks are expected on the hindquarters.
- Hooves: Oiled black or clear, depending on hoof colour and society convention.
Rider Turnout
- Adult riders: Black or navy showing jacket, beige or canary breeches, polished long boots, white shirt and tie, hard hat (BSHA-compliant) or bowler/top hat in championship classes.
- Junior riders: Tweed or navy jacket, beige or fawn jodhpurs, polished short boots with leather garter straps, hard hat.
- Side-saddle classes: Black or navy habit, top hat or bowler with veil, white shirt and tie, polished long boot.
- Gloves and stick: Brown leather gloves and a discreet leather-bound show cane.
The Individual Show
The individual show — known in some societies as the workout — is a short ridden display each competitor performs after the group go-round and conformation inspection. A standard hack show runs about 90 seconds and includes:
- Walk away from the judge in a straight line
- Trot, change rein in working trot
- Canter on each rein, including a change of leg
- Gallop, controlled, then back to walk on a soft contact
- Halt, salute, and walk past the judge on a long rein
Imagination is welcome but should not stretch the horse. Judges reward clarity, balance and obedience over complexity. A short, well-executed show in self-carriage outscores an ambitious one with mistakes.
Training a Show Hack
Producing a hack to championship standard is patient, detailed work — the same fundamentals that underpin good dressage training apply.
- Relaxation first. Hacks must be calm in busy environments. Exposure to crowds, banners, public address systems and bustling collecting rings is essential preparation.
- Self-carriage. A hack that pulls or leans loses marks every time. Schoolwork should focus on lightness in the hand and engagement of the hindquarters.
- Three correct paces. Use polework, transitions and lateral work to confirm rhythm, balance and suppleness.
- Manners and obedience. Standing in line, accepting the judge mounting, walking quietly to the line-up — none of this is incidental. Practise it in everyday work.
- Fitness and condition. A hack should look in hard, well-muscled condition without being lean. Build fitness gradually with hacking, hill work and structured schooling. Our guide to building a fitness plan covers the principles in detail.
- Mileage in the ring. Start with smaller in-hand and novice classes before moving up to championship competitions.
Show Hack vs Show Hunter
| Trait | Show Hack | Show Hunter |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Refined, Thoroughbred | Strong, substantial, capable of carrying weight |
| Height | 14.2–15.3 hh | Up to 16.2 hh and beyond (lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight) |
| Bone | Light to medium | Greater bone, more substance |
| Movement | Light, elastic, low | Ground-covering, with power and scope |
| Required gallop | Controlled, balanced | Genuine, hunting gallop |
| Tack | Double bridle standard | Hunting bridle or simple snaffle |
| Test of | Quality, manners, refinement | Suitability to carry hunting weight across country |
The two classes share the same emphasis on manners, conformation and a comfortable ride, but reward different physical types. A horse that does not have the substance for hunter classes often shines as a hack — and vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum height for a show hack?
15.3 hands. Above that height the horse moves into riding horse classes. Hack classes are subdivided into small (over 14.2 hh, up to 15 hh) and large (over 15 hh, up to 15.3 hh).
Can any breed be shown as a hack?
Yes — show hack classes are judged on type, not breed. Most successful hacks are Thoroughbreds or Thoroughbred-cross (Anglo-Arab, Thoroughbred x Riding Horse), but any breed of correct type, height and movement can compete.
Do I need a double bridle for hack classes?
A double bridle is standard for senior open classes and championship competition. Novice classes and youngstock classes accept a snaffle bridle. Always check the schedule of the specific show.
How long is the gallop section in a hack class?
A short, controlled lengthening — typically the long side of an arena. The judge wants to see the horse extend smoothly into a genuine gallop and then collect back to canter and walk on a light contact. It is a test of self-carriage and obedience, not raw speed.
What weight rider can show a hack?
Hack classes have no formal weight divisions, unlike show hunter classes. Most successful hack riders are light to medium weight, in proportion to the small to medium-sized horses being shown.
How is a show hack different from a riding horse?
A hack is finer, lighter and shown only up to 15.3 hh. Riding horse classes accept horses over 15.3 hh and reward slightly more substance and scope. The judging principles — manners, conformation, ride — are similar.
What does a show hack class typically pay out?
Most BSHA hack classes offer rosettes, a sash for the champion, and qualifying cards for major championships rather than significant prize money. The reward is the recognition and the qualifying route to Hickstead and Horse of the Year Show.
For more on showing, see our guides to in-hand showing, show hunter classes, and working hunter pony.
