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USA team finishes 11th at the World Singles Driving Championship competition in Poland!

Congratulations to the USA Combined Driving Team for placing 11th at the World's Singles Driving Championship in Poland!  A special congratulation is extended to Koopman's Lightning Rod (aka, Rodger), owned by Ann and Mike McClure, and driven by Leslie Berndl; an alternate on the U.S. team and individual competitor at the competition.  Leslie and Rodger finished 27th in individual competition with very good performances in all three phases.  Combined driving is a driving competition in which horses compete in 3 phases:  dressage, marathon and cones. 

Click here for more info on the World Singles Driving Championship

Koopman's Lightning Rod was born and raised at Fresno State.  Ann Mc Clure selected him as a yearling and trained him to the advanced level in CDE competition.  Leslie Berndl leased this great horse last year and piloted him to success in advanced level CDEs on the east coast, as well as at the World Championships.

Congratulations to Ann and Mike McClure, Leslie Berndl and Koopman's Lightning Rod on their success.

These are photos from the World Championships.

They show the champion style and ability of Leslie Berndl and Koopman's Lightning Rod.

Dressage	Cones
Marathon	photos by Frank Lutz

  Hackney Horse Education and Preservation Program

  The Hackney Horse Program at California State University, Fresno is the newest addition to the Equine Program.  Hackney Horses are a rare breed in the United States and Fresno State is helping to make sure this interesting breed of horse is not lost to extinction.  Through the generous donation of horses and financial support, other Hackney Horse breeders and enthusiasts are helping Fresno State's Hackney Horse program to succeed. Click here to see a short video clip about our Hackney Horse Education and Preservation program.

The Hackney Horse is a rare breed.

The American Livestock Breeds conservancy classifies the Hackney Horse as "threatened", meaning that there are fewer than 5000 in the entire world.  A more recent U.S. survey shows there are less than 1000 Hackney Horses in the United States today.

The Equine Program at California State University, Fresno has established the Hackney Horse Education and Preservation Program to help the Hackney Horse through the production of Hackney Horses, the promotion of the breed and the education of the public about the wonderful characteristics of this breed.

Hackney Horses are an integral part of the equine science program offered through the Department of Animal Science and Agricultural Education at California State University, Fresno.  Students engage in all aspects of the production and management of Hackneys, from breeding and foaling, to raising and training; through marketing, health care and farm management.  Before coming to Fresno State, most students have never seen a Hackney Horse.  The Hackney Horses in our program are featured in community service events hosted by the University, and educational programs for the public.

Hackney Horses are versatile.

Hackney Horses are best known as the flashiest and highest stepping carriage horse in the world.  Unquestionably, they are the finest show driving horse one could hope for.  But show driving is not all the Hackney Horse can do.  They are elegant carriage driving horses and very competitive combined driving horses with their extraordinary gaits as well as tremendous stamina and heart. 

Hackneys also excel under saddle and many have been successful jumpers and dressage horses.  Given proper training, a Hackney Horse is a willing partner in almost any equine activity.

Our Hackney Horse program, while small, is high in quality. 

All of our campus raised Hackneys and half-Hackneys are handled from birth by students.  They are raised with a consistent and high quality nutrition and health care program.  Our young horses are well grown, gentle and people oriented.  Many are very well bred, thanks to donations of breeding stock and stallion breedings.

You can help our efforts to preserve the Hackney Horse

Your tax deductible donation of cash, equipment or other useable items to the equine program at California State University, Fresno goes directly to support the Hackney Horse Education and Preservation program.  You will be helping not just the Hackney Horse, but your support will help ensure that future equine enthusiasts and professionals appreciate the fine attributes of this wonderful breed.

Contact us for more information or to discuss how you can get involved with the promotion of this great horse.

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