By Rebecca Graham
Beneath the rafters of the Main Arena Ring at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, something fabulous is trotting into the spotlight. It’s the hacks—those poised, polished, 16-hand high stunners—that strut into the ring like four-legged fashion icons.
Hacks are the thoroughbred-esque supermodels of the equine world: elegant, refined, and fiercely judged. They don’t just look good—they move with rhythm, grace, and charisma. What is a hack? “We’d say it’s the pinnacle class,” explains Dana Adams, a seasoned judge who’s crossed the ditch from New Zealand to judge at this year’s show. “This is where the cream of the crop show up—usually horses with thoroughbred quality or at least the look of it.”
Preparation is a full-time affair. “It all starts with condition,” Dana says. “The coat must shine. That’s nutrition, elbow grease, and daily grooming.” Much like a supermodel, a soft brush, a body brush, diet, exercise and endless patience go into achieving that flawless glow.
But it doesn’t stop there. “Just like ladies wear makeup, these horses do too,” Dana laughs. “We use water-based makeup around their eyes, shine on their muzzles, and hoof polish. You can see the difference—it makes their features pop in the ring.”
And then there’s the styling. Manes are plaited tight and even, while tails are neatly braided into perfect symmetry. On their rumps, you’ll spot a distinctive checkerboard pattern—created by brushing against the hair with a stencil. It’s the show horse equivalent of a designer handbag: stylish, deliberate, and utterly eye-catching.
And judges? They’re watching everything. “You want elegance but not laziness, impulsion without rushing. There must be presence. Some judges have preferences—certain colours or types—but at the end of the day, it’s about quality,” Dana explains. “Even the tiniest tail flick at the wrong moment can cost a placing.”
So next time you see a gleaming, graceful hack pirouette past, know that you’re not just watching a horse—you’re watching runway royalty.
