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Introduction.

The in-gate opens and they burst into the show ring – trotting high off both ends, necks upright and arched, tails flagging. Full of fire and grace, they are the epitome of what is known as a fine harness horse. Indeed, as the name implies, the Dutch Harness Horse is bred to be just that – an elegant, beautiful, athletic driving horse.

History.

The Dutch Harness Horse, or Tuigpaard as it is known in its native country, was developed in the Netherlands over 100 years ago as one aspect of the Dutch Warmblood breeding program. Although horses were primarily used for agricultural and basic transportation purposes at that time, many Dutch farmers wanted a fancy, high trotting harness horse for family outings, business trips, visits to the market, and of course to drive to church on Sundays. Having such a horse was not only a source of personal pride, it was in part symbolic of the owner’s stature in the community. Small wonder, then, that friendly competition between owners grew as the breed developed. Who wouldn’t want to compare these flashy, high-headed show horses to one another to determine the “best”?

The KWPN (for Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek in Nederland) maintains the registry and studbook for all Dutch Warmblood horses. Within the KWPN three distinct types are recognized, namely the riding horse, the Gelders horse, and the harness horse. The vast majority of registered horses are of the riding type, most commonly used for dressage and jumping, and well-known for their success in international competition. The Gelders horse is used for both riding and driving, and is recognized for its willing attitude. The harness horse is bred specifically to be an animated, showy driving horse.

Foundation.

Dutch Warmbloods of every type trace their heritage primarily to two historic Dutch breeds, the Gelderlander of southern Holland and the Groninger of northern Holland, which were then selectively crossed with German, French, and English horses, as well as occasional infusions of Arabian and Thoroughbred blood. In the case of the Dutch Harness Horse specifically, Hackney Horses have also been used, and most recently a few select American Saddlebreds have been accepted as breeding stock.

An “open” studbook is a hallmark of the Dutch Warmblood breeding program. In that respect, the Dutch Harness Horse is not a breed in the traditional sense. Typically, the term “breed” denotes a closed studbook in which ancestry is a primary factor in determining a horse’s eligibility for registration – in other words, the horse’s sire and dam, their sires and dams, etc., must be registered with that same studbook. The Dutch Harness Horse, by comparison, bases its selection of stallions and mares for registration as breeding stock on very strict standards of soundness, way of going, and “presence” – that intangible yet easily recognized show horse attitude.

Dutch Warmblood foals are not automatically accepted for registration. Instead, horses must be presented for inspection and meet or exceed very stringent requirements before they are branded and inscribed in the studbook.

Type.

The Dutch Harness Horse is first and foremost a show horse. He is upheaded, with a distinctive, proud self-carriage. His trot in particular is incredible, with the hocks providing the drive and height that allows him to fully engage his shoulder and lift the foreleg in a high, open motion. At its highest point, there is a distinct moment of suspension in the trot which is truly remarkable. Overall, the Dutch Harness Horse’s way of going is equally animated in front and behind, leading to a spectacular picture of brilliance, power, and authority.

Tuigpaard classes are the highlight of many Dutch shows because of the sheer presence and athletic ability these horses demonstrate in the show ring. Among the most highly watched and competitive events are the in-hand and fine harness classes. In-hand horses stand to be judged for conformation, and are asked to trot around the ring several times to evaluate their way of going and stamina – requiring two or three fit handlers per horse! In fine harness classes, the horses wear a light show harness and are hooked to a four-wheel cart, similar to the fine harness buggies used by Saddlebreds, Morgans and others in this country, but larger and taller than the average American vehicle.

Shows also frequently offer classes for pairs, tandems, and four-in-hands, in which the similarity of the horses and the whip’s driving ability are both part of the judging criteria. Ladies classes are popular as well, with the horse often pulling a lovely high-wheeled buggy; ladies horses are judged on manners in addition to performance and brilliance.

Colors.

The Dutch Harness Horse is most commonly seen in various shades of chestnut, bay, brown and black, although color itself is not a limiting factor for acceptance for registration.