Intro
Also called Tuigpaard, the Dutch Harness is a type of KWPN, but a different branch that is dedicated to harness animals. This breed is distinctive among warmbloods for their high, flashy action.
Origins
These animals were originally used on farms for field work, and also as status symbols by the farmers on town visits. This pride in the animal has persisted in the Dutch communities and created excellent breeding conditions for this unique animal.
As the onslaught of mechanization made farm horses a thing of the past, those same farmers took their love of the animal into the show ring. A select few of the farmers & breeders concentrated their efforts on perfecting a carriage type saddle horse.
Features
Average height 16.2 hands
Physique
Head is expressive and tends to be narrow & dry
Neck is set high
Shoulders are long & powerful
Back is long
Tail is high set
Traditional Colors
chestnut | grey | bay | black | roan | pinto | cream dilutions
Temperament
Good tempered & willing to work
Use
Riding horse
Carriage horse
Competition horse
Helpful Links
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American Dutch Harness Horse Association