The KWPN harness horse combines explosive power with a proud, elevated posture and a consistent rhythm. It is known for its proud appearance and impressive movement: a long moment of suspension in the trot, a far-reaching foreleg with clear knee action, and a powerful, well-engaging hind leg.

A typically Dutch breeding tradition

The harness horse is the result of a typically Dutch breeding tradition, but with its impressive performance it has also gained international recognition. The breeding program focuses on horses for driven (show) sport, but the harness horse is also becoming increasingly popular in combined driving. Harness horses compete at (inter)national events and excel in various disciplines, such as single and multiple hitches and combined driving competitions. As with the other breeding directions, the breeding policy aims for a good balance between talent, health, and character.

Online module

Are you a harness horse enthusiast and would you like to learn more about harness horses, inspections, and competitions? Then view the modules with information about the Dutch harness horse.

  • Basic module
  • Advanced module

Inspection standard

In the inspection standard, the functional aspect of the sport is central. It evaluates whether a conformation trait helps or hinders the harness horse in performing the required tasks, such as elevation, knee action, and powerful engagement of the hind leg. The inspection standard is not a fixed document: new insights, developments in the sport, and changes in the market may lead to revisions.

Objective and uniform assessment

The inspection standard contributes to an objective and uniform evaluation of harness horses. It provides clear guidelines for judges, reduces personal bias, and increases the reliability and repeatability of assessments.

The desired KWPN harness horse:

Conformation:

  • built in a rectangular frame, long-lined and well-proportioned;
  • with an uphill body and long legs;
  • with a light head–neck connection and an upward, long neck with curvature and muscling in the topline;
  • with a strongly built and well-muscled back and loin;
  • with a correctly positioned and solid foundation (legs and feet), and with presence.

Movement:

  • walks in a correct four-beat rhythm, trots actively with suppleness, impulsion, balance, and self-carriage;
  • shows a long moment of suspension and an actively stepping-under hind leg;
  • shows elevation and has good self-carriage;
  • is light-footed, shows joint articulation, with the hind leg stepping under the body and the foreleg moving freely from the shoulder with pronounced knee action.

Character:

  • willing, diligent, and honest;
  • intelligent and has the desire to perform;
  • easy to handle and responsive to aids.