The breed is based on the native Groningen and Gelderland horses, which were formerly indispensable in agriculture and transportation services.

Strict selection procedures and a clear breeding aim enabled breeders to produce a refined, high-stepping horse within a few decades.

The hooves are usually allowed to grow longer than a riding horse's feet, but are never shod with weighted shoes.

While the colors black, brown, bay and chestnut are most common, there are greys, true roans, and creme dilutes.

The carriage of the head and the level croup with high-set tail distinguish the harness horses from their riding-type relatives.

The longer back, more open loin, and flatter croup enable the hindlegs and forelegs to work independently and with great action.

The forelegs are typically longer than the hindlegs - by design - and as such the horse will "sink" in the back and rise in the front.

They consisted of two separate breeds: northern Groningens which were heavier and primarily dark colors, and Gelderlanders from the south which were taller, leggier, and usually chestnut.

In comparison to his Dutch peers, his gaits were not considered impressive, but he did contribute his good character and dry type to the gene pool.

Other Hackneys to cover Dutch Harness Horse mares were Marfleet Raffles and his son Grants Hornet, and Brook Acres Silversul.

Some of the successful sport Dutch Harness Horses include Constance Menard's Lianca and Anneke Muilwijk's Atuur, both of which compete in dressage.