Equine Sports CouncilRulebook home

2026 · Version 7.3 · Effective March 2026

ESC Rule Book

Find a rule. Read the section. Keep the link.

ESC Participant Code of Conduct

All rules / American Dutch Harness

ADH6.0

American Dutch Harness Class

ADH 6.0 American Dutch Harness Class The American Dutch Harness classes were developed for the US Dutch Harness show horse so that breeders and owners could showcase the American Dutch Harness Horses at the high stepping trot which is an inherent part of their breeding pedigree. Exhibited at the park trot in both directions of the ring the class and judging specifications are as follows:

Dutch Harness Class Divisions May be offered to Junior horses 2-4 YO, 3YO Futurity Horses, Open Horses, Mares, Geldings or Stallions. Maiden, Novice or Limit horses or drivers. Exhibitors with an Amateur, Juvenile, Youth or Professional status. Each American Dutch Harness Class Division should offer qualifying classes and associated championships where exhibitors are minimally required to enter, show and complete the qualifying class before competing in the championship. Championships may be offered in single divisions or grouped by 1) Professional Exhibitors

2) Amateur Exhibitors 3) Youth & Juvenile Exhibitors. Dutch Harness Attire Should be traditional and consist of an apron, gloves and driving whip. Dutch Harness driving hats may be worn by exhibitors as well as eyewear protections. Ladies may elect to wear formal attire for evening classes with Victoria Era Harness Hats that may include flowers or feathers. Gentlemen may elect more formal attire such as a tuxedo jacket. Dutch Harness Appointments Dutch Harness horses are encouraged to have a long tail and have a tightly braided mane or a shaved mane with bobs. Horses are to be shown to a suitable four-wheeled, sidebar buggy, and a viceroy is encouraged. Antique vehicles are not allowed. Dutch Harness Horses must be shown in an attached sidecheck with round blinkers with a liverpool bit, flat traces, low crupper or tail spoon. A separate sidecheck bit is not required. Reins must be on the outside of the harness. Bell boots are NOT allowed. If not exhibited with proper equipment, the entry must be severely penalized

● 3YO Futurity Style A - The Three Year Old Harness Futurity Style A must appear to have a long tail and have a tightly braided mane or a shaved mane with bobs. Horses are required to wear a sidecheck the full duration of the class. Style A must be shown to a viceroy. Vehicles and equipment must be in functioning condition. Any exhibitor using vehicles or equipment deemed to be disruptive to other exhibitors must be excused from the ring. Antique vehicles are not allowed. Style A horses must be shown in an attached sidecheck with round blinkers with a liverpool bit, flat traces, low crupper or tail spoon. A separate sidecheck bit is not required. If not proper equipment, entry must be severely penalized.

● 3YO Futurity Style B - The Three-Year-Old Harness Futurity Style B must be exhibited with a long mane and long tail. Horses are to be shown to a four-wheeled, sidebar buggy. Style B horses must be shown in a snaffle bit, separate overcheck bit (optional), black leather square blinds, martingale, and round traces. A separate sidecheck bit is not required. Improper equipment should be severely penalized. Dutch Harness - Gaits Performed Entering the ring counterclockwise at the Park Trot, then Show Your Horse followed by the Animated Walk then reverse directions at the Animated walk and execute the Park Trot, then Show Your Horse and finally the Animated Walk. Horses are called to line up with one attendant per horse. Dutch Harness Judging Specifications

● Junior Horses 2-4 YO, Open Horses, Mares, Geldings, Stallions, Maiden, Novice or Limit: To be judged on performance, manners, presence, quality and conformation. As well as quality of motion of 50% overall picture, 25% front end self carriage, and 25% back end self carriage.

● Futurity 3 YO To be judged on performance, presence, quality, conformation and manners.

● Amateurs, Amateur Owners, Amateur Ladies, Amateur Gentlemen, Juvenile and Youth: To be judged on manners, performance, presence, quality and conformation. As well as cadence quality of 50% overall picture, 25% front end self carriage, and 25% back end self carriage.

Source pages 53–55 · Original page layout and illustrations