American Fine Harness Class
ADH 7.0 American Fine Harness Class The American Fine 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:
Fine 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 Fine 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. Fine Harness Attire Should be traditional and consist of an apron, gloves and driving whip. Fine 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. Fine Harness Appointments Fine Harness horses must be exhibited with a long mane and long tail. Horses are to be shown to a four-wheeled, sidebar buggy. Fine Harness 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. Bell boots are allowed. The tail may not be braced.
● 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. Fine 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. Fine 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, 35% front end self carriage, and 15% 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, 35% front end self carriage, and 15%back end self carriage.