The Dutch harness horse excels in national harness driving sports and also on the international stage of combined driving! What is the secret of this versatile athlete, praised by so many harness drivers and drivers for its dedication? Three four-in-hand drivers will show you during the KWPN Stallion Show in Den Bosch.

Tact, regularity, and posture. These three qualities form the basis of a good harness horse but are also essential for a good driving horse! The harness horse also possesses the right character, a lot of movement, and strength. Not surprisingly, a remarkably large number of harness horses in their teams compete for medals at every international driving championship.

We are honored that the top four-in-hand drivers Glenn Geerts, Tor van den Berghe, and Antonie ter Harmsel will present their harness horses to you during the grand finale of the KWPN Stallion Show on Saturday, February 3rd, in Den Bosch.

Antonie ter Harmsel is the son of former A-squad member Herman ter Harmsel and is himself included in the B-squad for four-in-hand driving. With pairs, he has participated in three world championships, winning silver with the team in 2019. The Eebert son Kordaat, approved for the KWPN studbook in 2018, is now a solid member of the Ter Harmsel family team.

Tor van den Berghe is a Grand Prix dressage rider and international driver. The Australian is passionate about harness horses, and in his team, we find Indiana (by Colonist), also known as the father of the impressive multiple-winner Macho. Den Bosch is familiar territory for Indiana; he was the champion of the stallion inspection as a three-year-old.

Belgian top driver Glenn Geerts inherited his love for harness horses from his grandfather. Initially, his grandfather drove the harness horse for show purposes, but in 1989, he fully switched to combined driving with harness horses, and Glenn followed in his footsteps. In his team, we find the Unieko son Erdball, who was the champion of the two-year-old stallions in Ermelo and passed the second round of the stallion inspection. In his career as a driving horse, he stands out in the marathon and cones phases, but he is also a great substitute for dressage.

During an exciting clinic and a show segment, the discussion will revolve around which characteristics and talents of harness horses make them so highly sought after in international pairs and four-in-hand driving. What are the similarities and differences in the training and education of talented harness horses in both driving and harness horse sports?

In addition to this clinic, there is much more for harness horse enthusiasts to experience in Den Bosch. The Oregon Trophy, one of the most coveted prizes in harness horse breeding and sports, is traditionally awarded at the stallion inspection. Besides this competition, there will be presentations of both younger and older approved stallions, as well as some impressive shows. Don't miss out and come to the KWPN Stallion Show in Den Bosch on Saturday, February 3rd!

More info

Order your tickets

(Photo four-in-hand Glenn Geerts - Rosan Wilts)