The pedigree of today's Dutch Harness horse traces not only to the original harness horses, but also others of suitable type such as Hackneys , and more recently, American Saddlebreds. As a result of this careful selection process, horses of The Netherlands have an established world-wide reputation for excellence. The Dutch KWPN selection and breeding stock approval process is unrivaled among horse breeders. It guarantees only the finest individuals will become progenitors of succeeding generations. Improvement is the unwavering goal of the approval process.
Subsequent breeding is the result of a strict analysis of apparent and inheritable qualities.
The KWPN also maintains the records of the famous Dutch Warmbloods, as well as Gelderlander horses. Each breed, having it's own individual criteria for characteristics, selection, approval and exhibition, is separately maintained while administered by one primary recording association. Nearly 100 colts will be presented, but less than a dozen will survive the scrutiny of these two preliminary appraisals. The slightest flaw results in elimination. The elite colts which survive until the second round then undergo comprehensive health exams, semen quality evaluations and extensive x-rays to determine if they are worthy of final advancement to the 70 day Central Stallion Test.