Horse
Pronunciation:
Tig'- pard
Breed Description:
The Tuigpaard breed of horse is a Dutch breed, originally developed alongside the Dutch warmblood and sharing much of the same ancestry. The Tuigpaard however has a natural high stepping gait which makes it well suited to Carriage Driving, and it is now known predominantly as a driving horse. Recent additions of English Hackneys and American Saddlebreds has further enhanced the Tuigpaard's extravagant action, and it is a very popular choice for showing in harness. the Tuigpaard comes in all solid colors, although greys are rare.
Temperament:
The Tuigpaard breed of horse has a warmblood temperament, although recent infusions of Hackney and Saddlebred horses means it is somewhat more excitable than its Dutch Warmblood relations.
Height:
The Tuigpaard breed of horse stands 16 to 16.2 hands.
Weight:
The Tuigpaard breed of horse weighs 1000 to 1200 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Tuigpaard breed of horse has been selectively bred for decades and has no significant health problems.
Living Conditions:
The Tuigpaard breed of horse is a show horse and requires stabling in harsh weather.
Exercise:
The Tuigpaard breed of horse is a show horse and benefits from regular training and exercise.
Life Expectancy:
The Tuigpaard breed of horse lives into its late twenties.
Grooming:
The Tuigpaard breed of horse is shown with a natural but neat appearance and should be kept with a long mane and tail.
Origin:
The Tuigpaard breed of horse has been developed in Holland over the last century as an offshoot of the Dutch Warmblood breeding program. As with Dutch Warmbloods, the Tuigaard traces its ancestry to Gelderlanders and Groningers, but also has significant additions of Thoroughbred and Arabian blood. The Tuigpaard was developed for the show ring as a pleasure riding and driving horse however, not as a sport horse like the more common Dutch Warmblood. The Tuigpaard has high stepping, flamboyant aces, and quickly became popular with carriage driving enthusiasts. Recent selective breeding includes the addition of English Hackney and American Saddlebred horses to further enhance the Tuigpaard's paces. 