With thousands of rescues over the last few decades and more than 80 equines currently living at our sanctuary, it’s rare for us to come across a breed we’ve never met in person or even heard of. Sophie, who arrived at Equine Advocates in April, is unlike any horse under our care.

Sophie is a striking Bay Mare born in 2008. She is a Dutch Harness Horse, or Tuigpaard, a Warmblood breed originating in the Netherlands and bred for driving. The breed was first developed at the end of World War II and is based on the native Groningen and Gelderland horses, which were used in agriculture and transportation services. During the late 19th century and early 20th century, these animals were known as “luxury horses,” as they were elegant carriage horses who could also work on farms. Only in recent years, some Dutch Harness Horses have come to North America, where they are used as sport horses and saddle seat horses. Many are shown in driving competitions and exhibitions and are known to perform well in combined driving. The Dutch Harness Horse is often crossed with the American Saddlebred to develop the American version of the Dutch breed, called the American Dutch Harness Horse.

According to the KWPN, or the Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland (Royal Warmblood Horse Studbook of the Netherlands), Dutch Harness Horses are known for their proud bearing and spectacular movement, which comes from a long moment of suspension in the trot, big striding front legs with high knee action, and hind legs that step powerfully under the body. The breed also has a cooperative temperament, intelligence, and the will to perform. They go through strict selection procedures for conformation, movement, and temperament, which means the breed is reasonably uniform.

Despite her refined breeding, Sophie’s life was hardly glamorous. For years, she was used and driven hard by the Amish as a Buggy Horse. By the time she was fourteen, she had sustained several serious injuries, including bowed tendons in both front legs. As she was no longer able to work, she was dumped at a low-end Pennsylvania meat auction and sold for slaughter. While she was in a kill pen scheduled to be loaded onto a trailer to a Mexican slaughterhouse, Sophie was rescued by Gerda Silver of Gerda’s Equine Rescue. Gerda sent Sophie to Horses With Hope, an organization that helps to train rescued equines for riding. However, X-rays showed that Sophie had a spinal deformity and other physical problems that prevented her from having a rider on her back.

Sophie needed to be retired at a sanctuary, and she arrived at Equine Advocates in April. She was introduced to Randy, an equine veteran who was retired here from the U.S. Army after serving as a Military Working Horse with the Caisson Platoon. After being introduced, they bonded almost immediately and now enjoy spending their days together out in their field. Sophie also likes greeting her equine neighbors over the fence. It’s our great pleasure to provide this wonderful mare with a permanent and loving home here at Equine Advocates Rescue & Sanctuary.

This column was published in Berkshire Animal World’s July 2024 issue.