The Russian Trotter has a plain head, long and muscular neck, and long, sloping shoulders.

The speedier, crossbred Russian Trotter was soon introduced, and later on its major influence, the Standardbred.

Eventually Standardbred stallions were crossed with Orlov mares and a new breed, the Russian Trotter, appeared.

For about a decade, liberal crossbreeding between the Russian Trotter, French Trotter, and Standardbred breeds was carried out.

The Russian Trotter or Métis Trotter was developed in Russia to create a horse with a faster trotting speed than the older Russian Orlov Trotter.

Harness racing is dominated by Standardbred horses in Australia, New Zealand and North America, but several other breeds, such as the Russian Trotter and Finnhorse, are seen in Europe.