Barss was bred about 1785 by an Arab-Friesland cross-bred stallion out of a Friesland mare. This breeding is clearly discernible in the horse's conformation and colour. His descendants were the Orlovs, all natural trotters 'bending the knee when striding'. Count Orlov's two-handed reining resembles the American, not the English style. The History of Horse Racing by Roger Longrigg, page 104.