Friesian Horse

Text and Photos copyrighted - see credits below.

The Friesian horse, the black beauties of Friesland, with long, full mane and shiny muscled coats ; the once powerful battle steed of armoured knights, is today admired by horse lovers everywhere.

From the battle fields, to French and Spanish riding schools of the 1400 through 1500 s, to their great fame as trotters and carriage horses, they have excelled, even being race horses of great popularity in their homeland during the 1700 to 1800 s. 

Twice having been saved from dying out at the last minute, the Friesian horse is a breed of history, romance, beauty and also of  usefulness. Seen today in dressage,  or on parade carrying riders in historical costumes of Baroque era mounted displays, or as teams pulling a carriage, or harnessed to the traditional Freisensjees , or in their own competitions world wide, this breed catches the eye both of horse lovers and serious breeders.
 
For over 200 years horses have been bred in Friesland and during the Spanish occupation of the Netherlands, local stock was crossed with Andalusian horses who passed on their strong, Baroque neck, long mane and high stepping gait.   As early as the 1600 s there were strict rules governing the breeding of the Friesian Horse.  By the late 1800 s breeders got together and formed a studbook society. The stock and the breed grew then dwindled, until an association was formed to take over responsibilities of breed, of maintaining numbers of stallions and of monitoring quality.  Until today, as a result, the Friesians are popular throughout the world.

Stallions used for breeding must meet very strict specifications.  They must be of a certain height by the age of 3 and also undergo various performance tests by which they are judged as suitable for both riding and driving. Both the character and training capacity of each stallion is also judged.   If a stallion passes, only a provisional breeding license is issued, and the stallion s first crop of foals will be examined in a year s time. The Friesch Paarden Stamboek is the registry for the Friesian horse worldwide.

The goal of breeders is to produce a strong horse, with the elegance of the characteristically arched neck, a broad chest, a slightly divided croup and muscular high quarters.  The long mane, thick tail and silky coat are also important, along with consistent temperament.  Today s Friesians are totally black and no white spot, not even a small star between the eyes, is allowed.  To be registered, they must be no faults and both parents must be registered with the FPS.  No Friesian can be registered until it is at least 2 years old.  These breeders are serious about maintaining stock that breed true!

The current Friesian horse may be of three different types. The heavier built, stocky draught type has pronounced joints and is very well muscled, is an ideal carriage horse or can still do heavy agriculture work.  This type stands out from any other cold blood via high knee action and energy of gait.  The mid-type is the goal of most breeders, having a small head, shiny coat, wide chest , arched neck with well defined joints, and is idea for both carriage  driving and riding. The third type is lighter and longer of leg, and is very fast, therefore being ideal for competitive sports as demonstrated by titles won in carriage world championships.   Within the breed, any type of Frieisan horse is clearly distinguished from coldbloods with which they are sometimes confused by the refined, elegant head. not to mention all the other true breed characteristics that are now so rightfully protected by breeders.

 


   

Photo at the top of the page is Oelke Archive.  All photos above, except the last one on the right above, are
Karen Kinsley Studios .  The last one on the right , R. Millin Photography- Newline Saddlehorse Stud

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Global associations for the Friesian horse: 
The Friesch Parden Stamboek 
The Friesian Horse Association of Great Britain & Ireland Ltd 
The Friesian Horse Association of North America
The Friesian Horse Society, Inc.- USA 
In Canada : The Friesian Horse Society, Inc. 
International Friesian Horse Associaton 
Australian Friesian Horse Society
Friesian Horse Society in the FPS - Germany