Breed Characteristics
The Friesian horse is gentle, honest, and clever. He poses a kind and willing character, intelligence and strength. The horses are always black, with a long wavy mane and tail, and feather on the legs. No white is allowed except a small white star on the forehead. They possess a high neck carriage and powerful hindquarters. Their movement is forward and elevated with high knee action. The average height is 15 – 17 hands with an average weight of 1300 – 1600 pounds.

The Friesian is, by nature, a talented show horse. Today, Friesians are competing in dressage at the Grand Prix level.

The Friesian beauty, size, rideability, and temperament make them a perfect choice.

 

Breed History
Friesian horses are over 2000 years old and come from Friesland, one of the provinces of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

During the 16 and 17th centuries, Arabian blood was introduced to the Friesian horse, especially through Andalusians horses from Spain. This is what has given the Friesian the high knee action, the small head and the beautiful neck. The Friesian has been kept from any influence of the Thoroughbred and therefore is considered a warm blood. During the last two centuries it has been breed pure.

The Friesian was used as a war horse by Friesian soldiers fighting with the Roman Armies and later used by the knights. Their suppleness and agility made Friesians sought after in the riding schools of Paris and Spain in the 15th and 16th centuries.

During 18th century, cross breeding was the fashion. The pure friesian almost disappeared through cross breeding. A small group of Friesian breeders saved the Friesian. They created the “Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek” (FPS). Today, breeding Friesians continues to be done under strict guidelines such as selection, performance testing and classification to ensure that the quality of the breed remains high.

For more information about Friesians visit www.fhana.com.