HISTORY

The Friesian horse originates from and was developed in Friesland, a Province of the Netherlands, situated in the Northwest of Europe. It descended from Equus Robustus (big horse) and during the middle ages were the coveted warhorses of knights during the Crusades because of their strength and agility. In times of peace the Friesian was used on the farm and in towns.

During the 16th and 17th centuries Spanish stallions were left on the battlefield during the Thirty Years War between the Spanish and Dutch. These Andalusian's were bred with Friesian mares. This cross gave the Friesian horse higher kneed action, an arching neck and relatively small head.

Friesians were originally introduced to North America during the seventeenth century. During the early 1800's the Friesian was bred to be lighter and faster to compete in trotting races across Europe. Friesians are light on their feet and very intelligent. However, the breed was totally lost in North America due to crossbreeding and nearly went extinct at the end of World War I in spite of its long history. 

With only one stallion and a few mares left in the breed, a small group from Friesland began to restore the bred to its original form resulting in an increase in the number of Friesians and ensured that this breed would survive extinction. After regaining popularity in it's native Friesland, Friesians soon became part of the international driving scene. This created a strong revival of the breed.

In 1974 the Friesian was reintroduced to North America. In order to maintain the standards and purity of the breed as established by the parent organization in the Netherlands, The FPS, (Friesch Paarden Stamboek, founded in 1879  is the herd book of the Friesian horse and is the oldest, most controlled, and with the strictest guidelines in the world), formed  the Friesian Horse association of North America (FHANA) as an FPS Affiliate. Currently there are more than 30,000 Friesians registered worldwide with 2,000 of them located in North America. Still low numbers for an entire breed but the population continues to grow as more and more people discover the beautiful, magnificent and noble Friesian horse.

 

CHARACTERISTICS & USES

The Friesian Horse an all around, very versatile horse with an impressive appearance. Heads will turn when Friesians are nearby. It is excellent as a carriage horse from single to four in hand (or more); for pleasure or combined driving. Friesians also provides a beautiful ride in many different disciplines: dressage, saddle seat, western, trails, etc. 

The gentle and willing nature of the Friesian makes for easy and versatile training. Their magnificent appearance and animated knee action of their natural gait during the trot, provides a noble presence in shows, parades or dressage. Friesian Horses are always black and have a long flowing tail, mane, and feathered fetlocks. There are three types of Friesian builds. The Baroque, Classic and Modern. 

Friesians are more and more common in the dressage arena. They have done remarkably well in this sport considering the small number of Friesians who compete in dressage. However, the Frisian hasn't been bred as a jumping horse even though some owners do jump their horse. They are usually the crowd favorites in shows because of both their natural beauty, showiness and achievements. 

 

TEMPERAMENT & APPEARANCE

Friesians are often called the "puppies" when referring to the breed. This is due to their reputation for an excellent temperament. Each horse has its own unique personality, characteristic and physical appearance. They are also very intelligent and lively. They are very people friendly and will follow you around just like your puppy might. The Friesian is sweet, gentle and has an honest attitude. It is known for its willingness to work which helps it excel in sport.

A jet black coat, a luxurious man, tail and fetlocks that are thick wavy and long, a small head and high stepping action in the trot and proud carriage are the qualities that make the Friesian unlike any other breed. Their striking physical appearance makes them a wonder to behold. It is hard to take your eyes off of a Friesian in action.

On average Friesians range in height from 15.3 to 16.1 hands but occasionally you will find one that is 17 hands. They are heavy horses with an adult weight averaging around 1300 pounds but with the new breeding to create a more modern horse, they are becoming lighter and more suitable for sport. Their bodies are compant and barreled with sturdy legs, their heads are long and refined and their ears small and alert. 

FPS REGISTRATION

The original Dutch studbook registry, founded in 1879, is Het Friesch Paarden Stambook (The Friesian Horse Studbook) is often referred to by the initals FPS. the majority of the world's Friesian population is registered with the FPS. The FPS carefully monitors the breeding of Friesians and evaluates and grades all registered horses to encourage the ideal breeding standard of the Friesian horse.

Judges from the Netherlands travel to North America yearly in the Fall in order to conduct a keuring (judging) of new foals and registered Friesians. Stallions must be approved for breeding in order for their offspring to be registered in the main Studbook. This is a long, complicated and expensive process and out of the 2000 colts born each year only five may pass the requirements for conditional approval. Once the stallions offspring reach adulthood, they are tested to demonstrate whether or not the stallion is making a positive impact upon the breed. If so, they may receive permanent approval based on offspring or if not, his approval is withdrawn.

During the keuring, foals may receive a first, second or third premium or no premium at all when they are registered in the Foalbook. After they are judged on confirmation and movement, a microchip is implanted underneath their skin for permanent identification. The chip number is included on the  registration papers.

When these foals reach adulthood, they are judged again for entry into the Studbook. Mares, geldings and stallions may receive a premium (first, second or third) and those who receive a first or second premium are considered Ster (Star) based upon their movement and confirmation. Only the very best horses make Ster. First premium Ster mares may then try for the classification of Model. Only the very, very best of the Ster mares will ever receive this classification. Mares must go through rigorous performance testing themselves and have superior quality offspring with outstanding athletic ability. The designation Model means that they are a model representation of the Friesian horse and a standard for the breed. 

 

PURCHASING YOUR FRIESIAN

You've fallen in love with the Friesian breed and would like to purchase one. Owning a Friesian is a greater investment than other breeds of horses. Before you purchase you should do your research and familiarize yourself with the registration process and registry, the current cost of horses with different status rankings and the judging system. You should look for a horse that meets your specific needs. At Top Hat Friesians we'd be happy to help you with your search for knowledge and the right horse.