Friesian Breed

Friesian Breed....

UNBRIDLED ELEGANCE.  BOLD.  MAGESTIC.  KIND.  LOYAL…are words that can be used to describe the Friesian horse, a unique breed steeped in romanticism and very suitable for the needs of a modern equestrian. The regal and natural impulsion of the Friesian creates the image of power, yet their kind and intelligent nature allows them to be a willing and dependable performer in harness and under saddle. The Friesian horse is very charismatic. Their gentle and willing nature provides a strong base for versatile training and their intelligence leads to a rewarding partnership between horse and owner. Today they are being used in many different equestrian disciplines such as dressage, saddle seat, pleasure riding, trail, pleasure driving, and combined driving, as well as exhibition and light draft work. Their handsome appearance and animated action provide a noble “presence” in any show ring, parade, or simply in your own paddock.

Although the Friesian of today is considered a warmblood, it is descended from the ancient Equus robustus and still retains many heavy horse characteristics. Developed in Friesland, a small province in the Netherlands, the Friesian horse maintained a size suitable for carrying heavy loads, was intelligent, and light on its feet. During the Middle Ages, knights proudly utilized these abilities for wartime purposes. In times of peace, the Friesian horse was used for medium draft purposes in town and on the farm. In the early 1800’s the Friesian horse was bred to be lighter and faster in order to accommodate the popular trotting races in Europe. Due to the mechanization of the farms, as well as crossbreeding, the purebred Friesian nearly met with extinction by the end of World War I. With one remaining stallion and a few mares, a small group of people from Friesland undertook the challenge to restore the breed, resulting in an increase in population that assured the continuation of this magnificent breed

Originally imported to North America by Dutch settlers in the 17^th century, the breed was lost here due to crossbreeding, which among other things, resulted in the Morgan horse. The Friesian horse was not introduced again to North America until 1974. With vowed determination to maintain the purity and standard of the breed, the Friesian Horse Association of North America [FHANA] was formed as a national association, which maintains close ties with the KFPS or “Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek,”the original parent organization in the Netherlands. In 2009 there were more than 13,000 members and 40,000 Friesians registered world wide with 2000 members and 10,000 Friesian horses here in North America.

Registered Friesians are always black from a deep jet black to a bay black. White markings are not allowed on the body or legs, but a small, half-dollar-size star between the eyes is permissible. They have long, thick, flowing manes and tails and pronounced fetlock hair. Their animated gait is natural. With a swan-like arching neck the Friesian horse holds its head high and proud and the body is strong and deep with a sloping shoulder. The stallions must be at least 16 hands by age 4, while the mares must be at least 14.3 hands with 15.3 hands being average height. Most Friesians are not considered fully mature until 8 YO and then the mares weigh about 1300 pounds and the males more.

Strict rules apply to the selection of approved sires and to the advancement of mares within the registry. Stallion candidates must pass a set of comprehensive criteria, a movement and conformation judging, and a strenuous test of ability and character. Only approved stallions may be used for breeding and then even they may be disqualified if the quality of their offspring is substandard!

To be registered in the studbook, all Friesians must be inspected by qualified judges from the FPS at events called Keurings, where judging is 40% on conformation and 60% on movement. Foals are micro chipped and DNA typed and may be awarded premiums [1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd] based on movement and conformation. When 3 YO’s and older Friesians are keured for the first time, they are evaluated on their ability, conformation, and breed characteristics and receive a “linear score” sheet, which is like a 26 subject report card with categories ranging from blackness and amount of hair to movement at the walk and trot. If awarded a 1^st or 2^nd premium, the horse is then designated as “Ster or Star.” Held every fall, the closest Keurings to your Horse Expo site are in VA & PA.