{"id":585,"date":"2010-08-09T04:05:28","date_gmt":"2010-08-09T04:05:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theequinest.com\/breeds\/?p=585"},"modified":"2025-02-03T20:18:30","modified_gmt":"2025-02-03T20:18:30","slug":"friesian","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theequinest.com\/breeds\/friesian","title":{"rendered":"Friesian Horse"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intro<\/h3>\n

Also called Friese paard, Friesians are noted for their flashy appearance and movement. However they are also tough and willing which makes them as ideal for plowing a field as they are in the showring.
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Origins<\/h3>\n

One of the only surviving indigenous breeds of the Netherlands, the Friesian horse was used as military mounts as far back as the 13th century. Thought to be the foundation for the “Old English Black” which is an ancestor to both the Shire horse<\/a> and the Fell Pony<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Many breeds with such a long lineage have changed over the centuries, but it is thought that the Frisian characteristics are much the same as their ancestors. Through careful breeding practices have created a type is unmistakable and easy to recognize visually. <\/p>\n

During the 18th and 19th centuries this animal was restricted to the provinces of Friesland where they were bred mainly as trotters. An official studbook was established in 1879 and their blood has contributed to Russian Orlovs<\/a> and American trotting horses.<\/p>\n

Today FPS is the oldest and second largest studbook in the country and after a critical period in the mid 20th century, when numbers dipped down to 1000. Luckily, their numbers began to grow again in the 1990s and today they can be found worldwide. As of 2023, the DID-IS lists their numbers between 41157 and 53644. <\/p>\n

Features<\/h3>\n

Average height 15.7-15.9 hands
\nSmooth, elegant gaits
\nProud in appearance
\nFull mane and tail<\/p>\n

Physique<\/h3>\n

Head is noble and carried high on an arched neck
\nEyes are bright and intelligent
\nBack is strong
\nShoulder is powerful and slanting
\nLegs are lean, muscular and feathered
\nfeet are well-developed<\/p>\n

Traditional Colors<\/h3>\n

Black<\/a><\/p>\n

Temperament<\/h3>\n

Honest and willing to work
\nIntelligent and quick to learn<\/p>\n

Use<\/h3>\n

Driving horse
\nGeneral riding horse
\nShow horse
\nPerformance animal
\nAgriculture work
\nDressage<\/p>\n

Helpful Links<\/h3>\n

* All links open in a new window<\/small>
\n‘Het Friesch Paarden Stamboek’, Koninklijke Vereniging<\/a>
\nFriesian Horse Association of North America<\/a>
\nFriesian Horse Society<\/a>
\nFriesian Horse Association of Great Britain & Iraeland<\/a>
\nAustralian Friesian Horse Society<\/a><\/p>\n

Where to Buy<\/h3>\n

Legacy Friesians<\/a><\/p>\n

More Images<\/h3>\n
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\n\"Friesian\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Friesian\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\n\"Friesian\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Friesian\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Video<\/h3>\n