Breed History

The Friesian Horse originated in Friesland, one of twelve provinces of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Holland), situated in the northwest of Europe. The Friesian horse descends from the Equus robustus. During the 16th and 17th centuries, but probably also earlier, Arabian blood was introduced, especially through Andalusian horses from Spain. This has given them the high knee-action, the small head and the craning neck. Because of his temperament the Friesian horse is considered warm blooded. The Friesian horse has been kept free from influence of the English Thoroughbred. During the last two centuries it has been bred pure. Through the centuries the Friesian Government has made many regulations in order to safeguard good breeding. Now the Dutch Horse law of 1939 (modified) gives rules for studbook and breeding. From records of the past we know that the Friesian horse of old was famous. There is information from as early as 1251 and there are books in which Friesian horses were mentioned and praised from as early as the 16th century. Armored knights of old found this horse very desirable, having the strength to carry great weight into battle and still maneuver quickly.
Later, its suppleness and agility made the breed much sought after for use in riding schools in Paris and Spain during the 15th and 16th centuries. Before an elegant carriage this breed has few rivals, and throughout Europe the royal courts used them as coach horses. An excellent trotter, the Friesian was used for racing short distances in Holland. As early as 1625 Friesian horses were being imported into what later would become the United States of America. The breed was totally lost in North America due to crossbreeding. The Friesian Horse was not reintroduce to North America until 1974. By 1983 the popularity of the Friesian in America had grown enough to support a national association and a national show. With the help of the Friesian Studbook Friesian horses have been imported into Western Germany, Scotland and South Africa.

Breed Characteristics

Friesian Horses are always black. White markings are not allowed on the body or legs. They have a long, thick, flowing mane and tail and pronounced fetlock hair. Under no circumstance is it permissible to dock the tail of a Friesian and, in fact, trimming of any hair from mane, tail or legs is frowned upon. The Friesian Horse holds it head high and proud with an arching neck. The animated gait is natural. The body is strong and deep with a sloping shoulder. The rear quarters are sloping with a somewhat low-set tail.

Breed Organizations

To maintain the integrity of the breed, the Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA) working in concert with the original parent organization, the Friesch Paarden Stamboek in the Netherlands strictly regulates the registration of the Friesian Horse. The FPS is the registry for the Friesian horse worldwide. The registry was founded in 1879 and today's Dutch registered horses are the result of over a century of rigorous evaluation and selection of breeding stock. Organizations from other countries may also register Friesian horses, but horses registered with those organizations may not have met the standards of the FPS and therefore the true Dutch Friesian registry cannot recognize the horses. The Friesian Horse Association of North America cannot recognize a horse whose papers are not issued by the Friesch Paarden Stamboek.