Origins of the Friesian Horse
The origins of the Friesian horse are very ancient and date back about 1000 ad. The ancestors of the Friesian are said to be a small robust horse often used by the Romans.
This breed continued to be developed in the province of Friese in the Netherlands, explaining the origins of the name used to identify this noble horse.
During the middle ages, under the Spaniards rein (1568-1648), the infusion of Spanish bloodlines helped to greatly refine the Friesian horse. Andalusians were used to obtain a more elevated gait and sensitive horse.
Physically the Friesian has a solid build, with well developed muscles, and a long but fine head, with vibrant eyes and small ears lightly turned inward. Their long arched neck along with abundant amounts of mane and feathering and their black coat embody them in a noble beauty characteristic to the breed.
The breed came close to extinction near 1875 when only 3 pure bred stallions remained. It was the development of the FPS (Het Frist Parden Stamdboek) and the implication of its members that permitted the breed to survive. The FPS sufficiently rebuilt the herd to allow for its long term survival.
The archives allow us to follow the significant physical transformations the breed underwent, notably becoming heavier during certain periods when the Friesian was used for agricultural duties.
Over the last 15 years the breed has undergone a formidable change. There has been a tendency to breed Friesians that are lighter and taller in conformation. The goal has been to improve the athletic abilities and to produce an accomplished sport horse.
At the turn of the century the Friesian horse was primarily used as a carriage horse; however, they are now also commonly favoured as dressage mounts, a discipline in which they excel! Their growing popularity is due to the Friesian's overwhelming desire to please, their breathtaking beauty, and their engaged and supple manner of working. They are always a spectacular crowd pleaser and have gained the respect of judges up to the FEI level.
