brief history of the friesian

The friesian horse originated in Friesland, one of 12 provinces of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Holland), situated in the northwest of Europe. Friesland is an old country dating to 500 B.C, when the Friesians settled along the coast of the North Sea. They were tradesmen, seafarers, farmers
(the friesian cow also originates here) and horse breeders.

The Friesian horse descends from the Equus robustus. During the 16th & 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. The Friesian horse has been kept free from the influence of the English Thoroughbred & is noted for its kind temperament and is considered a warm blood. During the last 2 centuries it has been bred pure.

Through the centuries the Friesian government has made many regulations in order to safeguard good breeding. Now all recognized friesians have to be registered with The Friesch Paarden Stamboek (the friesian studbook). Since 1986 it became compulsory for FPS registered horses to have a number tattooed on their tongues as foals. Foals registered since 1997 have been given a unique microchip instead of a tongue tattoo. The tongue tattoo or microchip should always match the data recorded on the FPS registration papers.

Friesian horses are always black. White markings are not allowed.
They have a long, thick, flowing mane & tail and pronounced fetlock hair. Under no circumstances 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 its head high & proud with an arching neck, the body strong & deep with a sloping shoulder. The rear quarters are sloping with a somewhat low set tail. Registered Friesian stallions must be 160cm by age 4 & mares 150cm, although anywhere between 158cm & 165cm is considered ideal. Currently there are less than 300 known registered Friesians in the UK.

 

For more information about the breed visit Wikipedia

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