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Information Provided Courtesy of AWFA, Inc.

FRIESIAN

The Friesian breed of horse is over 2000 years old and is one of the purest representatives of the European horse. The breed has a very rich history and is featured in many paintings. For those who have had the opportunity to travel to England you may have seen pictures of them, or perhaps seen them in action, acting as the carriage horses for the elite shopping center of "Harrods". The Friesian was used as a war horse by Friesian soldiers fighting with the Roman Armies, and later used by knights and traveled all the way to the Middle East with the Crusaders. In the seventeenth century, Spanish Andalusian horses and oriental breeds slightly influenced the breed. In later times the Friesian was used on the land but this lapsed with the advent of farm machinery. It was also used as a fast trotting coach horse, and it was in fact the Friesians who invented trotting races over short distances (320 meters) in the 18th century. At the same time, ringdriving (ring spearing) became popular as a recreational sport.

The Modern day Friesian has enjoyed its share of publicity, regularly being seen on the big screen in movies such as Interview with a Vampire and the lovely Othello, a Friesian who caught so many peoples eyes in LadyHawke.

The Friesian has been used to form the basis of many breeds, such as the Shire, New Forest, Dale, Morgan, Swedish Warmblood, the Orlov Trotter, and was recently used to revive the Kladruber breed.

The Friesian has been saved from extinction by a group of dedicated breeders in Friesland, a northern province of Holland. The studbook is one of the oldest in the world, being established in 1879. Breeding is done under strict guidelines such as selection, performance testing and classification to ensure that the quality of the breed remains very high. Much is being done to save the breed in Australia but still there are only approximately 10 stallions standing at stud.

The Friesian is a noble animal, possessing a kind and willing character, intelligence and strength. The horses are always black, with a long wavy mane and tail, and feathers on the legs. No white markings are permitted, except for a small white star on the forehead. They possess a high neck carriage and powerful hindquarters. Their movement is forward and elevated with a high knee action.

The Friesian is a show horse! - this is why many European circuses use them for classical dressage. They are now gaining further respect in the dressage arena's of today as some specimens of the breed are reaching Grand Prix level due to their natural carriage and elevated movement.

Ring driving always attracts hundreds of spectators, but they also perform well in modern equestrian sports such as combined driving, and more recently, in North American and Canadian dressage where a Friesian is being prepared for the 200 Olympics and another has graded to medium level.

For their size the Friesian is surprisingly light on its feet, and thoroughly enjoys jumping. Several cross breeds of this breed are now out competing in One day events and showjumping and in many cases can be seen receiving a sash. However, due to the nature and personality of the horse they are fast becoming the all round family horse. Their size and rideability makes them a perfect choice for the whole family to be involved with and their temperament is consistent to the patient nature they are renowned for.

The information contained on this page is provided courtesy of: AWFA Inc.