| The Friesian (or Frisian) horse breed are a relatively | | | | finer-boned. |
| rare, black colored breed that originated in Friesland, a | | | | Due to the strict breeding regulations of this breed |
| province of the Netherlands. Breeding Friesian Horses | | | | there are less then 100 approved breeding stallions in |
| and dealing in them was very important for the | | | | the world and approximately 20 here in North America. |
| Friesians. The monks in the many monasteries in | | | | Therefore purebred Friesians are considered |
| Friesland before the reformation did a lot of horse | | | | somewhat of a rarity here. Due to a strict process of |
| breeding. Formerly used as warhorses, the black | | | | selection over the centuries, these are also the |
| pearls of the north have come a long way. | | | | movement characteristics that are deeply embedded |
| Friesian horses are dramatic, graceful, and very | | | | in the genetics of the Friesian breed. This also applies |
| fairytale-like with long, wavy manes and tails. They are | | | | to the unique character of the Friesian horse: lively, |
| unusually friendly, well mannered and gentle by nature. | | | | intelligent, honest and reliable, always willing to work, but |
| Friesian horses are really peaceful and sweet, so | | | | as proud as the Frisians themselves. |
| much so that in Holland, they often carry stallions round | | | | As hard as it might be to believe, the breed nearly |
| with just a halter on. Friesian horses are popular in both | | | | became extinct on several occasions over time. Due |
| Europe and the United States, and are often used | | | | to fuel rationing during World War II the Freisian's farm |
| today for Dressage competition and pleasure riding. | | | | and carriage use was revived, saving the breed long |
| Friesian and Friesian-mixed horses can do well in | | | | enough for both its population and popularity to |
| dressage competition due the breed's strong intellect, | | | | rebound. Due to the fuel shortages, Dutch farmers |
| appearance, power, and body control. They also have | | | | turned to horses for transportation and fieldwork. The |
| an intelligent, willing spirit. | | | | Friesian is one of the best carriage horses in the world. |
| There is truly no other breed similar to the Friesian. | | | | Due to its flashy appearance, the Friesian has become |
| Graceful enough for riding and powerful enough for | | | | popular in the film industry. The breed owes much of |
| farming, the breed has been used by medieval knights, | | | | its current popularity to the appearance of the Friesian |
| 17th-century cavalry and World War II soldiers. Friesian | | | | stallion Othello in the 1985 film, Ladyhawke, which |
| horses are always black dressed up with the | | | | ignited a worldwide interest in these horses. |
| important characteristics of the breed; the luxuriance of | | | | The modern day Friesian horse is as popular today as |
| the mane, forelock, tail and the fetlocks. | | | | it has ever been, used both in harness and under |
| Today, there are two distinct conformation types of | | | | saddle. With that type of versatility, they will be around |
| the Friesian horse. The baroque type has the more | | | | for a long time. |
| robust build. The modern, sport horse type is | | | | |