| Friesians | | | | emphasized the "big" trot which is typical of the breed. |
| Brief History | | | | Gypsy Cob |
| This draft breed is rooted in Friesland, Northwestern | | | | History |
| Europe, which is now a part of the Netherlands. The | | | | This small draft horse traces its roots to the Romanys, |
| original stock was descended from the order of Equus | | | | who had no need for the larger drafts. For almost 100 |
| robustus (the big horse). In the 16th and 17th centuries, | | | | years the Romany people, or Gypsies, have bred the |
| Andalusian lineage was introduced to the bloodline in | | | | cob to pull their traditional carts and "mobile homes" |
| the form of Spanish stallions which were abandoned | | | | throughout the country lanes of Ireland and England. |
| on the battlefield during the war between the Spanish | | | | And although many of the "Travelers" - as the ones |
| and the Dutch. This new blood endowed the Friesian | | | | who move about the country are called - have |
| line with higher knee action, smaller heads, and arching | | | | changed to more modern conveyances, there are still |
| necks. | | | | those who cling to the traditional mode of travel. |
| Description and Characteristics | | | | Even though many people of the Romany heritage no |
| The Friesian is one of the smaller draft horses, in | | | | longer travel, they continue to breed these colorful |
| stature and weight. In order for Friesians to be | | | | horses as a way of keeping tradition alive. As long ago |
| deemed purebred, and allowed to be used for | | | | the modern Gypsy's wealth is still, in a large part, |
| breeding stock for a purebred line, they must be at | | | | measured by the size and quality of his horse herd. |
| least 14.3 hands (57.2 in., or 145.3 cm.) at the shoulder. | | | | Description and Conformation |
| And the subject must be solid black with no white | | | | The Gypsy Cob has no one specific color. The most |
| markings on the legs or body. The typical height is 15.3 | | | | common are pinto patterned, piebald, and skewbald. |
| to 16.1 hands (155.4 to 163.6 cm., or 61.2 to 64.4 in.). The | | | | They are small, in that they traditionally stand 13 to 15.2 |
| Friesian is heavily boned, and the adult averages about | | | | hands (52 to 60.8 in., or 132 to 154 cm.) at the shoulder. |
| 1300 pounds (92.3 stones). This breed appears to be | | | | They are compact, yet sturdy and durable. Their |
| short and stocky. The thick manes and tails, and | | | | stamina allows them to pull a loaded "living wagon", at |
| abundant fetlock hair are traditionally allowed to remain | | | | a steady trot, all day long. |
| full and natural. The Friesian has a good temperament | | | | In order to be classified as a traditional Gypsy horse, |
| and is sensible but lively. The breed can be used for | | | | they must have an abundance of hair and feathering. |
| pulling, or for saddle riding. And while Friesians have the | | | | The feathering starts at the knee and grows all over |
| normal gaits - walk, trot, and canter - long tradition has | | | | the bottom half of the leg to the hoof. |