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The characteristics of the friesian horse

The Typical Friesian Characteristics maymaintains sufficient depth towards the
be found in a horse that is harmoniouslyrear.
built and properly proportioned. TheThe legs - The forelegs are properly
noble head has clear, intelligent eyespositioned and when viewed from the
and small, alert ears with the tipsfront, are set parallel with a hoofwidth
pointing slightly toward each other. Theof space at the ground. Viewed from the
neck is of adequate length and isside, they are perpendicular down
lightly arched. A strong back joins athrough the fetlock joint. The cannon
croup of good length which doesn't slopebone is not too long; the forearm,
too steeply. The shoulder is strong,however, has good length. The pastern is
long and sloping and the body has goodresilient, of good length and is at a 45
depth and well sprung ribs. The feet anddegree angle to the ground. The hoofs
legs are strong with a well developedare wide and sound.
forearm and proper stance. A height ofThe hind legs, viewed from the rear, are
1.60 meters (15.3 hands) is consideredstraight. Viewed from the side, the legs
ideal.are set directly under the hind quarters
The horse has fluid, elegant andand are strong with good, sound hoofs.
suspended gaits which are emphasized byThe hind cannon is a little longer than
feathering on the lower legs, a finein front; the gaskin is long, with well
mane and beautiful, long tail. Jet blackdeveloped muscle. The angle at the hock
is the preferred color. This is a horseis approximately 150 degrees; the rear
of luxurious and proud appearance, fullpasterns are at a 55 degree angle to the
of personality, honest and eager toground.
work.The joints in the legs are dry,
Conformation - At a time when many breedwell-developed, and provide a good
registries have experienced a decline infoundation for the tendons and
registrations and memberships, the FPSligaments.
has continued to grow. This is due, inThe overall appearance of the horse's
part, to the appearance and charisma ofbody is more nearly a rectangle than a
the Friesian horse. The attractionsquare. When the shoulder is long and
exerted on devotees by the appearance ofsloping, the back is not too long, and
the Friesian horse cannot be jeopardizedthe croup is of adequate length, the
when breeding for specific performanceratio of fore-, middle- and hind
qualities. A description of idealquarters can be an ideal 1:1:1. The
Friesian conformation follows:horse is neither too massive nor too
The head is relatively short and thelight.
width is proportional to the length. TheThe walk is straight, vigorous and
ears are small and alert with the tipsspringy. There is good length of stride
pointing slightly toward each other. Theand the hind quarters swing forward with
eyes are large and shining. The nasalpower.
bone is slightly hollow or straight;The trot is a reaching and forward
nostrils are wide. The lips are closedmovement with power from the hind
and the teeth meet properly. The jawquarters. It is elevated and
bones are not heavy and are spread widelight-footed with a moment of
apart to allow the horse to breathesuspension. The hock flexes as the horse
easily while at work. The head is setmoves forward and the inside angle of
gracefully on the neck with adequatethe hind leg closes during each stride.
space for the throat. Overall, the headThe canter is well supported and lively
is dry and expressive and blendswith sufficient power from the hind
smoothly into the neck.quarters and flexion in the hock.
The neck is lightly arched at the crest.Breeding for Performance - The Friesian
It is long enough for the horse to bendhorse is used in various equestrian
properly and is adequately muscled. Thesports: show driving, combined driving,
neck is set on high and the lowerdressage under saddle and recreation. As
neckline does not bulge between thedriving horses, Friesians perform well,
throat and the chest.but to become more competitive in all
The withers are well developed,sports, attention should be given to the
prominent and, in particular, blendfollowing points:
gradually into the back.strong, powerful hind quarters
The back is not too long and is wella luxurious horse that is not too heavy,
muscled. A slightly low back is allowed.but has ample power
The loin is wide, strong and wella long, sloping shoulder
muscled and makes a smooth transitionhard, dry legs
into the croup.light-footed movements with a moment of
The croup is of good length and slopessuspension
slightly downward; it is wide andsize neither too small nor too large;
muscular. It neither forms a point northe ideal range of height is 1.59 - 1.63
is overly rounded. The tail is not setmeters (15.21 to 16.0 hands)
on too low. The gluteal muscle is longsufficiently long and well muscled
and well developed.forearm and gaskin
The shoulders are long and sloping andstrong, smooth transition from loin to
are set widely enough apart to form acroup; long and well developed gluteal
good chest, which is neither too widemuscle
nor too narrow.good, wide hoofs with proper heels
The ribs are long and curved, supplyinggood head/neck connection
ample space for the heart and lungs,an honest character, eager to work
without being rotund. The bellystamina



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