Friesian

The Friesian Horse originated in Friesland, one of twelve 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 Friesian people settled along the cost of the North Sea. They were tradesmen, seafarers, farmers and horse breeders. During the last two centuries it has been bred pure. Through the centuries the Friesian Government has made many regulations in order to safeguard good breeding. Now the Dutch Horse Law of 1939 gives rules for studbook and breeding.

Armored knights of old found this horse very desirable, having the strength to carry great weight into battle and still maneuver quickly. Later, its suppleness and agility made the breed much sought after for use in riding schools in Paris and Spain during the 15th and 16th centuries. Before an elegant carriage, this breed has few rivals, and throughout Europe the royal courts used them as coach horses. An excellent trotter, the Friesian was used for racing short distances in Holland, the winners being awarded silver or golden whips.

As early as 1625 Friesian horses were being imported into what later would become the United States of America, when the Dutch founded New Amsterdam in the region now known as New York. However, the breed was totally lost in North America due to crossbreeding. Tom Hannon of Canton, Ohio did not reintroduce the horse to North America until 1974. By 1983 the popularity of the Friesian in America had grown enough to support a national association, the Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA).

Friesian Horses are always black. White markings are not allowed on the body or legs. They have a long, thick, flowing mane and tail and pronounced fetlock hair. Under no circumstance 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 it head high and proud with an arching neck. The animated gait is natural. Registered Friesian stallions must be at least 15.3 hands by the age of four and mares must be at least 14.3 hands. The mares average about 1300 lbs., more for males.

To maintain the integrity of the breed, the Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA) closely works with its parent organization, the Friesch Paarden Stamboek in the Netherlands and strictly regulates the registration of the Friesian Horse. The FPS is the registry for the Friesian horse worldwide. The registry was founded in 1879 and today's Dutch registered horses are the result of over a century of rigorous evaluation and selection of breeding stock. Organizations from other countries may also register Friesian horses, but horses registered with those organizations may not have met the standards of the FPS and therefore the true Dutch Friesian registry cannot recognize the horses. The Friesian Horse Association of North America cannot recognize a horse whose papers are not issued by the Friesch Paarden Stamboek.

At Lorick Stables, all of our Friesian horses are FHANA or FPS registered. Please visit our Sale Horse page to see our Friesian horses for sale.