The Friesian horse is a breed of horse from Western Europe and is the only breed that is native to Holland. The breed is characterized by a solid black coat, with only a small white star being acceptable by the registries today. They also have a long, heavy mane and tail, and long fetlock hair that flows over their lower legs and hooves. The gait of the Friesian has high knee action. The Friesian has a small head, craning neck, and because of its temperament, is considered warm-blooded.http://www.fhana.com/history/ The Friesian is required to stand over 15hh when tested for registry suitability; however, for all its large size the horse is gentle and intelligent.http://www.fhana.com/history/

The Friesian horses are differentiated and registered within the registries by predicates. http://www.fhana.com/predicates/ These are based on the horses merit and offspring, as well as exterior, sport aptitude, sport performance, or a combination of these. There are 4 predicates: Star, Crown, Model, and Sport. Predicates are awarded at inspections that are set up both in the Netherlands and abroad. To be awarded the Star predicate the horse must be tested between birth and 3. The horse needs to be a minimum of 15.1hh and meet the requirements for exterior, and movement. http://www.fhana.com/predicates/ To earn the Crown predicate the horse must stand at least 15.1hh, be at least 3 years old, and must pass certain tests with minimum scores. http://www.fhana.com/predicates/ The Model predicate is given to mares at least 7 years of age and 15.2hh. They must pass the movement and exterior tests, and have a foal. http://www.fhana.com/predicates/ The Sport predicate is awarded to mares, stallions, and geldings who achieve good results in competitive sports.http://www.fhana.com/predicates/

The Friesian horse was developed in the Friesland province of the Netherlands.http://www.gracefriesians.com/aboutold.htm It was used in medieval times to carry knights to battle. http://www.gracefriesians.com/aboutold.htm The breeding was mostly carried out by the monks of the land.http://www.fhana.com/history/ As the Middle Ages ended, Barb and Andulsian blood were added to lighten the horse, and it became sought after for riding, harness, and agricultural work, as well as a trotting horse.http://www.gracefriesians.com/aboutold.htm The Friesian came to America as early as 1625 when the Dutch founded New Amsterdam, now New York. http://www.fhana.com/history/ The influences of this breed may be seen in the Morgan horse, as well as the Old English Black Horse and the Fell Pony.http://www.fhana.com/history/

After being faced with near extinction between the 13th and 16th centuries, the Friesian horse is making a comeback in numbers.http://www.gracefriesians.com/aboutold.htm In 1970 there were only 5 registered Friesian stallions in the world.http://www.usfriesianreferral.com/bloodlines.htm In 1991 there were 800 Friesians in the U.S. and in 2002 it was estimated that there 2000 in the U.S.http://www.usfriesianreferral.com/bloodlines.htm

The Friesian is a versatile horse that may be seen in many different disciplines today. The Friesian may be used in harness, in both recreational and competitive driving. They may be seen pulling 2-4 wheeled carts singly, in pairs, and tandems. The Friesian may be shown pulling a “sjees” in a quadrille. http://www.fhana.com/history/ In this event 8 “sjees'”, the traditional carriage from the 18th century, are driven through complex patterns to demonstrate the ability of the horses and drivers. http://www.fhana.com/history/ Friesian horses may also be used as a riding horse and are enjoying an increasing popularity in dressage.http://www.gracefriesians.com/aboutold.htm

The price of a Friesian today may be anywhere from $7,000-$12,000 for a weanling to yearling, to $600,000 for approved stallions.http://www.usfriesianreferral.com/bloodlines.htm