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