THE FRIESIAN HORSE: FROM FARMER TO CITIZEN
The Friesian Horse, from farmer to citizen. A 'Fryske Film Faktorij' production. Made from a concept by the foundation 'It Fryske Hoars'.
Powerful and Beautiful
The Friesian horse has a remarkable linage as the only native breed to the Netherlands. Tracing its way back to Arabian horses traded by Spaniards in northern Africa, this ancestral breed would immediately become highly coveted among royalty in Europe. During the Spanish Golden Age, new Spanish breeds born from the Arabian, found their way to the Low Countries of norther Europe.
From here, through even more refinement, the Friesian breed began to flourish. Distinctly elegant and refined among other horses in Europe of the time, a consistent breeding policy has continued to produced the Friesian we know and love today.
The Friesian is defined by its jet black color, its thick flowing mane and feathering detail on the lower legs. Its aristocratic history still holds true, with a powerful elevated gait, slightly arched neck and noble head. Perfect for the dairy production of the Netherlands, where the horse originally found its home, the Friesian stands out for its combination of stunning beauty and multi-faceted utility.
The Multipurpose Utility of Friesians
While the Friesian breed did find its start as a farm horse in the Netherlands, today Friesians are highly desirable for recreation, breeding and equestrian sports. The modern Friesian can often be spotted in the dressage ring or during driving sports.
The relationship of the Friesian’s past and its current appearance is bound closely together. Initially bread for agriculture, the Friesian’s short legs and compact body are clearly visible, with forelegs a bit behind the vertical and a broad chest. This sturdy, muscular shape allowed the Friesian to throw itself “into the harness” and as a result develop more pulling power.
Nowadays, these exterior characteristics are less functional in the riding arena or in harness or driving horses. Nonetheless, the heavier and short-legged type is still much in evidence, partly because this type has been bred for so many years and it takes generations before it can phased out from the breed.
Jelko, owned by Rebecca Dalpe
Jelko holds 3 World Saddleseat Titles and is a 2019 USEF Reserve Grand Champion Saddleseat Horse with rider and trainer, Matt Mazza. Jelko is stabled and trained at Arrowhead Stables.
For work under the saddle and driving sports a functional build is key. The horse’s body must have an ‘uphill’ frame. With this ‘uphill’ build, the distribution of weight is brought more onto the hindquarters in motion, enabling the horse to ‘carry’ more with its hindquarters. For an uphill build, a relatively long foreleg is important, as well as the stance of the foreleg. The stance of the foreleg is linked to the shoulder, whereby a sloping and long shoulder provide the horse with enough space to extend its foreleg far out to the front. The harness horse often has a more vertical neckline than the riding and driving horse.
For animals of all purposes, the horse must move fluidly through its entire body, with powerful hindquarters that transmit movement forwards, enabling the horse to ‘grow’ in front, a desired trait for both riding under the saddle and for driving in front of the carriage. For harness horses a lot of knee action is desirable (but not this alone, as it must be combined with spaciousness of gaits and carrying hindquarters), while for riding horses and also driving horses, extravagant knee action is not always appreciated. For all purposes, a correct leg stance is a must.
The Friesian horse has increasingly developed itself as a sports horse over past decades and in doing so has in fact returned to its origins from the agricultural interlude. The Friesian’s origin is of a luxuriant and aristocratic carriage horse. Today, thanks to its typical functional characteristics, the Friesian horse now competes with other breeds at the highest levels of equestrian sports.
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With gratitude, portions of this information is taken directly from the KFPS Royal Friesian. (www.english.kfps.nl)
8 TRAITS OF A SOVEREIGN FRIESIAN
Work Ethic
A Sovereign Friesian will demonstrate a strong work ethic, with an eagerness and a willingness to work, befitting its diverse ancestry.
Trainability
A Sovereign Friesian will have high intelligence and trainability combined with a sound temperament and high work ethic enabling them to be responsive and very capable in carriage and/or under saddle.
Hair & Feathers
Sovereign Friesians are chosen to exemplify the ideal characteristics of their breed, which would include a majestic mane and feathering of the lower legs.
Compatibility
Sovereign’s mission is to match the right Sovereign Friesian to the right owner with regard to temperament and usage. Friesian horses are as individual as people. Do you prefer the classic, baroque, or sporthorse looking type of Friesian? How many days a week will you ride? Dressage, hunt or saddleseat usage? We carefully choose and evaluate our horses. Our goal is to match our horses and owners for a lifetime bond of mutual happiness.
Color
A Sovereign Friesian will have a shiny, rich black coat as expected and required of these "Black Pearls".
Hair & Feathers
Sovereign Friesians are chosen to exemplify the ideal characteristics of their breed, which would include a majestic mane and feathering of the lower legs.
Movement
A Sovereign Friesian will exhibit exceptional quality in all three gaits: a walk that is straight, vigorous and springy; a trot that has forward power from the hind quarters and is elevated, elastic, and light-footed; and a canter that is lively, and well-supported with power coming from the hind quarters. Sovereign Friesians are athletic and a joy to ride.
Conformation
Friesians will exude all ideal qualities of Royal Friesian guidelines to include a harmonious uphill build and noble head, set on a slightly arched and muscled neck; large, impressive and clear eyes, well developed withers, a well-muscled back and loin, and legs that are properly positioned and straight. Its hoofs will be wide and sound.
Temperament
A Sovereign Friesian will have a pleasing character and gentleness, will be kind and honest in its nature, and will be a loyal, amicable and loving companion for its owner.