Friesian Horse Information

The Friesian, also known as the Belgian black, is a breed of light draft horse thought to be one of the oldest of European horse breeds. The breed is named after the area once called Friesland, which now is in the Netherlands and Denmark. After almost being wiped out by World War I and World War II, this striking black breed is becoming popular in Europe and North America.

  1. Identification

    • Friesians are large, lightly muscled horses, averaging 15 to 17 hands high from the ground to the top of their withers and weighing an average of 1,220 to 1,450 lb. In comparison, a Thoroughbred of the same size would weigh about 1,000 to 1,100 lb. Their manes, tails and “feathers” (hair below their knees and hocks) naturally grow long and thick. Their necks are thick and often crested. Their spines often slope lightly upward toward their hindquarters.

    Color

    • Most Friesians are entirely black or black with a small white dot or “star” on the forehead. Some Friesians turn dark bay over time and with prolonged exposure to the sun. They look as if they have brown highlights in their coats. Usually, the winter coat of these horses goes back to all black because of the lack of sunlight. Some purebred Friesians are born red chestnut, but they are not allowed to be registered strictly because of their coloration.

    History

    • Descriptions of large and dark horses appear in the writings of Romans building Hadrian’s Wall in England circa.120 A.D., according to the book "Storey's Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America." The fixed black and occasional chestnut coloration was established by the 1200s. Friesians first appeared in North America with Dutch settlers in 1665. The first Friesian Studbook was published in 1879. In 1913, only three Fresian stallions were alive, but now more than 40,000 live worldwide.

    Function

    • Friesians were bred to be a stylish, all-purpose horse for riding, pulling carts and heavy agricultural work. They also became favored mounts of knights. Matching black teams were used to pull funeral carriages, and they still are used for that purpose. Friesians also are used now for driving, riding, horse sport dressage and breeding to improve other horse breeds.

    Fun Fact

    • Because of their beauty, elegance and high-stepping action, many Friesians have appeared in circuses, on television and in movies, including “Alexander” (2004), “Eragon” (2006) and “The Mask of Zorro” (1998). The most famous Friesian actor was the stallion Othello, who portrayed Goliath in the hit film “Ladyhawke” (1985). According to the Friesian Horse Association of North America's website, Othello performed in a circus for trick rider Manuela Beeloo before cast as Goliath.