Friesian Facts

Friesians are a breed of light draft horse that originated in the Friesian province of Holland. According to the Friesian Horse Society, the breed was developed from horses ridden by knights. Friesians possess a spectacular high-action way of moving. They are almost always black in color and are sometimes erroneously referred to as "Belgian Blacks."

  1. Function

    • Friesians were bred to be the ultimate all-around horse, able to be ridden, driven or pull a plow with style and strength. In modern times, they are used for horse sports (particularly dressage), for entertainment and for pulling hearses.

    Appearance

    • Friesians are solidly muscled horses that range from 15 to 17 hands high, although they are not as muscular or heavy as Clydesdales. They have thick manes, tails and lower legs.

    History

    • Written descriptions of Frisians go as far back as 1276 in a description of a local German horse fair. The oldest artistic representation that we know of is from 1568 in an etching done by Jan van der Straadt.

    Misconception

    • Although only black Friesians can be registered, sometimes, albeit rarely, chestnut Friesians are born. This happens when both parents carry the recessive chestnut color gene.

    Fun Fact

    • Friesians are featured in the movies "Alexander," "Eragon," "Ladyhawke," "The Mask of Zorro" and "The Chronicles of Narnia" series.