How to Feed Friesian Horses

Although it is used worldwide, the Friesian horse is native to the Netherlands, excelling at carriage driving, showing and dressage. It is considered a medium build horse -- heavier than Arabs and Thoroughbreds, and lighter than Shires and Percherons. The breed is characterized by an attractive head, feathers on the legs, an extravagant action and glossy black coat. A true Friesian has no white markings, and those who show this breed aim to keep the color of their coat black by careful feeding and management.

Things You'll Need

  • Weigh tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine daily food intake required by calculating 2 percent of the horse's body weight. For example, if a horse weighs 1,200 lbs., its daily food requirement is 24 lbs. To discover body weight, either weigh your horse on a weigh bridge or use a weigh tape around its middle girth area. Friesians are generally "good doers" and keep their condition easily, so they need less feed per body weight than other breeds.

    • 2

      Understand your horse's work load, and decide whether it is involved in light, medium or hard work. If it is not working, you will need to feed a maintenance diet of 100 percent fiber forage feed, such as grass, hay and unmolassed sugar beet. If it has light work, its feed requirement is 10 to 20 percent concentrates, such as grains and fats; medium work requires about 30 percent concentrates; and feed up to 40 percent concentrates if it is involved in hard work. Friesians do not need large amounts of grain or protein, as forage makes up the majority of their diet.

    • 3

      Include a vitamin and mineral supplement, or a feed balancer containing all the essential minerals. In particular, ensure your horse is receiving adequate amounts of copper, as a deficiency in this mineral can lead to its coat turning red and orange.

    • 4

      Feed your Friesian a good source of fat, such as flaxseed oil, to keep its coat shiny and glossy. Supplements that contain paprika are particularly good at preventing the coat color from fading in the sun if fed before any onset. Paprika contains capsaicins, which are listed as a banned substances, so remember to stop feeding paprika-based supplements at least two weeks before any competition.