There are few things in this world that are more majestic than the pure black Friesian in motion. The breed is synonymous with legends and folklore – when you imagine the knight on his horse it is often the Friesian that comes to mind. We all know they are elegant, graceful and powerful – but what else do you know about this amazing horse breed? Check out these fun Friesian facts – did you know them all?
#1 – Named after the province they hail from
Most do not realize that the Friesian is from Friesland, (pronounced “Fryslan” in the Friesdian language), a province of the Netherlands in northwest Europe. Only four percent of the Netherlands population lives there. They are known for agriculture, their cattle, and of course, their horse.
#2 – Two ways of spelling the name
The name “Friesian” actually has two spellings. In English, it is usually spelled Frisian, using the alternative spelling with the “e” for the Holstein Friesian cattle. However, the Friesian breed books and registries use the same spelling for both animals, with the “e”.
#3 – An ancient and famous breed
The Friesian horse has been around for centuries. There are historical documents that mention and praise the breed from all over Europe beginning in the 1200's. Hungarian King Louis II is said to have a ridden a Friesian into the battle of the Mohacs against the Turks in 1526. (fhana.com)
Interested in checking out more images of Friesians? Take a look at our article Photographer Captures The Beauty Of The Friesian In Amazing Stills.
#4 – They were in the United States before it was a country
The Friesian spread across the globe quickly. By the 1600s, they were being imported to the Americas via the Dutch when they had control of the region now known as New York. There are historical documents showing Dutch “trotters” for sale - Friesians - in New Amsterdam (now New York).(fhana.com)
#5 – Possibly an influence in the Morgan horse breed
Jeanne Mellin in her book “The Morgan Horse” (1961), suggests that the Morgan horse came from some Friesian stock at some point – citing their fast trot, heavy manes and long tails and fetlocks as signs the breed must have influenced the American Morgan. (fhana.com)
#6 – They are not always black
Although the solid black beauties are what we are used to, horses are sometimes born that are chestnut. Chestnut stallions cannot be registered, but they sometimes allow mares and geldings. In 1990 the Friesch Paarden Stamboek (Friesion Stallion Studbook) tried to breed out the chestnut color and today, they DNA test all stallions for the gene. If the carry the chestnut gene, they are not registerable either. There is a Fire Friesian Registry for chestnut Friesians as part of the Friesian Heritage Horse & Sporthorse International Registry.
#7 – They have their own special cart
The Friesian Sjees is an elegant carriage that was developed in Friesland to be pulled by Friesians in the 18th century. The word “Sjees” was chosen after the French word “chaise” meaning chair. The carts are insanely detailed and must have wheels that are 1.5 meters (approx. 5’) or higher and have 14 spokes. A male driver accompanies a female passenger (who rides on the right, not the left) in 18th century attire. There is a registry book for Sjezen and 26 measurements must be taken and recorded before a carriage may be put in the registry. Every Sjees must be unique, no two are ever the same. (fhana.com)
Have you seen one of these beautiful horses in real life before? What was your experience like? Tell us in the comments below!
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Dani Bieniek
I have been blessed to have 2 friesians on my farm. Titus and O’laf. They are a breed of their own and nothing compares to this breed. Majestic they are. Super intelligent and gentle giants with me. I enjoy our strolls through the woods and our gallop through the meadows Oh my what a big run!!!! It is quite breathtaking. When I put them in a parade I enjoy everyone’s eyes light up everyone asking me “what kind of a horse is that?” I thank The Dear Lord that he has blessed me to have known in my lifetime the companionship of a Friesian. Because there is not a day that goes by when I enter my barnyard to be greeted by these beauties that my heart beats faster when I look at them they give me so much happiness.
I find happiness in All my horses and I have several different breeds but there is something so special about my friesians.
Manny Perez
Excellent. Enjoyed the information immensely.
shirley mae verhoef
The Friesian horses are gorgeous. Article would have been nicer if it had a pictures of the Chestnut Friesians and the special cart.
Chamion
The Friesian Horse Studbook was established in 1879, the first studbook in the Netherlands, but this studbook could not prevent that in 1913 only three approved Friesian stallions were available for breeding and, moreover, no prospect of new growth. A group of one hundred Frisians who wanted to save the breed from destruction then came together in the Oranjehotel in Leeuwarden and started an expert purchase and rearing policy. This breeding policy was successful: at the moment the Frisian breed is flourishing as never before.
Susan Riste
My first encounter with a Friesian horse we the mighty TJaarda! I was speechless. Very formidable looking. But a gentle soul. One look into those eyes and I was s smitten kitten!!!
Fran Rohrer
Is there any Freisian Horses to se in person in the Kansas City, Missouri Rea
Coco
May I ask a question. Delete if inappropriate. I have had my Friesian for 16 years. He is mostly black but can lighten sometimes. Recently he has gone light brown. First time ever. Gets turned out with a bug rug and his paddock has a tree. So its not the sun. Should I be supplementing his diet with zink, copper and magnesium? ( heard it helps). And if so,what amounts. Or is there something else going on that I need to check. Thanks for your time
Kim
I would ask a Frisian breeder. There’s a Channel on YouTube called “Frisian Horses, one of the owners (Yvonne) posts daily, and they answer questions promptly. If there’s help I’m sure they’d offer it (they do say the sun lightens the coat)
Leslie Ries
A friend had a Friesian colt kept on a large property. I was so delighted my friend decided to boarded at my very small property to be closer so he could start working with him at 13 months old. This horse is so very different than any other I have had on my property. He loves to smell everyone he meets. He will even stick his nose in my hair. When he arrived he had the longest legs and kind of clumsy. He is almost 2 years old and all filled out and so large and beautiful. He still loves to smell my hair.