The Frisian Horse.

History:

The Frisian Horse is an old breed and direct descendant of the primitive European Forest Horse. In the past the Frisian Horse used to be very different from the Frisian Horse as it is known nowadays. They were more bulky and appeared in all kinds of colours. As the Eastern Horses (Arabian, Andalusian) were crossed, a lighter type came into being. People stopped crossing by the time the crusades were over. Even by that time, the Frisian Horse appeared in all kinds of colours. The Frisian Horses were able to trot very fast. This very fast trot was what made them renowned and within a short period immensely sought after. The Frisian Horse was also used to perfect different kinds, like the Norfolk Trotter and the Orlov Trotter. As well as within the Frisian Horse itself they were crossed to perfect the breed. By which almost no pure Frisian Horses exist nowadays. This became the reason why in 1879 the Frisian Horses Studbook was created. Unfortunately, this didn't work out. The reason was because horses crossed between Frisian and German Horses were also allowed a spot in the studbook. These so called “Uplanders” were more luxurious and modern horses. Apart from that, they also received higher results in inspections. As a cause of this the Frisian Horse was no longer popular. The people wanted a better Uplander and not an old fashion Frisian Horse. In time more and more Uplanders appeared and lesser Frisian Horses. In the mid sixties the Frisian Horse were becoming scarce. Only 500 horses were still registered in the studbook. Because of several breeders, fateful to the Frisian Horse, a few Frisian Horses were not crossed with other kinds. This is why we still are in the proud possession of a thoroughbred Frisian Horse. As a result of the composite of competitive sport and dressage in the seventies, the rise of prosperity and rise of spare time, the Frisian Horse made a comeback. They became more demanded. Bit by bit the Frisian Horse spread itself throughout the world. Starting with other parts of Holland, but shortly after the Frisian Horse went across the border.

Height:

The height of the Frisian form withers down is approximately 1.50 - 1.63 meters or 59.1 - 64.2 inches.

Colour:

The Frisian horse is always plain black; any differences in colour are forbidden.

Exterior:

The high neck of the Frisian Horse, which stands perfectly on the broad, long shoulders and nicely pronounced withers, carries a large, yet light and expressive head with expressive eyes and agile ears. The body, which consists out of a quite heavy skeleton, is compact with a short and powerful back. The crotch runs slightly sloping down and the elegant tail is quite low. The immensely luxuriant, slightly wavy mane and tail need to be kept long! The 'dry' legs with their healthy, solid joints, are heavily hairy at height of the ankles. The hoofs are tough and nicely curved.

Application:

The Frisian Horse is usually known as a draught horse. Few people know that the Frisian Horse is also a perfect saddle horse. Initially the Frisian Horse became known as a circus horse. Here his impressive appearance and his kind-natured nature made him very loved.

Specialities:

The Frisian Horse is portrayed on various medieval artefacts. Within time the breed became less heavy by purposive breeding, so people could show off the beautiful movements of the Frisian Horse. Because of this change, the Frisian Horse became less suitable for use in farming, which is also a reason why the Frisian Horses came close to extinction.