Pedigree

Friesian horse

     It developed from a very old breed which was the only one native to northern Holland.

     Although the Friesian horse is a very old breed, the amount of registered Friesian Horses became even less than one thousand and the fate of the breed was uncertain. Historically speaking, The Friesian were used as a war horses by Friesian Soldiers fighting with the Roman Armies, and later around 150 A.D. were used by knights in northern England and Scotland. The English writer Anthony Dent described them as old English black horses, which resembled to shire and fells horses.

     The first mention about Friesian comes from 1544. Without a doubt, the horses are still largely used as war horses, some of the soldiers had been easily recognized due to their black coat.

     The suppleness and agility of the Friesian Horse became sought after in the riding schools of Spain in the 17th century and was especially famous as a trotting horse on short distances.

     During the 18th and 19th centuries was Friesian horse concentrated only to Fries. The rich farmers drove a typical double-wheel barrow – gigue – each Sunday to a church.

     At the end of the 19th century there was a big crisis in breeding; Friesian was used for agricultural work. The Friesian may have been used as foundation stock for other breeds. Fortunately, this led to what some owners and breeders, who met in a pub called De Drie Romers in Roordahuizum, regarded as inferior stock, so a movement to return to pureblood stock took a place on 1st May 1879 and a book registry " Het Friesch Paarden Stamboek " was then published.

    At one time, unfortunately, the fate of the breed was uncertain. Due to the influence of other breeds, the number of Friesian Stallions reportedly was reduced to only three, prior to 1913. Those three stallions found the major lineage for the modern Friesian. Although the situation seemed to be catastrophic, the breed was saved due to its great character, adaptability, intelligence, friendship and enthusiasm to work. To keep the development of pureblood Friesian it has to have the long, heavy mane and tail and the Shire-like fetlock hair. That is why they are easily recognizable for other breeds.

     Around 1960 there was another crisis in the Friesian breeding caused by mechanization. In 1965 there was only 500 horses written down in the book.

     Again due to his pleasant character and his adaptability and gentleness the Friesian has become an attractive mount for competition as well as for recreational purposes.

Source: www.csfho.eu