An emblematic horse of shows and movie scenes, the Frisian has been noticed thanks to its black dress and its proud "baroque" looks.
This great horse from the Netherlands is one of the oldest breeds in Europe. It has retained its primary characteristics during its evolution while having the ability to adapt to human needs.
History and origins of Frisian
The Frisian horse sees its history evolve in parallel with that of Man.
This breed originated in Friesland, a province in the north of the Netherlands. It was born thanks to the crossing of Celtic ponies and cold-blooded heavy continental horses during the invasion of the Batavian people in the northern lands of 500 BC. This crossing made it a calm horse and close to man, but also robust and adapted to the cold climate.
During the Spanish Occupation (16-17th century), Frisian gained elegance thanks to the Hispanic influence of crosses with horses of Andalusian and Castilian blood.
Since the 18th century, the Frisian is recognized for its versatility. With its rusticity, calm temperament, and noble gaits, this breed is found in all areas: wars, ceremonies, sports (including trotting races), leisure, or work.
At the same time, the K.F.P.S. (Koninklijke Vereniging Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek) was created and set up the studbook of the breed in order to save and preserve its original characteristics. In France, it is the A. F.C.F (Association Française du Cheval Frison, created in 1982) which ensures compliance with the studbook of the Frisian breed of the K.F.P.S., in terms of breeding and competitions, being in connection with the Ifce (French Institute of Horse and Riding).
Morphological characteristics of Frisian
- Waist
The Frisian is a horse whose height varies between 1m55 and 1m65 at the withers. However, some horses can reach 1m75.
- Weight
Strong and robust thanks to these origins, the weight of the Frisian varies between 600 and 800 kg.
- Dress
A plain black dress is a characteristic of Frisian. Some white markings on the head only and a few gray hairs around the lips are sometimes tolerated.
With the crosses that occurred during the history of the breed, the presence of the gene of the alezan is still observable. The same applies to the "White Frisians", which are not considered purebred Frisians.
- Morphology
Forehand: powerful chest, long and inclined shoulders, long, arched and strong neckline, high and noble head bearing, expressive head with a straight profile with small ears and marked ganaches, very full and wavy hairs
Body: long and curved ribs, long and sturdy back, marked withers (sometimes protruding), strong and sometimes short limbs, solid feet with good plumpness, long and provided baleen
Hindquarters: powerful, long and oblique rump, very full tail
Two types of Frisians exist today, without being officially recognized in the studbook of the breed by the K.F.P.S.:
- The "baroque" type (old type): well proportioned and with good bones, it is both robust and elegant, typical of the "coachbuilder" horse.
- The "sport" type (modern type): more suitable for competitions (mainly dressage), it is less heavy, with a more powerful hindquarter, which allows it to develop higher gaits.
- Physical description and peculiarities of the breed
The peculiarities of the Frisian horse are as follows:
- An ebony and plain black dress
- A "baroque" body, strong and harmonious
- A proud attitude and slender looks
- horsehair provided, often long and undulating
It is a "late" horse because its development, both morphological and mental, matures around 5-6 years, unlike 3 years for the majority of other breeds.
Frisian skills
- Behavior / Character
The Frisian is a horse with a balanced temperament. Gentle, attentive, and generous, he is renowned for being close to the man and apt for learning. It is an intelligent and docile horse but with a playful and lively character, suitable for riders with a minimum of experience.
- Sports to which he is predisposed
The morphology of the Frisian and its behavior makes it a versatile horse.
Nowadays, Frisian is found:
- In carriage thanks to its power and elegance of horse "coachbuilder"
- In dressage (still not very popular for this discipline in France) thanks to its proud, raised, and flexible gaits and the amplitude of its trotting strides
- For shows and cinema, thanks to its elegance and ability to learn
- In leisure and for outdoor activities (TREC, hiking) thanks to its safe aplomb
Health of Frisian
- Life expectancy
- Feeding
- General Health
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