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The Friesian Horse originated in Friesland, one of twelve provinces of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Holland), situated in the northwest of Europe. Friesland is an old country dating to 500 B.C., when the Friesians settled along the coast of the North Sea.
Friesians have long been popular as an all-around horse for riding, farm, and harness work. In the past the friesian was used in warfare, by medieval knights, and certainly by seventeenth-century calvary leaders, many of whom were painted riding these handsome black horses by the great Dutch artists of the period. It is thought that in medieval times, Andalusian and Oriental blood was added to lighten friesians; Their origins lay with early cold-bloods. In the nineteenth century friesians natural energy made it a good basis for Trotter stock. As this version was of little use in its principal form of work - on the farms - the friesian horse numbers declined drastically. Just before World War I the friesians was close to extinction, but judicious crossing with Oldenburg lead to its revival. During World War II, becasue of petrol shortages and other factors, friesians came into its own again. The friesian was honoured in 1954 when Queen Juliana of the Netherlands granted its Breed Society the right to preface its name with the word Royal. The friesian names are in honor of the queen of the Netherlands.
Friesian Horses are always black. White markings are not allowed on the body or legs. They have a long, thick, flowing mane and tail and pronounced fetlock hair. Under no circumstance is it permissible to dock the tail of a Friesian and, in fact, trimming of any hair from mane, tail or legs is frowned upon.
The Friesian Horse holds it head high and proud with an arching neck. The animated gait is natural. Selective breeding is used to achieve the active hock action and high, extended from leg action. The body is strong and deep with a sloping shoulder. The rear quarters are sloping with a somewhat low-set tail. Registered Friesian stallions must be at least 15.3 hands by the age of four and mares must be at least 14.3 hands. The mares average about 1300 lbs., more for males.
Friesians great 'presence', active manner of going, impressive colour, tracibility and natural balanced carriage, make them popular as a circus horse. They are also still used as a utility horse by farmers, but it is perhaps best known as a harness horse.
(Above information is from various sources)
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