Friesian Horse: Breed Profile

A Friesian horse, known for its beautiful black coat and size work hard to keep up. Native to the Netherlands, this breed has an equally uncommon history with medieval war horses.

Despite their eye-catching presence, Friesians are more than just looks — they have both the gentle nature and lively spirit needed for many equestrian pursuits.

If this behemoth of a horse is calling out to you, your first order of business should be familiarising yourself with the characteristics that make Friesians who they are.

They need specialised grooming, care and training in addition to a multitude of behavioural hurdles. They are adorable and sweet, but they come with a list of health conditions and upkeep requirements also common to this breed.

In this article, I will go on to discuss why a KFPS Friesian is different and move onto Here are some of the characteristics that fall within sport horses in general.

Friesian Horse History

One can easily spot Friesian horses because of their cool appearance. The colour and size of the pebbles give them a unique look that makes it easy to identify in any area.

The coat of a Friesian horse is always black in colour. Oriental : a breed having color restrictions to pure black without white spotting. Its these black deep colours that make them look elegant, no less so if they are also pampered electrically.

A few Friesians may show a small star or plant on the brow, yet this is not likely in show guidelines. The shiny coat needs regular grooming to keep that health and shine.

The size is medium to large, ranging from 15.2 to 16 (hands high) for most Friesians. How High At The Withers: This is measured from the ground to end of a horse’s back with ears standing, so while you can measure one at 14.0 and another +16 he’ll probably finish around it too!

They usually weight between 600 and 900 kilograms in terms of weight. They have a strong, muscular body making them similar to light draft horse. Their height combined with a macho stature makes them stand out.

In short, Friesians have the characteristic black coat and stocky build that makes them versatile in different equine sports.

In breeding this horse I am careful to defend the specific characteristics of breed. The objective is to breed an animal smaller than a horse (but not too small) of solid build and intelligence with an acceptable temperament.

Typically Friesians are black, and there should be no white marking on a registered Friesian. One of the important parts is that this color actually found in their gene. They are typically 15.2 to 16 hands high on average, with measuring a record of 66 inches (17-hands).

Factors I Think About In My Breeding Programs

• Pedigree: Horses with good genes shall pass their attractive characteristics down the generations.
• Health Testing – Test your horse to avoid genetic diseases.
• Character: The character of my breeding is peaceable and sensible.

The Friesian must also be carefully bred and are prone to some health issues brought on by a small gene pool. To temper inherited problems, genetic diversity is essential.

There are many disciplines Friesian horses can and have excelled at. To me this versatility comes from their genetics.

It is very important for breeders to follow sound breeding practices or the health and stability of this type will be in danger.

The price of a Friesian can range drastically, depending on bloodlines and level training. Factors I take into attention when picking a horse for my breeding program.

One thing that the Friesian horse is famous for, besides its velvety black horses body and extremely long thick mane tail & feathers, is their temperament. Which is a favourite with rider — as it is generally gentle yet aggressive.

By knowing better about their characteristics, future owners can have an idea of the breed that they will be bringing home.

It is commonly remarked that Friesians are “gentle giants“. Because of their calm nature, they are good at a variety of riding. Though they can be very active, their facility to develop bonds with people is exceptional.

I respect the fact that they are intelligent and quick learners, making them easy to train in very little time. That means they are perfect for beginner and seasoned riders.

It is their beauty and grace who increases the arrival of people wanting them as unusual pets.

For instance, Friesians are known for their outgoing temperament but can develop some behaviour problems. One past issue is anxiety in new spaces.

Loud noises or fast movements may trigger a reaction, so additional introductions to new environments are necessary.

Moreover, they become stubborn if not trained rightly. Although specific breeds are likely to contain this characteristic in their blood, training details and creating sharp boundaries can help keep it at bay.

The knowledge of these possible situations can be the key to a highly rewarding ownership experience. Learning what their needs are, so that you can enjoy a long an prosperous relationship with this royal breed.

Learn to care for a Friesian horse, including tips on feeding and common health issues these animals face. The overall quality of life for the horse depends on both condition.

Friesians are also prone to some health issues associated with their breed type. For example, one of the most common diseases is metabolic disorders stemming from obesity.

Their weight has to be maintained with proper diet restrictions and balanced meal.Their size and conformation can also lead to joint problems, such as arthritis.

Regular check ups at vets are essential for early detection. The second concern is genetic conditions such as Atypical Myopathy, which impairs muscle activity.

My horses are always kept in a place where they have fresh air and some protection, helps with less risk factors.

The Friesian horse, like any other breed of horses is prone to dental issues so regular and proper dental care is very essential.

I believe that maintenance of health and function is possible to reduce the severity should anything go wrong.

Friesian Horse Care Grooming for the Friesian horse is just as important (if not moreso) than looks. The long, luxurious manes and tails mean that it can take hours to groom a Friesian properly — overnight if the first part ever has tangles or worse.

That is why I take extra care of their coats on a daily basis and make use of a soft brush for cleaning dirt off them. This keeps their skin health and coat shine. While grooming I also look for dry skin or signs of parasites.

He needs to be bathed as necessary, using shampoos that are for horses that help keep his coat clean but do not strip the natural oils. Hoof care Regular hoof cleaning is critical to avoid infection.

My Friesian horses benefit from regular grooming both in health and appearance.

There are rewards and challenges to owning a Friesian horse. Potential owners need to know the good and bad about of owning this breed.

• Beautiful breed, versatile
• Sociable, Intelligent and Trainable
• Strong, athletic build

Cons

• High cost to own and maintain
• Time-consuming grooming
• Potential health issues

Black Friesians look very spectacular. Their dark coats and odd appearance all just add to the enigma of these deer. These are some names that can fit well with a Friesian horse, especially if it is black:

• Shadow – because they are the colour of shadows (such an original choice!)
• Midnight: For a horse that shines in the dark, hence the name.
• Eclipse — Shows the beauty of a dark horse.
• Raven: Refers to class and a daring persona.
• Onyx The precious stone and the name for a horse with a black coat.

Not only do these names emphasise on the colour of the horse, but also hint at powerful characteristics. When naming your foal I suggest always try and match the name with a word that fits their personality.