The Friesian Horse is one of Europe’s oldest horse breeds. They have been around for more than 1,000 years in Europe and could have existed since 1000 B.C. Tacitus, the Roman historian, noted them as being powerful and versatile.
The Friesian horse is a rare example of this species. They are large and strong. They are almost always black and can range from a deep blue to almost bay-black during shedding. They are strong and able to perform any task given.
These horses are great for almost all equestrians. This article will discuss the Friesian horse and its history.
Here are some quick facts about the Friesian Horse
| Species Name: | Equus caballus |
| Family: | Equidae |
| Care Level | Advanced |
| Temperament: | Be friendly, eager, and calm |
| Color Form: | Black |
| Lifespan: | 16 years |
| Size: | 14.2 to 17. Hands; 1,450 lbs. |
| Diet: | Hay, plant matter, supplements |
| Minimum Enclosure Size: | Minimum 1 acre of pasture. 24×24′ stall |
| Shelter Set-Up: | Stalls large |
| Compatibility: | Average |
Friesian Horse Overview
The Friesian horse, although believed to be an old breed, is heavily associated with the Netherlands.
These horses were rebred on Friesland, a small Dutch island. These horses had almost disappeared from Europe’s mainland and were brought back by the original horse strains that were left on the island. They are believed to have come from Tarpan or the Forest Horse, an ancient breed now extinct.
They were warhorses during the Crusades and fought alongside the German and Friesian knights. They became lighter when they came in contact with horses that looked like Eastern Arabians.
The Friesian horse was improved upon by Barb and Andalusian lines during Spain’s conquest of the Netherlands in the 16th and 17th centuries. Their hoofs have been inherited from several other breeds, such as the Oldenburg horse and the Dales ponies, Fell ponies, or the Shire horse.
Despite being quite large, Friesian horses are so adaptable and trainable that they can be used for many purposes. In the beginning, they were used in war and agriculture. They are now excellent riding and dressage horses.
What is the Cost of Friesian Horses?
Friesian horses are a versatile breed that is also very popular. A Friesian horse’s cost will vary depending on its training, age, and pedigree.
A purebred Friesian with an established pedigree can be purchased for around $7,000 depending on the above three factors. A fully-grown stallion and qualifying offspring can fetch upwards of $600,000.
The Typical Behavior and Temperament
Friesian horses can be very intelligent, and they will often act in a way that is not conducive to their learning. They are gentle, and they seem to be able to handle their heavy weight and large size.
These horses can be trained in many different ways. These horses can be trained in many different skill levels. They are flexible and willing to help, making them easy to work alongside for the more experienced.
The breed is known for being loyal, cheerful, calm, strong, proud, intelligent, and elegant. Friesians are very people-oriented.
Appearance and Varieties
When it comes to coloration, Friesian horses can be very straightforward. Black is the most popular color for horses. The black color can vary from a bay-black in spring to a true black when they shed in the fall. Except for a tiny star on the forehead, they should not have any white markings.
Rarely will a Friesian horse have a chestnut coloring. These colors are not recognized by breed standards.
Friesian horses are fairytale-like in their manes and tails. They can be flowing and long. Their lower legs often have “feathers”, although they are not as thick or as strong as draft horses such as Clydesdales. Natural feathering can be left alone as it is so light.
Horses are muscular and compact in their bodies. Their magnificent posture is another reason they are so popular. Their heads are long and have alert ears. They also have a deep, narrow nasal cavity. Their strong legs and bright eyes give them a sophisticated elegance.
How to Care for a Friesian Horse
The care of a Friesian horse can be similar to other breeds. To be healthy, Friesian horses require plenty of space. This breed is intelligent and requires daily exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Shelter, Enclosure, and Setup
Attachment
A paddock or pasture should be provided for the Friesian. In case of inclement weather, they should have shelter in the paddock area or pasture.
A paddock should be at least 30 feet in width and 100 feet in length. This is sufficient space for most horses to roam around and exercise beyond what they can do in a given day. Remember the rule of thumb: One horse requires 1 acre.
Horses will need to be kept safe at night by being taken to a stable or barn in addition to their paddock space. Although a horse’s stall does not need to be large, it should allow them to move, turn around and eat. For larger breeds like the Friesian, a minimum of 12 feet by twelve feet is a good size.
Shelter
They should also have a shelter of at least 24 feet by 24ft, or 576 square footage in a rectangle shape. If they get caught in poor weather, they need to be able to move about.
Grooming
Grooming is an important part of a Friesian’s health. A well-groomed horse will look and feel its best. It is important to establish a routine for grooming horses.
The Friesian’s long tail is a sign of its health. Keep it healthy by cutting it at an even length, approximately at the fetlock height. This will prevent it from dragging along the ground. This allows the horse’s hair to grow from the top to the bottom, allowing it to be thicker.
Friesian manes are thicker and more flowing than the average Friesian. Instead of cutting hair down to the ends, pull the mane up until it reaches the desired length.
Their feathering maintenance is the last part of grooming, after the usual body brushing. Their lower legs must be clean and neat. The hair should be trimmed behind the knees and in front of the cannon bones. To keep their legs healthy, trim any feathers that drag on the ground.
Horseback riding and training
Friesian horses need to be ridden every single day. However, it is better to ride them every other day than leave them in their paddock. Many people consider them to be so valuable and talented that they are not allowed to be trained in dressage or any other equine sport.
Are Friesian Horses compatible with other pets?
Friesian horses do not get aggressive or startled easily by other horses. They are friendly and open-minded. Friesians are generally friendly with other pets and can quickly adjust to other animals. Friesians love being in a group of horses, and they are quick to make new friends.
How to feed your Friesian horse
Friesians need to be fed high-quality grass hay every day. For a horse that does minimal work, the recommended feeding rate is 18 lbs per 1,000 pounds of body weight. This can be supplemented with small amounts of a simple mixture of grains.
If your horse doesn’t get out to pasture frequently, you might have to supplement its diet. If your horse is deficient in any of the essential nutrients, consult your veterinarian.
How to Keep Your Friesian Horse Well
Friesian horses are more adept at sprinting than running marathons, according to some reports. Because of their fatigue limits, they are not able to compete in endurance events. It is better to allow them to do short bursts of activity than to go on long, intense rides.
They are relatively healthy horses due to their ancient bloodlines from Friesians. However, they are susceptible to some genetic problems. These are usually due to inbreeding or anatomical issues.
You should be aware of these health problems:
- Hydrocephalus
- Placenta retained
- Chronic dermatitis
- Aortopulmonary fistula
- Aortic rupture
- Dwarfism
- Megaesophagus
- Sensitivity towards insects
Budgeting for additional veterinary care is a good way to prepare for these issues.
Breeding
The breeding of Friesian horses is not different from any other horse breed. Because their genetics will be reflected in their future bloodlines, the parents are most important.
After you have successfully managed the breeding of a stallion to a mare, look out for signs of pregnancy. A Friesian mare can gestate for 332 days. This is almost one year. You will need to change the way you feed your Friesian mares throughout their pregnancy.
Are Friesian Horses suitable for you?
Friesian horses work best for people who have had more experience with horses. They can be trained as sport horses by experienced trainers.
They’re a great choice for people who ride often because they get a lot of exercises and can’t sit in their paddock.
These horses need to be adopted by owners who are willing to spend the time and have the experience to improve the relationship.
What makes Friesian horses so unique?
Temperament and Behavior of Friesian Horses The Friesian is a warm-blooded breed that is eager to learn, clever, active, and gentle. They are not easily frightened, and their want to please makes them ideal for dressage competition: they are easy to teach and suited for a wide variety of riders.
What do Friesian people eat?
These mammals have herbivorous diets and only eat plant stuff. Grasses comprise the majority of their food. Humans give them commercially prepared pelleted feed and dried hay in locations where there is scarce grass.
How fast are Friesians?
30 mph Friesian The Friesian, a huge horse intended to be a working animal, may not appear to be as quick as some of its contemporaries, yet it can sprint up to 30 mph. This nimble and swift breed from the Netherlands can trot and is well-suited for harness racing because of its muscular hindquarters.
Friesians have curly hair, right?
The average height of a Friesian is 15.3hh, however, they can range from 14.2 to 17 hands. Fantastic feathers The Friesian is distinguished by a long, thick, flowing mane and tail. Their hair is sometimes curly.
When can you ride a Friesian?
Friesians, both purebred and crossbred Friesians cannot be ridden until they are three years old. Friesians, both purebred and crossbred Friesians are not allowed to drive until they are three years old.
Kim Kardashian has how many Friesian horses?
On the ranch, we have 14 gorgeous [sic] Freesians. The animals aren’t cheap either, with one of these Friesian horses costing anywhere from $7 to $15,000.
What famous person owns Friesian horses?
In case you didn’t know, Martha Stewart is an animal advocate. She has several home and barn pets, including Friesians.
Who is the most well-known Friesian horse?
The Great Frederik Frederik the Great is a Friesian stallion that lives at Pinnacle Friesians in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. He was six years old when he was brought to this farm from the Netherlands. In May 2016, he was unofficially named the world’s most beautiful horse “.
“What do Friesians cost?
A Friesian horse can cost anything from $3,000 to $30,000. Because stallions are the most valuable component of breeding stock, a KFPS-registered Friesian stallion can cost between $25,000 and $50,000.
How uncommon is a Friesian horse?
Frisian horses are a rather uncommon breed. According to some estimates, there are presently less than 1,000 Friesian horses registered in North America, despite being reasonably popular dressage and carriage horse.