About Friesians

Friesian characteristics

Colour

The Friesian is well known for it’s black coat with a long, thick mane and tail and plenty of feather. For purebred registration most official registries will only allow a small white star or a few white hairs on the forehead. Unknown to many people occasionally a chestnut Friesian is born but this is very rare.

Conformation

Friesians are compact with strong well muscled bodies and good bone. Their head is set high and proud on a long arched neck. The breed is admired for both a high stepping and extended trot. The Friesian breed today has two distinct conformation types.

The most popular is the “modern” type which tend to be taller, finer boned and all together more of a sport horse.

The second type is the “baroque” which has become less popular thus making them increasingly difficult to come by. The baroque type is the more traditional style which tend to be shorter, more robust and have more feather.

These two youngsters are perfect examples of the two conformation types, both horses are rising two years old when the photos were taken.

Rocco - Modern type	Ronaldo - Baroque type

Height

The average height of the Friesian today is around 15.3hh (1.60m) this can vary from 14.2hh (1.5m) to 17hh (1.7m).

Temperament

Gentle, docile, affectionate are just a few ways to describe the Friesian horses temperament. It is said that the Friesian is unique in the way it develops a great bond with it’s handler. They are also willing workers and make perfect family friends.

The Friesian horse is a noble and elegant breed with great presence!