The Friesian, with its striking black coat, feathered legs, and unique movement, is one of the most recognisable horse breeds in the world. Originating from the Netherlands and classified as a light draught horse, the Friesian has a rich history and continues to captivate horse lovers globally, including in South Africa, where its presence is steadily growing.
History
Originating in the Friesland region of the Netherlands, with a history dating back to the Middle Ages, the Friesian is one of the oldest horse breeds in Europe.
The breed was developed through the crossbreeding of local horses with Eastern horses, including the Barb and Andalusian.
Friesians were initially bred as warhorses, prized for their strength and agility. Throughout the Middle Ages, Friesians carried knights into battle, thanks to their ability to bear heavy armour while remaining light and quick on the battlefield. Over time, as warfare changed, the breed found new roles in agriculture, carriage driving, and eventually, in the show ring.
At least twice the breed has faced extinction due to shifts in the culture and demands of the time. Most recently, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, Friesians nearly faced extinction due to crossbreeding with lighter horse breeds for trotting races. However, dedicated breeders in the Netherlands have worked tirelessly to preserve the pure Friesian lines, leading to the establishment of the modern Friesian horse as we know it today.
Physical characteristics
Key physical attributes include:
- Height: Typically ranging from 15.2 to 17 hands high.
- Build: Compact, muscular, and well-proportioned with a strong hindquarter.
- Chest: Broad and deep.
- Head: Refined, with expressive eyes and small, alert ears. The Friesian head is often referred to as being of ‘Spanish-type’.
- Neck: Arched and powerful, giving the breed its regal posture.
- Mane, tail and feathering: Long, thick, and wavy hair.
- Coat: One of the defining features of the Friesian is its luxurious black coat. While the breed standard specifies a deep, glossy black colour, some Breed Societies globally accept Friesians with small white markings on their face or legs.
- Movement: Limbs are comparatively short and strong with a high-stepping knee action and energetic hindquarters. Friesians trot with extreme power and action – steps are high and long with a lot of ‘air time’. The walk is straight, forward and springy, while the canter is lively with a strong pushing power from the hindquarters.
Did you know?
Sometimes, chestnut Friesians are born. This only happens when both parents are carriers of the recessive chestnut gene. While Chestnut Friesians are quite beautiful in their own right, they are not accepted by the breed registries.
Temperament
Friesians are known for their calm, intelligent, and willing natures. They are typically friendly and eager to please, making them suitable for a variety of riders, from beginner to advanced.
Uses
Today, Friesians excel in multiple equestrian disciplines, including:
- Dressage: Their natural collection and elegant movement make them a standout in the dressage arena.
- Carriage Driving: A traditional role, where they are often seen in pairs or teams pulling carriages in shows and competitions. Their smooth gait, stamina and ability to pull heavy loads equip them ideally for this role.
- Pleasure riding: Their smooth gaits and willing nature make them excellent for hacks and outrides.
Did you know?
Some popular crosses include Friesians crossed with Morgans (called Moriesians), with Andalusians (called Warlanders), with Saddlebreds (called Georgian Grand), with Tennessee Walkers (called Friewalker) as well as with Arabians, Paints, Thoroughbreds, Percherons, and Warmbloods.
Friesians in South Africa
Friesians were imported to South Africa after the Anglo-Boer war in 1902 to improve the ‘Flemish horse’ (the Vlaamse Paard).
The breed in South Africa only became part of the international Friesian community many years later with the formation of ‘The Association of the Friesian Horse Studbook of Southern Africa’ (FPSSA) in 1989. The FPSSA is affiliated to the mother studbook in The Netherlands the ‘Koninklijke Vereniging Het Friesch Paarden Stamboek’ (KFPS) as well as the ‘World Friesian Horse Association’ (WFHO). Becoming part of the internationally recognised Friesian community has elevated South Africa to the next level as part of only a small group of countries with internationally recognised Friesian horses. Other countries include The Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Germany, Sweden, Finland, France, Switzerland, Austria, Great Britain, USA, Australia and New Zealand.
Long before the formation of the FPSSA, there was, however, a number of dedicated breeders that ensured the recognition of the Friesian as it is known all over the world today. In the beginning, Friesians were seen as beautiful black horses with exceptional movement suitable to improve local breeding stock like the Vlaamse Paard. Only many years later would people get to know the breed as we know it now.
The first big importers were the Smit family (Piketberg, Western Cape) that imported the well-known stallions Beake, Wessel, Doede and later Adel, Brun and Jildert. There have since been many big studs that have continued the good work to enlarge the Friesian gene pool in South Africa and for the first time in fifty years a Studbook stallion was imported in 2007 by Doorndraai Friesian Stud. Ritse 322 was soon followed by the next studbook stallion who was imported at the end of 2009 Tjalf 443 ‘Sport’, also belonging to Doorndraai Friesian Stud. Tjalf 443 ‘Sport’ was the first ever Studbook Stallion with a Studbook breeding permission as well as the Sport distinction to be imported to South Africa.
Today, Friesians are frequently seen in the show ring. They are particularly popular in dressage shows in South Africa and for carriage driving.