The Friesian horse is unique, truly a breed to be proud of. It developed from a very old breed which was native to all of western Europe. It's the only horse native to Holland. Historically speaking, the Friesian horse has been influenced by eastern bloodlines and has often been threatened with extinction. 

The armored knights found the Friesian Horse very desirable, having the strength, courage and heart to carry great weight and still maneuver precisely, in the face of the enemy.   The Hungarian King Louis II used a Friesian Stallion on the battlefield on June 15, 1526.  The Friesian was used as a war horse by Friesian Soldiers fighting with the Roman Armies, and later was used by knights and traveled all the way to the Middle East with the Crusaders.

The suppleness and agility of the Friesian Horse became sought after in the riding schools of Paris and Spain in the 15th and 16th centuries.  In the middle ages, it was mainly a knight's horse, but in the 18th and 19th century the Friesian was especially famous as a trotting horse on short distances.  The Friesian was so adapted as a fast trotting coach horse that it was, in fact, Friesians who invented trotting races over short distances during the 18th century.

At one time, the amount of registered Friesian Horses became even less than one thousand and the fate of the breed was uncertain.  In fact, the number of Friesian Stallions reportedly was reduced to only three, prior to World War I.  Thanks to the single-mindedness and dauntless dedication of true Friesian horse lovers and breeders in Friesland, a northern province of Holland, one can still appreciate the many facets of the Friesian horse today.  

Breeding is done under STRICT guidelines such as selection, performance testing and classification to ensure the quality of the breed remains VERY high.  The "Friesch Paarden Stambook" (Friesian Horse Registry) dates back to 1879.  UNTIL 1943, BOTH purebred AND crossbred Friesian Horses were registered. 

The Friesian horse is enjoying a revival. He is a noteworthy sight in the show ring. His shiny black coat, flying mane and tail, and high action form an imposing image. The Friesian is, by nature, a talented show horse.

Without a doubt, the black coat of the Friesian will impress you at first sight. Bays and grays occurred earlier in the breed, but now black is the only recognized color. A small white forehead star is also allowed. Other obvious characteristics are the long, heavy mane and tail and the Shire-like fetlock hair.

Driving one or more Friesian horses has become increasingly popular in the past few years. Tough international competitions are only for the few, but there are many who derive relaxation and pleasure from driving Friesians for recreation. He who wants to perfect his driving and test his skill against others, can do so at the many dressage driving events.

The Friesian horse has a talent for dressage. The foundation lies in his intelligence, willingness to learn, and readiness to perform. His pleasant character and his gentleness make the Friesian an attractive mount for competition as well as for recreational purposes. The riding club "De Oorsprong" (the source), from Huis ter Heide near St. Nicolaasga in Friesland, has been using only Friesian horses since 1937 in order to advertise their abilities as riding horses.

Now, at the turn of the 21st century, the future of this ancient breed looks relatively favorable, but in order to maintain the integrity of the breed, it is important that the FPS rules, regulations and strict guidelines are respected.  

The modern day Friesian has enjoyed it's share of publicity, regularly being seen on the big screen in movies such as LadyHawke, Interview with a Vampire, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Disney's Tall Tales and Mask of Zorro