Friesian
The
Friesian is believed to be descended from the primitive Forest Horse, and
originated in the Friesland region of the Netherlands. There have been
references to the Friesian throughout history and they were frequently painted
by Old Dutch masters carrying knights into battle. The Friesian was a popular
mount for knights -- they have an exceptionally proud bearing and extravagant,
high knee action, while being extremely strong for their comparatively small
size. During the Spanish occupation of the Netherlands, from 1568 to 1648, the
Friesian probably had infusions of Spanish blood and this influence on the breed
added greater refinement.
Over the centuries the Friesian has proved its adaptability and has been used for many different purposes including farm work, draft, riding, dressage, as a warhorse, in trotting races, and for improving other breeds. The Friesian is believed to have influenced the British Fell and Dales ponies, which show clear similarities to the Friesian. They were used in the development of the Old Black Horse and the Midlands and in the development of the Shire horse. Their influence can be seen in the Dole Gudbrandsdal of Norway and they were used as base stock at the German stud of Marbach, where they contributed to the early development of the Wurttemberger and Oldenburgh. During the 15th and 16th centuries the Friesian was used in the Riding Schools of France and Spain, performing the High School exercises.
Typically, the Friesian is an attractive, compact, muscular, little horse with a great presence and bearing, and a Spanish type head. They carry themselves proudly and have a high-stepping, active trot. They are unusual in that they are one of the few light horse breeds to carry feather, of which they have a large amount. They also have a long and luxurious mane and tail and these features, combined with their jet black coloring makes them an eye-catching horse in action. The Friesian has a particularly docile and kind temperament, and is an economical feeder. During the 19th century they were widely used in trotting races, which led to breeders trying to produce a lighter strain of Friesian, so that the Friesians of tody are considerably lighter than they were originally. They are always black in color with minimal white markings, and stand at approximately 15 hh.