They really are the breed of choice for the future, the true type Friesian Sporthorse has it all- Elegance, Stamina, Ability, Temperment, Brain, and Trainability.  Now why would you choose any other!!!

Don't be fooled by the imitations!!!!  A true Friesian Sporthorse is a mix of Friesian and predominantly either Warmblood or Thoroughbred.  There is no other compromise!!!

The Friesian Sporthorse is a breed that stands alone to the Friesian and in no way should be compared, like that of an Arabian to an Anglo, to Arab Warmblood. They are one of many breeds that have been influenced by another breed, in this instance - the Friesian Horse. Like so many before it, the Friesian has been involved in many different breed histories including - Oldenburgs, Holsteiners, Morgans, Dales, Fell Ponies, Russian Orlov Trotters, Old English Blacks, Swedish Warmbloods, Gelderlanders, Standardbreds, and Arabo Friesos plus more. 

The modern Friesian Sporthorse is one which possesses speed, agility, length of stride, impulsion, athleticism, spirit, willingness, and great temperament not forgetting a thick mane and tail. 

The objective of a Friesian sporthorse for us, is to take dominant characteristics from the Friesian Horse such as his wonderful calm temperament, beautiful balanced movement, strong bone and hooves and willingness to learn and combine these with the dominant characteristics of the Thoroughbred and Warmblood such as high energy levels, more stamina, and a better ability to carry. 

Together, when a breeder can get this combination right, the resulting progeny is an amazingly talented all-round natural athlete with a docile nature that anyone can handle, from a beginner to a professional horseman, and exceptional universal ability bred to excel in any chosen English discipline due to the prepotent characteristics of each influencing breed.  Not to mention the additional bonus of a beautiful full flowing mane and tail, sleek coat, graceful arched neck and noble face.

As at present, a Friesian cross that has at least 25% proven Friesian blood can be registered with various organisations, it is very difficult for one to define an actual ‘standard’ as there are so many largely diverse crossbreeds out there that are registered.  But one thing I can say is at Kendhall Park we breed for the international studbook of the FSA and aim to have horses registered Main Book primarily. We have our own ideal standard which we strive to achieve, and that is for our horses to be the best athletes possible which we endeavor to see them being highly competitive on the Dressage, Showjumping, and Eventing scene, so in saying that, stamina, temperament, agility, intelligence and conformation are of the utmost importance.

For further reading on the true friesian sporthorse please visit the FSA website with whom are our preferred registration body.  There are some beautiful examples of this breed who are currently competing FEI and horses with amazing talent and movements in the USA. Friesian Sporthorses are all round athletes and ideally are to shown as such, that is plaited, trimmed, clipped and presented as elegant sporthorses.

Some Guidelines to follow when looking at the Friesian Sporthorse

HEAD: The head of our horses must be attractive and kind, not overly large, with big black bright eyes, large nostrils, the jaw  is not heavy but wide enough to allow good respiration flow and the teeth are properly met.

NECK: The head is set well on the neck and should flex sufficiently at the poll.  The neck is well arched, adequately muscled, and is set medium to high with no bulging between the throat and chest to allow the horse to carry itself correctly.

SHOULDERS: The shoulders are of high importance and must be large, sloping, of sufficient length and power, providing enough freedom and looseness to encourage a large length of stride.

BACK: The back should start from a well defined wither, should not be too long, well muscled, and ribs arched it should join smoothly through strong loins, long well muscled hip and croup.

LEGS & HOOVES: The legs are to be totally correct in all aspects, long dry and hard, with sufficient bone, large joints proportionate with strong well shaped large hooves.

MOVEMENT: The movement of our horses should show sufficient power in all gaits, the walk should be large and active, the hindquarters powerful enough to transfer energy through the back and shoulders to perform a large springy elevated trot with sufficient reach and action and a small moment of suspension.  The canter should be a smooth transition that is easily accomplished with enough power from behind to sustain the movement.  The Friesian Sporthorse should also be able to show to some degree an ability of natural self carriage and collection.

COLOUR AND HAIR: We aim to produce tall modern riding types ranging from 15-17hh.  The amount of hair or colour on our Friesian Sporthorses is not a consideration, it is not a necessary element for their ability to perform, but it is a common trait which is passed from the Friesian horse that majority of the ‘crosses’ will be a darker brown/black and have a sufficient amount of mane and tail anyhow.

TEMPERAMENT: It is of utmost importance to us that we maintain an impeccable temperament throughout the breed, nobody wants a nasty horse, and it is unfair to incriminate the purebred Friesian as being the culprite to pass on a poor nature.  We are extremely selective in our breeding program and will not consider any breeding stock which we believe will tarnish this impeccable reputation as it is not something desirable for the breed or owners.  Owning horses should be a pleasure, and owing a well mannered Friesian Sporthorse should be the greatest pleasure as he will be your best friend, loyal, and willing, he will follow you where ever you may go and trust to you to everything he knows.