Friesians preferred colour is jet black, but various shades are acceptable due to fading in summer, sweat and sun bleaching.  No white markings are permitted apart from a few white hairs on the face or a small white star.  Their face should portray an expressive noble head, not too long or large, bright large intelligent eyes and small alert ears slightly pointing towards each other.  The silhouette of the head and neck should display a beautiful crest of adequate length similar to that of a graceful swan.

The withers should be well developed and continue into a strong well muscled back that is not too long.  They will have a powerful shoulder that is long and not steep, conformation of the legs have to be totally correct in every aspect, be hard and dry, feet not too small.  The ribs shall be long enough and well arched to support the back.  The connection of the back through loins to croup should be strong enough to transfer energy generated by the hindquarters onto the forehand, the croup is of good length and should not be too steep.  The tail is generally low set in comparison.

The Friesian shall have fluid, square, elegant and elevated gaits with good reach.  The walk should be straight, powerful and supple with sufficient power from the hindquarters.  The Friesian trot must most importantly show enough reach and looseness in the shoulder.  It should be a roomy forward action, hooves lifted highly and the hindquarters should swing forward with power.  The trot shall be light-footed, with a moment of suspension and enough flexion in the hocks.  The canter is cheerful and sustained with adequate power from the hindquarters and flexion in the hocks.

The Friesian horse is a noble, lively, intelligent, reliable and proud horse that is always willing to work with a gentle disposition.

They have remained practically the same down through the centuries apart from slight changes in build.  Having a natural ability for dancing Piaffe, Passage, and Collection due to their weight bearing through hooves, stifle and hips.  They excel in many disciplines such as Showing, Carriage Driving, Marathon Driving, circus, pleasure and movie stardom but more so in the Dressage arena at the higher levels.

The Friesian is a sensitive breed who need lots of reward, not punishment, they are one of the most versatile breeds in the world, and generally slow maturing, ideally being 1.60m at the withers at 3 years of age and maturing to a height between 15-17hh at around 6-7 years of age.  They are generally a hardy breed which can be easily maintained on moderate feeding and do not require any special care apart from detangling their luxurious mane.  Once you’ve met a friesian you’ll understand the connection with this magnificent breed and wonder how you ever own any other breed.

Learn more about the Friesian Horse