For centuries, the Friesian Horse has had the Name and Fame of the majestic, proud and elegant horse for its presence and movements. One does not have to be a horse expert or enthusiast to appreciate the presence of a Friesian: it triggers something in all of us, something universal, an appreciation of beauty that is almost unconscious.

     Over the centuries, the Friesian Horse has been utilized for a of jobs at hand, riding horse, war horse, carriage horse, farm horse and lately as a sport horse. Often the choice for the Friesian was to add nobility and grace as an addition to the performance of the horse at his job at hand. “Add some fair” as to speak.

     For breeders of the Friesian Horse, the changes in fashion and function have not been easy, sometimes even contradictory to  how much one can do, while preserving the original and unique characteristics of the breed. Still, the Friesian Horse has often excelled in their place in the horse world for centuries and is famous around the world.

     Since the earliest paintings of the Friesian(Don Juan of Parma on his horse Phryso in 1568 AD) http://friesianhorses.eu/site_images/612_friesianEhistory.jpg  , the Friesian still stands strong today as Friesian Carriage Horses http://www.westwayscarriagehorses.co.uk/images/savoy.jpg , Sport drivers  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3OtS8ELdW0 to dressage horses like Anders 451 (Fryso Huys Cas) in Grand Prix Dressage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5O4_KBgtCg&feature=fvw

     The Friesian Horse proves it can adjust and improve to the fashions and whims of humans.

     In order to promote the horse in our modern day culture, the KFPS (Friesian studbook) has issued several programs to award and promote breeding for functionality. First stage in the program is of course the “Keuring”, followed by the IBOP tests, driving and riding. Further up the scale is the Crown Predicate for mares and eventually the Sports certificate. Stallions have their specific program when presented for approval: the 10-week ABFP Stallion test, which includes aptitude for sports: riding, driving and “tuigen”. 

     These programs are an integral part of the breed and its strategies to increase popularity and are offered with support and guidance of the breed registry. All is in place to help owners and breeders to develop and expose the Friesian Breed: judges are instructed and available, shows and tests are affiliated and even media is provided to help promote the activities

     Breeding for the right conformation to do these sports and develop stamina is one part of the equation: conditioning and training is the other. The Friesian is by some still looked upon as a fancy lawn ornament, but this does not do justice to the breed at all with all that is accomplished by the international equestrian world. Also, the market for “Lawn Ornaments” is just not sufficient to continue the costly business of breeding.

     In order to further develop the breed and increase popularity, sport performance is crucial to survival of the Friesian Horse. Exposure sells, not just looks but also performance. Although the Friesian will never look like a Dutch Warmblood horse, the Friesian is very well accepted to compete with these horse in sports. For instance, the USDF has implemented specific rules for the Friesian Horse in order to preserve the breed image and to encourage Friesian owners to participate.

     Friesians are found at many Driving CDE’s and the American Driving Society actively endorses the breed through cooperation with FHANA. Hopefully soon, we will have specific Driving tests for Friesians as to Dutch Standards!

     Much needs to be done, although we are starting to see more Friesians outside of the Breed Show arena’s. More numbers start to show up at Dressage shows and CDE’s, still drawing a crowd and attracting camera’s. During the 2009 season, we have featured several times with a Pas De Deux at various places: from the Kentucky Horse Park (WEG presentation), Breyerfest and even a church-fair. It was the Friesian breed that enticed the crowd, not merely the technical execution of a dressage Pas De Deux (although beautiful ridden).

     The message to breeders, owners, enthusiasts and competitors is this: Get them ou, get them seen, be competitive and show what your Friesian can do. They may not always be the best breed, (we always do our best) but they sure are the prettiest!