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The FAQ is divided in 3 sections:
General questions about the breed
- Why do they have the same name as cattle?
This is because they originated from, and were bred in an area known as Friesland. This area is now a province located in the north of the Netherlands, but before the 12th century was a large area including the North of Europe bordering the North Sea. The cattle were also bred in this area by the same people. The language spoken in this area is very different to Dutch, and is much older than English. This is the reason that Friesian horses often have typically Friesian Names. The Friesian word for "horse" is "hoarse" or "hynder".
- Are they always black?
They are now, but up-to a 100 hundred years ago, there were white, roan and chestnut Friesians horses. White is now not acceptable except for a small star on the forehead. The ideal horse is jetblack, but very dark black and rusty black is acceptable. A Friesian can become brown if they are sun or sweat bleached. On very rare occasions, a chestnut foal is born.
- How tall are Friesians?
The height can vary between 150 cm (14.3 hands) and 170 cm (16.3 hands). Approved stallions must be 1.58m at 3 years of age and 1.60m when 4 years old. Mares must be at least 150 cm to be registered in the main studbook.
- What can they be used for?
Friesians are very versatile. They have been used over the ages under saddle, for which they were originally bred, as carriage and cart horse and on the land as an agricultural horse. Nowadays they are increasingly used under saddle, and the majority of Friesians are ridden, as well as driven. They are used in dressage (modern and classic), combined driving (the driven eventing competition) and showdriving, as well as used for pleasure. They are eager to jump, but would not be suitable as a jumper.
- How widespread is the breed?
Considering there were about 500 Friesian registered in the sixties, the breed is now very widespread. 40,000 Friesian are registered with the KFPS in the Netherlands. Close to 15,000 are now found outside the Netherlands, in Europe, North America, Chili, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Africa and of course Australia and NZ. The KFPS has 12,000 members worldwide. It is the second biggest studbook in the Netherlands.
Breeding Friesians
- Can I cross a Friesian with any another breed?
Basically No. A registered Friesian must not be crossbred with any other breed. One of the reasons is that the Friesian breed has been threatened with extinction because of cross breeding. The Friesian horse is a race rather than a performance breed, and the objective of the breeding societies is to maintain racial pureness. The Friesian has had no infusion of other breeds since the 16th century influence of the Andalusian.
- Can I breed a registered mare to any Friesian Stallion?
It depends on each individual's aims in breeding a Friesian. To be able to register an adult horse in the main studbook, you have to follow strict rules. The stallion must be an approved stallion. This means that the stallion has been approved by the KFPS, and has been classified, performance tested and, after 4 years, tested on offspring. Classifications are now done in most countries. In Australia inspectors come once every 3 years to classify horses. Performance Tests are done in the Netherlands. No approved studbook stallion is standing in Australia, but frozen semen is available from a number of stallions in the Netherlands. Some stallions in Australia have a (limited) breeding license, but their offspring cannot be registered in the main studbook. They will registered in the sub-register called B-Book I. Horses bred to an unlicensed stallion can only be entered in a sub-register called B-book II. Detail about these rules and procedures can be found under the menu item "Breed Facts".
What is involved in obtaining a Friesian
- Where can I get a Friesian Horse?
Friesians are still very rare in Australia and NZ and there is a strong demand. Friesians. They are priced above the average price for a well bred horse. The AFHS has a list of breeders in Australia. You will find this list by selecting the Australia & NZ button on the left. Importing a Friesian from Europe or North America is another option. On top of the price for purchase, you will also pay a substantial amount for transport, quarantine and paperwork. The AFHS can provide you with advice in regards to selection and importation.
- What do I need to know before buying a Friesian?
You have to decide whether you want to breed Friesian horses or own a Friesian for competition and/or pleasure. You also have to decide how much money you can afford to spend on a horse. If you want to use a Friesian for pleasure and/or competition, you have to assess the horse for soundness and conformation. You might have a vet examine the horse for health and defects. It is recommended to study the "standard of excellence" for a Friesian.
- What do I need to know if I want to purchase a Friesian for breeding purposes?
The breeding of Friesians is strictly regulated and you have to make yourself aware of the rules and procedures involved. Information about this can be found by selecting the downloads button. If you want to breed, you have to ensure that the horse is registered with the AFHS and the KFPS. You need to ask to see the papers, which are issued by the KFPS. The AFHS can verify that the horse is registered as well. On the papers it will have information about the register the horse is recorded in. If it is a mare and the mare is registered in the studbook or in the B-book I, you will be able to breed to it and, after classification, might be able to record an adult female in the studbook. If the mare is registered in the B-book II register, you can only breed a foal for B-book I if you use an approved stallion. Geldings can also be registered in the studbook, after classification.
B-book II horses are not classified and cannot be upgraded to B-book I or the studbook.
- Do I need to be a member to own a Friesian?
If you purchase a horse and want to transfer ownership, or breed a horse, you must be a member of the AFHS and KFPS. Membership application procedures and forms can be found by selecting the Downloads option.
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