friesian horse uk

The history of Friesians is a page were you can learn all about the Friesian past.

Friesians are somewhat a new breed in America! Friesians possess a very proud stance, a beautiful long neck, a small head but large eyes, a luxurious mane and tail and are very smart.
In 1276 there is known to be a trade of Friesians at a market in Munster (Germany). It is not strange that Friesland, were Friesians come from, were offered many of them. The Friesian is an exceptional and highborn breed of horse. The breed of Friesians almost became extinct but was saved by a few breeders in Friesland. The Friesian horse was used by knights fighting in the crusades. Also the Friesian is used commonly for circus horses and dressage’s.

Friesians are pure black and a possibility of a simple white star on his forehead, also they stand from 15-16 hh. They are brilliant friendly horses and intelligent. Friesian horses only come in jet black today but originally they also came in chestnut and grey!

There a less than 1000 Friesians left in the USA and Canada.
One the outstanding characteristics are the Friesians mane and tail.

Evolution:
The horse’s earliest ancestor was eohippus which appeared 55 million years ago. The eohippus was a small stocky animal about the same size as a fox, it had four toes on each foot.

Four stages:
Stage 1: eohippus appeared 55 millions years ago.
Stage 2: mesohippus appeared 40 million years ago.
Stage 3: merychippus appeared 25 million years ago.
Stage 4: pliohippus appeared 5 million years ago.
Stage 5: Equus caballus appeared 1.5million years ago.