Friesian | US Equestrian

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</div> </div> <div id="usef-content-layer"> <div class="usef-header-spacer"></div> <div class="mobile-become-member"> <a class="btn btn-header" href="https://www.usef.org/join-usef/join-renew">Become a Member</a> </div> <div class="hero sub"> <div class="overlay"><img src="https://files.usef.org/content/images/UI/hero-curve.png" /></div> <div class="image" data-url="https://files.usef.org/assets/yh3-eRd34cM/friesian_large.jpg"></div> </div> <div id="usef-content"> <ol class="breadcrumb"> <li><a href="/">Home</a></li> <li><a href="/learning-center">Learning Center</a></li> <li><a href="/learning-center/introduction-breeds-disciplines">Introduction to Breeds and Disciplines</a></li> <li class="active">Friesian</li> </ol> <div id="friesian" class="breed-discipline container-fluid"> <div> <header class="page-header"> <h2>Friesian 101</h2> </header> <div class="page-content"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div class="page-content"> <p style="margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px; text-align:justify">The Friesian originated in Friesland, a province in The Netherlands. The Friesian is most recognized by its upright, noble carriage, its black coat, mane, tail, and forelock, and the trademark feathers on its lower legs. Although the breed’s conformation resembles that of a light draft horse, the Friesian is remarkably nimble and graceful for its size, and carries itself with distinctive animation and elegance. Ranging in height from 15.1 to 17.3 hands and possessing a powerfully built body with dense bone, the Friesian horse is known for its naturally brisk, high-stepping trot.</p> <p style="margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px; text-align:justify">During the Middle Ages, it is believed that the modern Friesian’s ancestors were war horses and eventually became widely popular in Europe as carriage horses. Today, the breed can be found competing in virtually every discipline. Still a favorite for carriage driving because of its beautifual and powerful trot, the Friesian has been making its presence known in the dressage world, as well. The Friesian can also be seen competing in saddle seat, hunter seat, Western seat, and combined driving disciplines.</p> </div> <div class="page-additional-content"> <figure class="image" style="display:inline-block; max-width:309px; float:left"><img alt="" src="https://files.usef.org/assets/e1PlOApfpPQ/affiliateifsha_large.jpg" style="width:309px" /> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p> </p> <p><strong>Recognized National Affiliate Association</strong></p> <p style="margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px; text-align:justify">Learn more about the Friesian horse by visiting the AmInternational Friesian Show Horse Association at <a href="http://www.friesianshowhorse.com">www.friesianshowhorse.com</a>. The International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA) was created in 2001 and is dedicated to the promotion, showing, and exhibition of the Friesian Horse and its partbred relatives. IFSHA holds rated regional and Grand National competitions annually. IFSHA intends to reach out to all people with Friesian-bred horses and bring them together to protect, promote and establish a harmonious show community.</p> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-12"> <hr /> <h3 class="section-header">From the Learning Center</h3> <div class="video-group"> <div class="item"> <a href="/learning-center/videos/the-friesian-horse"> <div class="thumb"> <div class="free">Free</div> <img src="https://files.usef.org/assets/jc2eeNqsC9Y/friesian_large.jpg" alt="The Friesian Horse" class="learning-center-collection-thumbnail" /> </div> <div class="info"> <div class="title">The Friesian Horse</div> </div> </a> </div> </div> <footer> <a href="/learning-center" class="btn btn-primary">More From The Learning Center <i class="fal fa-chevron-right"></i></a> </footer> </div> <div class="col-md-12"> <hr /> <h3 class="section-header">From USEF Network</h3> <div class="video-group"> <div class="item"> <a href="/network/coverage/2020devonbreeds"> <div class="thumb"> <img 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