The FRIESIAN HORSE

The unique and
memorable Friesian is always big, black and charismatic -- one of the world's oldest breeds.

For many centuries the Friesian was relatively isolated in a small area in the northwestern Netherlands. As long ago as the early middle ages he was called by the name of the area from which he came, Friesland. He carried knights in the Crusades and was a war horse in medieval times.

Before the Reformation, he was selectively bred in monasteries to be a versatile, all-around horse for the people of his native Friesland. He flourished in his small corner of the world for centuries but in the 20th century he almost became extinct due to world wars and mechanization. Fortunately, he was 're-discovered' before he disappeared entirely and today this distinctive horse enjoys a celebrity unrivaled by other breeds. The Friesian is truly a horse from distant past who has enormous appeal in modern times.

In 1974 this virtually unknown, but unforgettable black horse arrived in North America. His numbers were small, but people who saw him were captivated by his unique and striking appearance. Now, only a few decades after his importation to America, the Friesian has achieved tremendous popularity and almost universal breed recognition among horse lovers. Because of the Friesians' great popular appeal the horses have quickly found their way into a variety of disciplines - roles they can fill because versatility is the breed's heritage.

Audiences love the Friesian horse and because of their can't-get-enough-of them crowd appeal, they are now seen everywhere, in all the major equestrian events throughout North America. And when a distinctive horse is required to set a tone in a movie the Friesian is called on to create that historical or mystical illusion. 

North America is 'in love' with the Friesian horse whether it is as an an unsurpassed carriage horse, a striking dressage mount, an amazing circus horse of simply as a beloved family pet. Because of all the growth and enthusiasm--with all that's been accomplished in the breed--Friesian enthusiasts are joining together to produce the greatest Friesian horse event in North America. In celebration of the Golden Age of the Friesian Horse...