Photo: Drwho1972 · CC BY-SA 4.0 horse breed · 671 on Animalso
Friesian Horse
- Animal
- Horse
- Type
- Baroque horse
- Origin
- Netherlands
The Friesian is a horse breed from Friesland, a province in the northern Netherlands. It is classified as a light draught horse and a Baroque horse. Modern Friesians are used for riding and driving. The breed is recognized by its all-black coat, long mane and tail, leg feathering, high head carriage and high-stepping action.
What the Friesian is
The Friesian is a horse breed that began in Friesland, in the northern Netherlands. See horse breeds from the Netherlands.
Today, it is used for riding and driving. It is classified as a light draught horse and a Baroque horse.
Getting to know the breed
Its recognized features include an all-black coat, a long flowing mane and tail, feathering on the legs, a high head carriage and high-stepping action.
Notable traits
The Friesian combines riding and driving work with a distinctive Baroque type. Its black coat, flowing hair, leg feathering and elevated movement make it easy to identify.
Points to keep in mind
The breed nearly became extinct more than once. Its history is therefore part of what defines the Friesian today.
Pricing
The Friesian is classified as a light draught horse and a Baroque horse.
Who should skip it
Its modern uses include both riding and driving.
Verdict
The Friesian suits someone seeking a horse associated with riding and driving, and who values its traditional northern Dutch type and distinctive appearance.
What stands out
- Used for both riding and driving.
- Classified as a light draught and Baroque horse.
- Known for an all-black coat and flowing mane and tail.
- Has feathering on its legs and high-stepping action.
Worth knowing
- Its history includes more than one near-extinction period.
- Its defining movement is high-stepping action.
Suits
- Riders or drivers seeking a Friesian from the Netherlands.
- People drawn to Baroque type and a black, feathered look.
Think twice if
- You are looking for a breed outside riding or driving work.
- You do not want a light draught or Baroque horse.
In short
The Friesian brings together a northern Dutch origin, light draught classification and Baroque form. Its modern work is riding and driving, while its black coat, flowing mane and tail, feathered legs, high carriage and elevated action give it a recognizable look. The breed’s past includes more than one near-extinction period. Consider it when those roles and traits match what you want from a horse; otherwise, compare other breeds in the horse breed list.
Questions
Where does the Friesian horse come from?
The breed originated in Friesland, a province in the northern Netherlands.
What was the Friesian bred or used for?
The modern Friesian is used for riding and driving. It is classified as a light draught horse.
What type of horse is a Friesian?
It is a Baroque horse and a light draught horse.
How can you recognize a Friesian?
The breed is known for an all-black coat, a long flowing mane and tail, feathering on the legs, high head carriage and high-stepping action.
More horse breeds from Netherlands
Gelderland horse Netherlands Photo: Otto Erelman · Public domain 
Groningen horse Netherlands Photo: Otto Erelman · Public domain Other Baroque horse breeds
Alter Real Portugal Photo: Tsaag Valren · CC BY-SA 4.0 
Andalusian horse Spain Photo: Fresco Tours · CC BY 2.0 
Georgian Grande Horse United States Photo: Michael Miley · Public domain 
Knabstrupper Denmark Photo: Hackmann · CC BY-SA 3.0 
Lipizzaner Austria Weight 550 kg Photo: Srdjan Živulovič · Attribution 
Lusitano Portugal Photo: Lbpetersen · CC BY-SA 3.0 
Murgese Italy Photo: BS Thurner Hof · CC BY-SA 3.0 Photo credits15 photographs on this page
- Friesian horse — Drwho1972 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Dutch Draft — HenkvD · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Dutch harness horse — Montanabw · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Dutch Miniature — agriflanders · CC BY 2.0 · file page
- Dutch Warmblood — Remy Overkempe · CC BY-SA 2.0 · file page
- Gelderland horse — Otto Erelman · Public domain · file page
- Groningen horse — Otto Erelman · Public domain · file page
- Alter Real — Tsaag Valren · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Andalusian horse — Fresco Tours · CC BY 2.0 · file page
- Georgian Grande Horse — Michael Miley · Public domain · file page
- Knabstrupper — Hackmann · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Lipizzaner — Srdjan Živulovič · Attribution · file page
- Lusitano — Lbpetersen · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Menorquín horse — Marta Ensesa · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Murgese — BS Thurner Hof · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.