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Friesian Horses | |
Last updated: 01/02/08 |
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Pull up a chair if you haven't already, because you will want to read this compelling story of the Friesian horse, where it came from and what it's all about.
The northernmost province of The Netherlands is Friesland. Abounding in water with its lakes and waterways it is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful Dutch provinces. It's a province that stands out for its distinctive character and identity with its own architectural details, distinct landscape, culture, and language. The Friesian horse is a treasure that originated from this unique piece of The Netherlands. Friesland is one of the most distinctive provinces in The Netherlands. The Frisian people have preserved many of their traditions throughout the centuries. The Frisians are a proud people. They are also sober, used to surviving under difficult circumstances.
From the earliest days, the Frisians were known as tall, strong people with blond hair and blue eyes. This was a folk of seafarers, merchants, farmers and…horse breeders. They preferred building their settlements on mounds, called “terps,” which were raised layer by layer, both intentionally and by centuries of inhabitation, but which were frequently surrounded by the sea during storm tides. Over hundreds of years, they gradually got more and more control over the unpredictable sea by building dikes and they subdued their wild rivers by channeling them. In doing so, they created the land of the Frisians as we know it today: stretches and stretches of flat, green meadows bordered on the north and west by the sea and crisscrossed by a myriad of canals connecting lake after lake. Sturdy dikes now protect the low-lying land from the formidable sea. Dotted here and there are villages, lovely little towns, and in the middle of each one--often on an elevated spot--is the church with its historic saddle roof tower. In the summer, the green pastures are grazed on by the famous black and white Holstein Friesian cows…and those beautiful jet-black Friesian horses. Back to top of the page. After knowing this history, it's easier to understand the Frisian character: hardened by the elements, proud, fair and square, and sometimes somewhat unyielding. Their character sometimes makes the inhabitants of Friesland seem reserved and stubborn, but this is because Frisians prefer not to wear their hearts on their sleeves. Frisians would rather keep a low profile. Exaggeration is not their style. They'd much rather leave this up to the people living in the western urban region of The Netherlands, the “Randstad,” whom they consider overly talkative. Conversely, the more 'civilized' Randstad has generally not appreciated the special values of the Frisian people and has often seen Friesland as not much more than a backward region of grumpy, unintelligible peasants. Frisians are justly proud of their Friesian heritage made up of many cultural and traditional values. The Frisian also has a strong sense of honor. This is expressed particularly in sports. For a Frisian, there's nothing better than winning; capturing the highest honor after a hard but fairly fought battle. And whether it's a victory in a show-driving class for Friesian horses or winning the "king's title" for the Friesian version of fives, a competition always ends with the orange and the red, white, and blue ribbons (Dutch colors for no. 1 and the national colors), the laurel wreath and the incomparably beautiful Friesian national anthem. Frisians are also tough on themselves and don't mind hanging on right to the bitter end. Take the renowned Eleven Cities Skating Tour, for example; a long ice-skating race more than 200 kilometers / 125 miles long that connects all eleven Friesian cities. When the winters are really cold - and that can happen in Friesland - and the ice reaches a thickness of about 20 centimeters / 8 inches, around 10,000 Frisians take part in this rigorous race. The fact that Frisians have a long tradition of being very persistent in clinging to their own standards and values can be seen in the story of their unsuccessful conversion to Christianity by Anglo-Saxon monks. In the year 754, the Frisians murdered the pious Saint Boniface, rumor having that this was accomplished by a blow to his head with his own Bible. Back to top of the page.
The History of the Friesian
horse
Although the Friesian horse is a very ancient breed and has to be considered the only remaining native breed of horse in The Netherlands, we can be thankful that it's no longer an almost extinct breed made up of a frighteningly small population being kept barely alive by the efforts of just a few enthusiasts. Nevertheless this is exactly what happened two times in the 20th century. Although a retrospective of the impressive history of the Friesian horse may not be missing in this article, it can only be fragmentary. Even before the Christian era, the Friesian horse was already a highly favored horse for use in battle. As early as around 150 AD Roman historians made mention of Friesian cavalry in Brittania near Hadrian's Wall on the border between Scotland and England. The well-known English writer, Anthony Dent, describes the presence of independent Frisian troops near Carlisle in the 4th century AD. They cared for their own horses and were not registered as regular troops. It is highly probable that both of these cases referred to Frisian mercenaries mounted on Friesian stallions. The same Anthony Dent, and other writers as well, mentioned that Friesian horses provided the foundation for "the Old English Black", the ancestor of the familiar English Shire and also of the Fell Pony, which still bears a remarkable resemblance to the Friesian horse. William the Conqueror used horses showing a remarkable resemblance to Friesian stallions at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066. The countless illustrations of knights and nobles on the tournament fields showed horses that even then were known as Friesian horses. It is also highly plausible that the Friesian horse, just like other representatives of the Western European horse, was influenced by Arab and Andalusian stallions during the crusades and then later during the 80-year war with Spain. The breed's more or less concave nasal bone, its gracefully arched neck, and its trot provide a certain amount of support to this hypothesis. The first written proof of the use of the name "Friesian horse" can be found in a report saying that the German Elector Johan Frederik van Saksen rode a Friesian horse in 1544 to the Reichstag in Spiers. Three years later at the Battle of Muhlberg this stallion was ridden by Johan Frederik and apparently attracted a lot of attention as Emperor Charles V recognized him from far away by his horse. Also very famous is the etching dating from 1568 of Phryso, the stallion owned by Don Juan of Austria in Naples. In the 17th century, Friesian horses could be found along with Spanish breeds in the various riding schools where the haut école of riding was practiced. It was at this time as well that in addition to being a favored breed for the haut école the Friesian horse was also frequently used as a carriage horse (carossier). During the course of the 18th and 19th centuries, the use of the Friesian horse began to become more and more limited to the part of The Netherlands we now know as the Province of Friesland. Undoubtedly, this can also be attributed to the decline of the nobility on the European continent after the French Revolution.
At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century the Friesian horse experienced a very difficult period having to vie with heavy breeds of the Gronings-Oldenburger type known as Bovenlanders. This competition was almost fatal. Besides occasional use for pleasure in the form of pulling the gig, and tilting-the-ring competitions on Sunday (while the driver drives the horse, his companion tries to aim a slender wand to pick up a little ring), a great deal of heavy farm work had to be done, and this horse with the blood of a 'noble country gentleman with a talent for dancing" wasn't entirely suited for this role. The result was that many farmers ended up switching to the Bovenlanders that were especially bred for this heavy work or crossed their Friesians with heavier breeds. This was almost the end of the Friesian breed. This was why on May 1, 1879, a group of people who were very concerned about the future of this ancient breed met at De Drie Romers--a tavern in the Friesian town of Roordahuizum--and founded the Friesch Paarden-Stamboek, FPS. This became the founding of the first studbook in The Netherlands. It soon became evident that the registration of the remaining Friesian horses in genealogical registers was having a stimulating effect on the breeding of the Friesian horse. Even so the increasing popularity of the Bovenlanders was still very hard on the Friesian horse and its numbers declined sharply during the early years of the 20th century. By 1913, there were only 3 older studbook stallions available for breeding with no prospects for adding young stallions to their numbers. It looked as if the breed was doomed to extinction. It was at this time that around a hundred Frisians got together in the Oranje Hotel in Leeuwarden and founded an association for the Friesian horse in addition to the studbook in order to stave off what looked to be the breed's seemingly unavoidable demise. Their objective--to apply a well-considered and expert acquisition and rearing policy for the remaining full-blooded colts that displayed sufficient quality-- breathed new life into the breeding efforts. And so it was that the Friesian horse was spared what looked like certain doom. In addition to the Friesian horse's fantastic conformation, it also has a wonderful character evident in its friendliness, intelligence, adaptability, and its enormous willingness to work. It's this character in particular that has contributed to the fact that through the centuries there have always been people willing to do anything to preserve the breed. Those supporting the Bovenlanders were often disproportionately hard in their judgments about the Friesian horse. One of these was that the Friesian "danced too much in front of the plow and thus wasted useful energy." Although the statement contained a spark of truth, these people didn't know the history of the Friesian horse and that deep, deep affection between a person and a horse, the kind that is so often seen among people and this breed in particular. After this low point in 1913, there was no other choice: the Friesian horse would simply have to compete with the Bovenlander. Some of its luxuriant looks would have to be compromised for more horsepower, and this led to a somewhat smaller and heavier type of Friesian horse. The result was a type that we no longer appreciate since what we want now is a return to luxuriant manes and tails, and 'long lines'. Back then, however, other rules prevailed. These changes were a bitter necessity in keeping with the demands of the times. Fortunately, characteristics such as noblesse and luxuriance were anchored deeply enough in the genetics of this ancient breed and these would again start playing a crucial role in a more recent and much happier phase in its history. But that time hadn't yet arrived. Before it did the Friesian horse would have to pass yet another test. The 1960s was an era of crisis in the breeding of horses. This time, however, the reasons were much more irreversible and inescapable than those causing the crisis of 1913. Back then the problem had centered around a competition between breeds of horses at a regional level. The present problem was the worldwide phenomenon of discontinuing the use of horses as a source of power in agriculture! With the unexpectedly rapid pace with which farms became mechanized, all horses kept on farms soon became “redundant.” Most farmers lacked the time and money it took to keep horses simply for pleasure. Progress was inevitable, but it was also accompanied by much sadness. It often wasn't until years had passed before the levelheaded Frisian could, not without emotion, relate the story of how the horses disappeared one day. Once again, the ancient native breed was being threatened with downfall. In 1965, the studbook contained only about 500 registered mares. But once again, Frisians sounded the alarm in defense of a horse facing extinction. With might and man they attempted to turn the approaching tide. It is quite possible that all these efforts, as heartwarming as they were, would have come to nothing had it not been for a powerful factor that came to the rescue of the Friesian horse at the very last minute: the economy took a very good turn for the better after the damage done by World War II. The increased opportunities made it possible to devote time and money to relaxation and the Friesian horse had a new lease on life. It would become a horse enjoyed simply for the pleasure it could give. In just two decades, the Friesian horse took a spectacular lead over many other breeds; its exceptionally friendly disposition, intelligence and honest character being factors in its successful comeback. Its wonderful character made it perfect for recreational use by people who hadn't been raised with horses. In just a short space of time the potential of the Friesian horse for pleasure riding and equine competition - now that people had more time for these activities - was rediscovered. In a relatively short period of time, people once again discovered what kinds of fantastic qualities the Friesian horse possesses for providing people living in the computer age with a sense of relaxation and adventure outdoors. Possibilities which can only really be understood when we know about the history of the Friesian horse, possibilities that have lain anchored for centuries in its genetic potential. As it turns out, the Friesian horse is the ideal partner for all kinds of driving purposes. And its potential for dressage was also soon rediscovered. When all this was happening, the Friesian horse was on a real comeback trail. Famous four-in-hand drivers such as Leo Kraayenbrink and Tjeerd Veldstra took their Friesians into international competition in combined driving events and Friesians were increasingly seen in the higher levels of dressage. Perhaps even more importantly, the Friesian horse's potential as a show horse was discovered anew: impressive in the show driving classes but also as a circus performer! Since the time just after World War II when the Straszburger Circus began using Friesians, there's almost no circus left today without Friesian stallions featuring on the program. Finally, the Friesian horses are dancing again! Back to top of the page.
The Breeding of Friesian
Horses
In terms of breeding, the rapidly increasing demand for good Friesian horses was accompanied by an enormous risk. How could such a dramatic increase in the numbers of this breed be paired with maintaining--and preferably even improving--its quality?
In the meantime, tireless efforts were devoted to further improvements within the breed, the objective being to breed a versatile horse suitable for driving as well as for riding, combined events, harness show driving, and maybe even for shows in the circus. Credit for the fact that so much progress has been achieved within just 25 years should naturally go to sensible studbook administrators, especially such inspectors as Cees Faber and his successors, Hendrik Draaijer and Harm Mulder. But even more honor should go to the Friesian horse itself and the centuries-old noble tradition of breeders and enthusiasts who knew how to turn what lay embedded in its DNA structure into characteristics that everyone loves to see: nobleness, power, love, and devotion. Back to top of the page. In its appearance and bearing the Friesian horse has remained practically the same through the centuries, even though the various episodes in its history had sometimes placed quite different demands on the breed. Typical of this appearance are a number of elements that are difficult to put into words but have everything to do with nobility, spirit, and pride. These are exactly the characteristics that the Frisian, as based on his own national character and his own history, would like to see in his favorite animal; as if this animal were a true reflection of his own personal history. Is it the majestically arched neck, the dark friendly eye, or is it the long black mane and the long wavy tail that give this animal its aristocratic character? In all probability, it's not just one of these elements alone but the sum of the parts that evoke associations with the faraway past when loyalty and virtue were still chivalrous characteristics. When we ask the current inspection team of the Royal Association "Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek" what a Friesian horse should look like, the first thing that they says is, 'Black!' White markings, except for 'a few white hairs on the forehead' or at most a tiny star, are not considered desirable in the breeding of the Friesian horse. Various shades of black are permitted, but it has to be black. Preferably, a Friesian horse should be a true jet black but this is rarely seen. Most Friesians are coal-black and sometimes we see Friesians with a brown-black or 'summer brown' color in some places as their black hairs tend to turn brown with the effect of sun and sweat. But a Friesian horse with any kind of white marking would not be entered into the studbook at the age of three. In addition to the black color, the luxuriance of the mane, forelock, tail and the fetlocks are important characteristics of the breed. The head must not be large or long, and the eye must be clear and friendly. The ears should not be excessively large but attentive, with the tips pointing just a bit toward the center of the poll. The head must be noble and expressive. The neck emerges at a point in the chest that's not overly deep, displays sufficient length, and is not too heavy. The silhouette of the head and neck combined should present a beautiful crest giving the impression of the curve in a swan's neck and head. The withers must be well developed and continue on sufficiently into the back. A height between 1.58 m/ 15.2 hands and 1.65 m / 16.1 hands at the withers is a good height for a Friesian horse. The shoulder should be long and not steep. The back should be nicely muscled and - something that is seen fairly often - not too long either. The connection of the back through the loins to the croup is very important, since it has to be strong enough to transfer the energy generated by the hindquarters to the forehand. The croup must exhibit enough slope and length. The conformation of the legs is exceptionally important: they have to be correct in every regard as well as being hard and dry with a long forearm.
The most recent phase in its history could almost be described as a miracle: Friesian horses are now being bred in most European countries - Germany, Belgium, France, Great Britain and Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Austria and Hungary - as well as in the United States, Canada, Chile, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Back to top of the page. Many people from other countries have now visited a Stallion Inspection in Leeuwarden. And anyone who's been there is usually infected for life with the "Friesian virus". During the judging process a strict selection is made from among a few hundred young Friesian stallions. On the afternoon of the last day (Saturday), all the Friesian stallions, including the older ones, put on a dazzling performance - a true demonstration of the beauty, vitality and aristocratic character typical of this ancient breed. Around 8000 people from every corner of the world are on their feet cheering, applauding and touched to tears. The Friesian horses are dancing again indeed! At that point, the actual judging is over. For the owners of the stallions, these have been very exciting days. After all, they know that when it comes to the breeding objectives for the Friesian horse the judges won't give an inch. Only by such a strict selection process will the very best stallions be chosen. These will then undergo intensive testing for seventy days during the central examination. The few that remain after this final gauntlet will satisfy the very highest of requirements and be registered as KFPS-approved breeding stallions, however, this status is not permanently confirmed until they have proven their ability, after three years, to transfer their excellent qualities onto their offspring. The inspection team and jury members apply a strict form of selection and know the bloodlines of the Friesian horse like nobody else. Every year, almost all the Friesian horses throughout the world are judged by this group of experts. They provide owners with advice and explain the breeding objective and how to attain it. They form an essential link in the ongoing struggle to maintain a uniform type of Friesian horse. Back to top of the page.
How To Recognize
FPS-Approved Breeding Stallions
KFPS stallions approved for breeding (to KFPS/FHANA mares only) can be recognized by having only one, Friesian name followed by a sequential number but beware; as some stallions get disapproved they are often purchased by the FHS German registry and continue breeding under--unfortunately--that same name (examples: Yk 339 and Krist 358). There are also registries that copy the KFPS system with a single stallion name and a 3-digit number. One of the newer stallions approved is Jerke 434 and we're in the 440s now. If a stallion has an elaborate name, therefore, he may be KFPS bred and registered with KFPS papers in its appropriate register as KFPS born but not KFPS approved for breeding. The horse will not lose its KFPS paper if that was his breeding. You will notice, however, that they will not be recognized by and registered with the FHANA or be recognized by the KFPS as a breeding stallion, and the stallions will usually actually have been reregistered with the German FHS registry that allows and promotes crossbreeding. Double registration is not allowed but old records remain. There is also no registry that has as good of system as the KFPS to allow only top quality stallions to breed. Through the years the KFPS studbook works its way through the alphabet. The number following the breeding stallions' names started at 1 and will sequentially number through. The oldest breeding stallions are now in the upper 200s, such as Djurre 284 born in 1982. Many stallions currently have a 300 number with the youngest stallions in the lower 400s. All KFPS-approved breeding stallions standing in North America can be found on the FHANA website. Some deceased stallions are still available through frozen semen, such as Goffert 369, Lammert 260, and Teunis 332. It can be a bit trickier to immediately see if a stallion is deceased or if he has been disapproved on offspring but all of that information can be found in the KFPS / FHANA information resources: website, studbook magazines, and studbook publications as well as on the internet at large along with why they may have been disapproved, what offspring they generally produced, and what the stallion and his offspring accomplished. As a KFPS/FHANA member you can subscribe to The Friesian and Phryso publications and get the latest on all these stats. Or simply ask a knowledgeable Friesian friend, like our SCFHA chapter. Stallions are disapproved for good reasons although that doesn't mean that none of their offspring is good. Quality will always be rewarded. A disapproved stallion, such as Yk 339 and Krist 358, can be purchased by another registry or independent breeder as mentioned and continue their breeding efforts. Play close attention, therefore, what stallion you choose for your Dutch mare. To be able to breed to the best stallions--KFPS approved stallions-- you need to have a Dutch registered KFPS/FHANA mare. It is therefore valuable to the mare owner interested in breeding to start out with a Dutch registered Friesian mare. Back to top of the page.
How To Find KFPS Approved Breeding Stallions in North America
The KFPS approved breeding stallions standing in North America are listed on the FHANA website. When you are a member of the FHANA and with that receive their The Friesian magazine you will also see ads for U.S. stallions and frozen semen from KFPS approved stallions elsewhere in the world (mostly The Netherlands). And of course feel free to e-mail us with your semen-search question. Back to top of the page. Founded in 1879, the Royal Association "Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek", located in Drachten in the province of Friesland, has for over 125 years been entrusted with preserving this unique breed. In doing so, it can rely on a noble tradition in which the impressive living cultural heritage embodied in the Friesian horse is being preserved for new generations of horse lovers today and in the future.
If you have a question for us about the Friesian horse please e-mail us. Back to top of the page.
Source: KFPS website, R.J. Zethoven, former member of the KFPS Executive Committee. Edited by Anneke van den IJssel.
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This site is a creation of webmistress Anneke van den IJssel and was last updated 01/02/08. For feedback on this website please e-mail frisian@earthlink.net. Copyright © 2005-2008 SCFHA and Anneke's Friesians. All rights reserved. Information subject to change. Usage/copying without express written request and permission is prohibited.
Two
very different factors have played a major role in determining the
history of Friesland
Frisians
have an undeniable talent for breeding animals. Friesland has bred no
fewer than two of its own breeds of dogs: the Stabijhoun and the
Wetterhoun. Frisians have developed their own breed of sheep: the East
Friesian Dairy Sheep. Their black and white Holstein Friesian dairy
cattle are famous as the world's top milk producers. But the most
impressive and beautiful result of all this breeding talent has to be
the Friesian horse. This history of the breeding of the Friesian horse
is a breathtaking story in itself and can only be properly understood
against the background of the character of the Frisians, who even in the
most difficult of times had remained true to this breed, while many
breeds elsewhere were lost centuries ago due to ill-considered and often
haphazard mingling with foreign blood. Twice in the 20th century the
Friesian horse seemed to be heading towards inevitable extinction. But
twice, thanks to the historic awareness and persistence of certain
Frisians, this precious legacy from earlier centuries has been spared
unscathed for future generations. Just as the ice skater in an Eleven
Cities Tour first has to imagine reaching the end and then keep going to
savor the joy of reaching the finish line in Leeuwarden, so can the
Royal Association "Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek" savor the satisfaction
of seeing how the breeding of the Friesian horse, after years of
struggle and persistence, is sailing into this new century in which the
worldwide breeding of the Friesian breed is a reality! Who could wish
for a better beginning to the breed's third millennium?!
In
rural Friesland
The
first problem to be overcome was inbreeding. After all, building up a
worldwide population while maintaining fertility, vitality, and the
breed's typical characteristics from a genetic pool of about 500 mares
and 10 stallions would be no simple task. Now, thanks to a strict
studbook policy and the cooperation of breeders in their selections of
stallions, we can look back on a successful operation. Never even
considered during this process was the possibility of introducing other
blood for a quick fix. Proponents of crossbreeding always came from
outside of Friesland
In
recent years, a great deal of attention has been devoted to the quality
of the gaits in Friesian horse breeding. It is thus important that a
Friesian horse possess a good walk, with good length of stride and
sufficient flexibility. Its gaits are characterized by the elevated,
reaching movement of the forelegs combined with a looseness in the
shoulders and knee action, all of this made possible by sufficiently
strong, sustaining hindquarters. The most important requirement for the
trot is that it has to display sufficient reach and engagement of the
hind end. Due to a strict process of selection over the centuries, these
are also the movement characteristics that are deeply embedded in the
genetics of the Friesian breed. This also applies to the unique
character of the Friesian horse: lively, intelligent, honest and
reliable, always willing to work, and as proud as the Frisians
themselves.
But
the responsibility for preserving the Friesian horse is no longer being
borne by the Frisians alone. It has become a task for breeders and
enthusiasts the world over. The KFPS has affiliate studbooks in every
country in the world with Friesian horses that administer the breed
according to KFPS regulations. For the United States this is the