Breed Characteristics

The Friesian Horse is always black with a long flowing mane and tail, often to the ground. It is a majestic horses with powerful elevated gaits, and a harmonious build with noble head set on an arched neck.  Next to its fantastic exterior, the Friesian horse’s character is marked by friendliness, intelligence, adaptability and willingness to work. As one of the most versatile breeds in the world, the Friesian can be driven, ridden, likes working on the land, or performing in the circus.

The Friesian is a harmoniously and evenly built horse with a noble head and bright intelligent eyes, small attentive ears, slightly inclining towards each other. A neck that is not to short, slightly bent, a strong back, ending in a croup that is not too short and should not be too slanted. A powerful shoulder that should be long enough and slanting. With long enough ribs that are well-arched, strong legs and feet, a well-developed upper arm and a good position.

Smooth, square, elegant and grand gaits, accentuated by sufficient growth of hair on the lower foot, a nice crest and a nice long tail. In short, a horse with a luxuriant and proud appearance, a great temperament, willingness to work and honest. The height at the shoulder at three years of age of 1.60 metre for the horse to be considered ideal.

The walk should be straight, powerful and supple with sufficient power from the hindquarters; the hindquarters should be swung forward with power. The trot should have a roomy forward action, feet lifted highly, with good power from the hindquarters, the trot should be light footed with a floating movement and enough flexion in the hock. The canter is cheerful and sustained with enough power from the hindquarters and flexion in the hock.