The Friesian stud registry book, FrieschPaardenStamboek (FPS) was founded in 1879 by a group of Dutch farmers dedicated to preserving the breed.
Friesians had become popular for crossbreeding due to their fantastic trot, presence, and color, and as a result, Friesian “purity” was severely threatened. The “Royal Society Het FrieschPaarden-Stamboek” was founded to protect and promote the breed’s bloodline.
Friesian horse populations then dwindled in the early 20th century partly due to displacement by petroleum-powered farm equipment and passenger vehicles. Due to fuel rationing during World War II the Friesian’s farm and carriage use was revived, saving the breed long enough for both its population and popularity to rebound.