| Friesian horses were thought to have evolved in the | | | | horses began to wane and the line nearly died out |
| Netherlands as a breed from European war horses | | | | through lack of need for the beast. However, their |
| many centuries ago. In their early days as a breed, | | | | hardy versatility helped them survive and flourish as a |
| they were strong and sturdy enough to carry a | | | | breed as it still flourishes today. |
| fighting knight dressed in full armor. | | | | While these beautiful animals are of European |
| Well-known for its coat and black color, a small | | | | descent, and enjoy a good market on the continent, |
| number of them are known to be chestnut in color. | | | | there is a booming Friesian sale market for these |
| While the typical pure breed Friesian horse has no | | | | animals in the States as well. Large horse breeding |
| markings other than a small forehead star, others | | | | farms exist throughout the country, from the West |
| have white markings; usually only plain black-coated | | | | Coast, spreading through Middle America, and over to |
| ones or the ones bearing the small white star are | | | | the East Coast. |
| considered for registration. The horses with multiple | | | | Interested buyers can routinely find a Friesian horse |
| streaks of white on their coat are not as "pure" as | | | | sale at the well-known breeding farms that are |
| the more completely black horses are. | | | | advertised on the Internet. The online listing of |
| These handsome horses have, in addition to their | | | | Friesian horses gives a comprehensive outline of the |
| distinctive gleaming black coats, a thick mane and tail, | | | | famous horse farms, the horses they breed, and |
| and "feathered" hair on the lower legs. This distinctive | | | | other pertinent information concerning the availability |
| hair is not cut, but left on the legs to feather | | | | of the breed. |
| gracefully, giving the horses an attractive and unique | | | | The breed continues to flourish today both as its |
| look. | | | | conventional durable form, and with at least two new |
| Friesian horses are hardy, adaptable creatures who | | | | breedings, both of which are lighter agile attractive |
| have long been used both for "harness work"; that is, | | | | horses in the same form as the traditional purebred |
| as hitched to a wagon or plow for agricultural work | | | | Friesian horse, which has graced the horse world for |
| or other carrying device, or "saddle work." They are | | | | ages. |
| often ridden by regular riders, as found at horse | | | | The newer breeds of the Friesian horse are referred |
| shows and races. Good natured animals, they | | | | to as the "Friesian cross" and the "Friesian |
| function well in both capacities. | | | | Sportbreed." These two exemplary horses have |
| As the breed of Friesian horses was traditionally | | | | been imbued with both the most valuable attributes |
| raised alongside dairy animals and part of their early | | | | of the old Friesian breed and newer hearty genetics |
| work was in support of the dairy farms, when | | | | from a well-matched cross breed. That being said |
| mechanization became prevalent as a way of | | | | 'true' Friesian lovers will only own and invest in a 'pure' |
| improving farm operation, the need for these elegant | | | | registered Friesian! |