A Friesian at the trot is an event: deep black, the mane flies, the front legs lift high and wide. No wonder so many people want it at first sight. Behind the shine is a small, closely related population, and that has consequences for health.
| Type | Baroque riding and driving horse |
|---|---|
| Origin | Netherlands (Friesland) |
| Breeding association | Branch breeding books in Germany, including the Rheinisches Pferdestammbuch e.V.; Original breeding book: Koninklijke Vereniging Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek (KFPS) |
| Stock size according to breeding goal | 150 to 170 cm without fittings, depending on age and gender |
| Colors | only black; white head markings only up to 3 cm and above the eye line |
| Usage | Show driving, dressage, driving, combined driving, distance, leisure |
Origin and history
The stud book for the Friesian horse was founded in Roordahuizen in 1879, at that time with separate books for pure Friesians and for crossbreeds. With the mechanization of agriculture in the 20th century, the Friesian lost its role as a farmer's horse, and the number and membership numbers fell sharply. The breeders' association at the time is recognized in the chronicle of the North American Friesian Association for having saved the breed from extinction. It is precisely this bottleneck that explains the high level of inbreeding that studies describe today.
Exterior
The breeding goal describes a harmonious, uphill-built horse in a rectangular format with a ratio of fore, middle and hindquarters of 1:1:1. The head is small and noble with a slightly concave nose line, the neck is long and set high. A long, full mane, full tail and lush hair are typical. When trotting, the Friesian shows knee action and a long suspension phase. White markings outside the head are not permitted.
Character (interior)
According to the breeding program, what is desired is a horse that is sociable, impeccable in character, uncomplicated, strong-nerved and reliable with a balanced temperament. The breeding goal emphasizes that the simple character should be retained so that the Friesian remains a good leisure horse. Many people fall in love with his looks. Nevertheless, check honestly whether your level of training and health match the purchase price.
Keeping and feeding
A Friesian needs a lot of exercise, social contact and roughage like any large horse. The dense covering on the legs needs to be cared for so that no moisture or dirt gets trapped underneath. There is no breed-specific food recommendation. If your Friesian coughs, chokes or gets food through his nose while eating, he should be taken into veterinary care immediately, as the breed is known to have esophageal disease.
Health
Friesian horses are known for their high inbreeding rate, which has led to hereditary diseases such as hydrocephalus and dwarfism, according to a study by Ghent University. A mutation in the gene B4GALT7 was found in 2016 to cause dwarfism with flabby tendons. Two other problems are thought to be probably hereditary: megaesophagus, an enlargement of the esophagus, and aortic rupture. In an American evaluation of 852 necropsies, all six horses with megaesophagus were Friesian, although only 17 were Friesian. Since the 2019 licensing vintage, stallions have been examined for fox factor, dwarfism and hydrocephalus using genetic testing, according to the breeding program. When purchasing, pay attention to these parental test results.
Who is the Friesian suitable for?
For riders and drivers who are looking for an expressive, large horse for dressage, driving or show shows, and for people who are prepared to thoroughly examine health and pedigree. Recreational riders with experience will find a sociable partner in a well-trained Friesian.
Who is it not for?
For people who only buy based on appearance and consider pre-purchase examination or parentage to be irrelevant. If you have little time for grooming or can't budget for possible veterinary costs, you should do the math honestly.
Further information: You can calculate how much a horse actually costs per month using the Horse Cost Calculator. Before you buy, the horse buying checklist will help. You can find ideas for the stable name in our horse names, and your own horse is available as a horse portrait from your own photo. All breeds at a glance: Horse breeds from A to Z.
Frequently asked questions
How tall does a Friesian get? According to the breeding program, 150 to 170 cm height without shoes, depending on age and gender.
Are there Friesians in colors other than black? Not in the stud book: The breeding goal only allows black horses. Stallions are therefore also tested for the fox factor.
What hereditary diseases does the Friesian have? Dwarfism and hydrocephalus are documented, and megaesophagus and aortic rupture are considered to be presumably hereditary. Stallions are tested for dwarfism and hydrocephalus.
Is a Friesian a beginner's horse? The breeding goal requires an uncomplicated, strong-nerved character. Because of its size, strength and health issues, it is more for people with experience or good companions.
Read more
Quellen, abgerufen am 05.11.2026: Rheinisches Pferdestammbuch e.V.: Zuchtprogramm Friesenpferd (Fassung 02/2025); Friesian Horse Association of North America: Friesian Timeline (Laurie M. Bell); Saey V et al.: Elevated urinary excretion of free pyridinoline in Friesian horses suggests a breed-specific increase in collagen degradation, BMC Vet Res 2018 (PubMed 29699546); Leegwater PA et al.: Dwarfism with joint laxity in Friesian horses is associated with a splice site mutation in B4GALT7, BMC Genomics 2016 (PubMed 27793082); Komine M, Langohr IM, Kiupel M: Megaesophagus in Friesian horses associated with muscular hypertrophy of the caudal esophagus, Vet Pathol 2014 (PubMed 24227010).
