The FRIESIAN is a horse breed originating in the Netherlands’ Friesland province. They resemble a light draft/draught horse but are graceful and nimble for their size. They may have been used as foundation stock for such breeds as Norway’s Dole Gudbrandsdal, America’s Morgan, and Britain’s Shire draft horse, Fell pony, and Norfolk Trotter (ancestor of the Hackney).
Characteristics
- mostly an all-black coat color
- long, thick, and often wavy mane and tail
- long, silky hair or “feathering” on the lower legs
- long, arched necks and chiseled, short ears
- compact, muscular bodies with powerful, sloping shoulders and hindquarters.
- comparatively short and strong legs.
- a brisk, high-stepping trot
- a willing, active, and energetic personality but can also be gentle and docile.
Rise and Fall in Popularity
- In the 11th century, illustrations depicted knights riding horses which resembled the Friesan, with one of the most famous examples being William the Conqueror. Their size made them coveted as war horses.
- In the 18th and 19th centuries, the gained even greater popularity as harness horses for agricultural work and the trotting races popular then.
- In the 20th century, displacement by machinery became a threat to the survival of the breed.
How a Circus helped save the Friesian
The initial recovery of the breed was due to the family-owned Circus Strassburger. After fleeing Nazi Germany for the Low Countries, they discovered the show qualities of the Friesian horse and (during and after the Nazi occupation) demonstrated the Friesians’ abilities outside of its local breeding area.
The Strassburger family had more than a hundred horses in their stables, including twelve black Friesian stallions. Their circus toured Germany, France, Scandinavia, Belgium, and the Netherlands and became especially famous for having a tiger ride on the back of one of their horses.
Today, about seven percent of the horses in the Netherlands are Friesians.
The Friesian Horse in my novel, Between Home & Heartbreak
I had great fun providing many horses for Lewis Adams (my humble Texas horseman) and Eldora Calhoun, aka Eldorado Jane (my Wild West trick riding superstar). One of Eldora’s performance horses is a gentle but energetic black Friesian named Samson.
Here’s an excerpt with Eldora & Samson on the day they first meet Lewis & Lila
A shrill whistle whipped Samson around and sent him thundering after the last horse departing the corral. Lewis leapt onto Lila bareback and gave chase.
Samson plowed a path straight through the river of heaving horseflesh. Lewis slipped Lila into his wake. The brute had become Lewis’ best chance to avert disaster. If he could catch the lead horse and turn him, his followers might embrace their herd mentality and turn as well.
Lewis scanned the distance remaining between the stampede and the trail.
Eldora Calhoun stood dead ahead. Disbelief then fear sent Lewis’ heart racing as fast as the herd. Horses usually tried to avoid running over people or anything that made for unstable footing—if they weren’t spooked witless.
Eldora couldn’t stop them. She was going to get herself killed. Unless Lewis reached her before the horses did.
Samson pulled ahead to run even with the lead horse. Lewis urged Lila to move up beside the pair but the herd jostled Lila sideways, away from Samson, hemming them in again, leaving him unable to reach Eldora.
Finally, she moved.
Pivoting sideways, she braced one foot behind her and raised her hands as if preparing to grasp something in front of her…where nothing existed but air. Never once had her gaze left Samson.
Understanding made his heart leap with hope. She intended to mount Samson on the run.
To read more about Lewis and Eldora’s story (including another excerpt), head to BETWEEN HOME & HEARTBREAK’s book page.
Got a favorite horse or a story (fact or fiction) about a horse?
I’d love to hear it ❤️
Nice post, Jacqui. It’s good to know the world is keeping alive the less well-known breeds.
Wait until you read my next blog about the Clydesdale horse, Alice! I thought it was one of the draft horses that had the most numbers (the most well-known). It’s interesting how where you live shapes your viewpoint.