Links & Info
The following is a list of some of my favorite Friesian and horse related links.
FPS – The original Friesian organization since 1879 or Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek only purebred Friesians are registered and they maintain very strict standards for approving stallions. Only a very small percentage of stallions are approved. It’s American counter-part is known as the Friesian Horse Association of North America or FHANA:
Netherlands: http://www.fps-studbook.com
North America: http://www.fhana.com
Austral ia: http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/friesian
Austria: http://www.ffoe.at.tf
England: http://www.fhagbi.co.uk
Denmark: http://www.danskfrieserforbund.dk
France: http://www.af-cheval-frison.com
Germany: http://df-z.de
Luxembourg: http://www.frisoncfl.com
Sweden: http://www.frieserhast.com
FPZV or Friesian Horse Breeding Association in Germany, Friesenpferde-Zuchtverband, promotes and strives to preserve the beautiful Friesian horse through strict registration standards. They do allow cross-breeding:
Germany: http://www.friesenpferde-zuchtverband.de
North America: http://www.friesianhorsesociety.com
Sweden: www.frieser.se
FOA or Friesians of America was developed to serve the growing demands of enthusiasts of the Friesian Horse and Friesian crosses in North America
http://friesiansofamerica.com
Friesian Blood Horse Registry is a registration formed to be able to track the progress of the friesian crossbreeds and increase the value of the crossbreeds.
http://friesianbloodhorseregistry.com/index.html
FSHR or Friesian Sport Horse Registry encourages a public understanding of the Friesian Sport Horse, its breeding, character and performance.
http://fshr.org
The American Friesian Association (AFA) was organized in 2004 by a group of Friesian enthusiasts who recognized the need for an American-based registry for purebred and partbred Friesian horses. They wish to preserve and promote the purebred Friesian horse in America, to promote the Friesian Warmblood (Partbred) horse in America, and to serve the needs of the owners and breeders of these horses
http://www.americanfriesianassociation.com
The Friesian Horse Society, Inc. (FHS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to both promote and preserve the beautiful Friesian horse through education and strict registration standards, as originated in the Netherlands for this Dutch breed. Established in 1993 as a European North American affiliate, the FHS now serves as an American Friesian registry with its primary goal being the breeding of pure offspring of this unique, centuries-old breed of horse.
http://www.friesianhorsesociety.com/Home.html
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is to provide leadership for equestrian sport in the United States of America, promoting the pursuit of excellence from the grass roots to the Olympic Games, based on a foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare of its human and equine athletes, and embracing this vision, to be the best national equestrian federation in the world.
http://www.usef.org
International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA) is the recognized show registry for Friesians and Friesian derivatives.
http://www.friesianshowhorse.com
Equestrian Theater is an inclusive horse community, based on Respect and Support for both horses and riders. They promote good horsemanship, participation and fun. All breeds, disciplines, and experience levels are welcome to join from novice to professional. They are a non competitive group, motivated by personal achievement and group camaraderie. Julie is a member of the group and enjoys many benefits from it. Learn more at http://www.equestriantheater.com
Christina Turissini is an extremely talented photographer and is solely responsible for most of the photos of Nikko on this website as well as ALL the photos I am using for advertising. She captures the essence of whatever she photographs – this is clearly evident in her shots of Nikko. She puts her heart into each project and works tirelessly until you are satisfied with the results. She has very reasonable prices and is extremely accommodating! Please check out more about Christina at her website www.AlphabetRanch.com.
Friesian Exchange is a great source for information on the breed, links and lots of friesian related topics.
www.friesianexchange.com
The Friesian Referral Service is another site that offers tack, apparel, information, links and sales for those crazy about Friesians.
www.usfriesianreferral.com
Sue Thompson and her wonderful family are located in Fort Shaw, Montana and she was one of the few people who supported me when I made the decision to purchase a stallion. She and her husband Jeff patiently worked with me and Nikko and stood behind me through all the tough times that come along with not only working with a yearling but a stud colt at that They gave me a concrete foundation to stand on with my Stallion handling skills and if I still lived in Montana, I would be continuing my education with them. Sue also gave Gus and I our connection in the show ring. Before taking lessons with Sue, Gus and I went from one trainer to the next with no real results. We were mediocre at best. After our lessons with Sue, however, we were winning ribbons and haven't stopped to look back. Please check out the Thompsons and their amazing horses at www.westernskyequine.com.
Randi Hudson is a horse woman that believes there is always a sensitve, natural, safe and gentle way to teach horse and rider to communicate. She fortunately lives just minutes from us and has done amazing things with Nikko taking him through many levels of education and respect and successfully showing him. And when I say amazing - I mean AMAZING!!!!! She took my unfocused, un-mannered, out of shape two-year-old stud colt and made him into a gorgeous, conditioned gentleman. She will also be responsible for starting Nikko under saddle and beginning his driving career. I have all the faith in the world in this trainer and highly recommend her to anyone needing either a horse trained or lessons for themselves. She is a brilliant woman with great drive, ambition and compassion. She offers training, lessons and even boarding. Please check her out at: www.diversityequine.com or call 719/749-2411.
Julie and Gus have taken dressage lessons at Armada Bay Equestrian Center. They also had their dressage freestyle routine created by Anna Blake who teaches there. Julie hopes to have Nikko start his dressage career with Anna and Melanie. At Armada Bay, their moto is "Helping build a better relationship between you and your horse. Learn more at http://www.armadabay.com
Ann Jeffree is an extremely talented artist and specializes in animals, one of which is the Friesian. In fact, she designed our logo. We are proud to have her artwork represented on this website. See more of Ann’s work and learn more about her at: http://home.alphalink.com.au/~annj/
The friesian typically has three body types. This chart has good examples of the body types. Nikko is the modern Sporthorse build and is suited more for dressage and driving.
Majestic jet-black horses running across green pastures. Long dark manes and tails flowing in the wind. Huge strong-feathered hooves pound the ground as these graceful creatures glide along the hillsides. Anyone who sees them is in awe. It takes your breath away and captures your heart. You feel as if you have entered the presence of royalty. Meeting one of these elegant equines stirs your emotions and starts a quest in many to own one of these magnificent horses.
Friesians have a long and romantic history. The formation of the breed goes back many centuries. They were developed before Roman times. Friesian horses carried knights in the crusades and were war horses during the middle ages. They are depicted in many European paintings.
The Friesian horse originally came from Friesland, a province in the northern part of The Netherlands. The Netherlands is a small country also known as Holland. Friesland is an old country bordering the North Sea. It has its own culture and language dialect, which can be difficult to understand by people from other parts of The Netherlands. The Fries view their province as a country of its own. They have their own horse breed, as well as its own breed of dogs. The people are proud and attached to tradition. They are sensitive and passionate about their horses. The Friesian Horse is a part of Friesland's history and culture. The Fries lovingly refer to them as their Black Pearls.
At one time the breed was threatened with extinction. In the 1960's, only about 500 Friesians were registered, which affected breeding. With the development of tractors and cars, fewer horses were needed to work the land and the carriage was a thing of the past, resulting in a vast decrease in the horse population. It is only to the credit of some committed breeders that the Friesian horse are available as a purebred today.
The Friesian breed has been purebred for the last two centuries. In the 16th and 17th century, Friesians were crossed with the Andalusian horses from Spain and the Arabian, thus giving them the high stepping knee actions, and swan like neck. Friesians are considered warm-blooded horses because of their disposition.
Friesians have an impressive stature that sets them apart. With the impressive long mane and long thick tail they make people stop and stare. Friesians love attention and truly are hams. They love to show off, especially in the show ring. The more people watch and cheer the more animated they become. They are natural born stars.
Their manes and tails will grow to the ground. Friesians are bred exclusively black. In the past the Friesian was bred as a heavier draft type for farming but today the modern taller, lustrousness type is preferred. The very best part of the Friesian is its easy going disposition, making it a great horse for riders and drivers of all ages. They are always willing to please, work hard, and try whatever their owner wishes. They are quite clever and delight in surprising their owners with stall opening tricks.
Friesians were first imported to the States in 1625. The Dutch love to travel and trade. They founded a providence called New Amsterdam where they imported the first Friesian. In later years this city was taken over by the English and the name was changed to New York. Friesians are now found in areas all over the United States and the World.
They also found their way to Hollywood. Several years ago the Friesian horse made its film debut in the movie Lady Hake with Michelle Puffer, Matthew Broader, and Rutgers Her. Your heart is riveted with awe as you watch the Knight Navarre ride his mythical stallion Goliath to rescue the beautiful maiden Isaboux. The world now is in love with the magical Black Beauty!!!!!The Friesian horse can be seen every year in the Rose Parade. They show in California at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in June, the Ventura County Fair (first weekend in August), the Draft Horse Classic in Grass Valley at Nevada County Fairgrounds in September and at the California Pomona County Fair in September.
*Written by Joca van der Veen DVM, published by Lesa Bobbit, North American Friesian Journal Magazine, October 2001, (252) 257-1618, with minor modifications by Julie Davis
back to top
Registries
FPS – The original Friesian organization since 1879 or Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek only purebred Friesians are registered and they maintain very strict standards for approving stallions. Only a very small percentage of stallions are approved. It’s American counter-part is known as the Friesian Horse Association of North America or FHANA:Netherlands: http://www.fps-studbook.com
North America: http://www.fhana.com
Austral ia: http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/friesian
Austria: http://www.ffoe.at.tf
England: http://www.fhagbi.co.uk
Denmark: http://www.danskfrieserforbund.dk
France: http://www.af-cheval-frison.com
Germany: http://df-z.de
Luxembourg: http://www.frisoncfl.com
Sweden: http://www.frieserhast.com
FPZV or Friesian Horse Breeding Association in Germany, Friesenpferde-Zuchtverband, promotes and strives to preserve the beautiful Friesian horse through strict registration standards. They do allow cross-breeding:
Germany: http://www.friesenpferde-zuchtverband.de
North America: http://www.friesianhorsesociety.com
Sweden: www.frieser.se
FOA or Friesians of America was developed to serve the growing demands of enthusiasts of the Friesian Horse and Friesian crosses in North Americahttp://friesiansofamerica.com
Friesian Blood Horse Registry is a registration formed to be able to track the progress of the friesian crossbreeds and increase the value of the crossbreeds.
http://friesianbloodhorseregistry.com/index.html
FSHR or Friesian Sport Horse Registry encourages a public understanding of the Friesian Sport Horse, its breeding, character and performance.http://fshr.org
The American Friesian Association (AFA) was organized in 2004 by a group of Friesian enthusiasts who recognized the need for an American-based registry for purebred and partbred Friesian horses. They wish to preserve and promote the purebred Friesian horse in America, to promote the Friesian Warmblood (Partbred) horse in America, and to serve the needs of the owners and breeders of these horseshttp://www.americanfriesianassociation.com
The Friesian Horse Society, Inc. (FHS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to both promote and preserve the beautiful Friesian horse through education and strict registration standards, as originated in the Netherlands for this Dutch breed. Established in 1993 as a European North American affiliate, the FHS now serves as an American Friesian registry with its primary goal being the breeding of pure offspring of this unique, centuries-old breed of horse.http://www.friesianhorsesociety.com/Home.html
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is to provide leadership for equestrian sport in the United States of America, promoting the pursuit of excellence from the grass roots to the Olympic Games, based on a foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare of its human and equine athletes, and embracing this vision, to be the best national equestrian federation in the world.http://www.usef.org
International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA) is the recognized show registry for Friesians and Friesian derivatives.http://www.friesianshowhorse.com
Clubs
Equestrian Theater is an inclusive horse community, based on Respect and Support for both horses and riders. They promote good horsemanship, participation and fun. All breeds, disciplines, and experience levels are welcome to join from novice to professional. They are a non competitive group, motivated by personal achievement and group camaraderie. Julie is a member of the group and enjoys many benefits from it. Learn more at http://www.equestriantheater.com
Professional Creative Photography
Christina Turissini is an extremely talented photographer and is solely responsible for most of the photos of Nikko on this website as well as ALL the photos I am using for advertising. She captures the essence of whatever she photographs – this is clearly evident in her shots of Nikko. She puts her heart into each project and works tirelessly until you are satisfied with the results. She has very reasonable prices and is extremely accommodating! Please check out more about Christina at her website www.AlphabetRanch.com.
Friesian Related Links
Friesian Exchange is a great source for information on the breed, links and lots of friesian related topics.
www.friesianexchange.com
The Friesian Referral Service is another site that offers tack, apparel, information, links and sales for those crazy about Friesians.
www.usfriesianreferral.com
Trainers
Sue Thompson and her wonderful family are located in Fort Shaw, Montana and she was one of the few people who supported me when I made the decision to purchase a stallion. She and her husband Jeff patiently worked with me and Nikko and stood behind me through all the tough times that come along with not only working with a yearling but a stud colt at that They gave me a concrete foundation to stand on with my Stallion handling skills and if I still lived in Montana, I would be continuing my education with them. Sue also gave Gus and I our connection in the show ring. Before taking lessons with Sue, Gus and I went from one trainer to the next with no real results. We were mediocre at best. After our lessons with Sue, however, we were winning ribbons and haven't stopped to look back. Please check out the Thompsons and their amazing horses at www.westernskyequine.com.
Randi Hudson is a horse woman that believes there is always a sensitve, natural, safe and gentle way to teach horse and rider to communicate. She fortunately lives just minutes from us and has done amazing things with Nikko taking him through many levels of education and respect and successfully showing him. And when I say amazing - I mean AMAZING!!!!! She took my unfocused, un-mannered, out of shape two-year-old stud colt and made him into a gorgeous, conditioned gentleman. She will also be responsible for starting Nikko under saddle and beginning his driving career. I have all the faith in the world in this trainer and highly recommend her to anyone needing either a horse trained or lessons for themselves. She is a brilliant woman with great drive, ambition and compassion. She offers training, lessons and even boarding. Please check her out at: www.diversityequine.com or call 719/749-2411.
Julie and Gus have taken dressage lessons at Armada Bay Equestrian Center. They also had their dressage freestyle routine created by Anna Blake who teaches there. Julie hopes to have Nikko start his dressage career with Anna and Melanie. At Armada Bay, their moto is "Helping build a better relationship between you and your horse. Learn more at http://www.armadabay.com
Friesian Art
Ann Jeffree is an extremely talented artist and specializes in animals, one of which is the Friesian. In fact, she designed our logo. We are proud to have her artwork represented on this website. See more of Ann’s work and learn more about her at: http://home.alphalink.com.au/~annj/
INFO:
The friesian typically has three body types. This chart has good examples of the body types. Nikko is the modern Sporthorse build and is suited more for dressage and driving.
Friesian History
Majestic jet-black horses running across green pastures. Long dark manes and tails flowing in the wind. Huge strong-feathered hooves pound the ground as these graceful creatures glide along the hillsides. Anyone who sees them is in awe. It takes your breath away and captures your heart. You feel as if you have entered the presence of royalty. Meeting one of these elegant equines stirs your emotions and starts a quest in many to own one of these magnificent horses.
Friesians have a long and romantic history. The formation of the breed goes back many centuries. They were developed before Roman times. Friesian horses carried knights in the crusades and were war horses during the middle ages. They are depicted in many European paintings.
The Friesian horse originally came from Friesland, a province in the northern part of The Netherlands. The Netherlands is a small country also known as Holland. Friesland is an old country bordering the North Sea. It has its own culture and language dialect, which can be difficult to understand by people from other parts of The Netherlands. The Fries view their province as a country of its own. They have their own horse breed, as well as its own breed of dogs. The people are proud and attached to tradition. They are sensitive and passionate about their horses. The Friesian Horse is a part of Friesland's history and culture. The Fries lovingly refer to them as their Black Pearls.
At one time the breed was threatened with extinction. In the 1960's, only about 500 Friesians were registered, which affected breeding. With the development of tractors and cars, fewer horses were needed to work the land and the carriage was a thing of the past, resulting in a vast decrease in the horse population. It is only to the credit of some committed breeders that the Friesian horse are available as a purebred today.
The Friesian breed has been purebred for the last two centuries. In the 16th and 17th century, Friesians were crossed with the Andalusian horses from Spain and the Arabian, thus giving them the high stepping knee actions, and swan like neck. Friesians are considered warm-blooded horses because of their disposition.
Friesians have an impressive stature that sets them apart. With the impressive long mane and long thick tail they make people stop and stare. Friesians love attention and truly are hams. They love to show off, especially in the show ring. The more people watch and cheer the more animated they become. They are natural born stars.
Their manes and tails will grow to the ground. Friesians are bred exclusively black. In the past the Friesian was bred as a heavier draft type for farming but today the modern taller, lustrousness type is preferred. The very best part of the Friesian is its easy going disposition, making it a great horse for riders and drivers of all ages. They are always willing to please, work hard, and try whatever their owner wishes. They are quite clever and delight in surprising their owners with stall opening tricks.
Friesians were first imported to the States in 1625. The Dutch love to travel and trade. They founded a providence called New Amsterdam where they imported the first Friesian. In later years this city was taken over by the English and the name was changed to New York. Friesians are now found in areas all over the United States and the World.
They also found their way to Hollywood. Several years ago the Friesian horse made its film debut in the movie Lady Hake with Michelle Puffer, Matthew Broader, and Rutgers Her. Your heart is riveted with awe as you watch the Knight Navarre ride his mythical stallion Goliath to rescue the beautiful maiden Isaboux. The world now is in love with the magical Black Beauty!!!!!The Friesian horse can be seen every year in the Rose Parade. They show in California at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in June, the Ventura County Fair (first weekend in August), the Draft Horse Classic in Grass Valley at Nevada County Fairgrounds in September and at the California Pomona County Fair in September.
*Written by Joca van der Veen DVM, published by Lesa Bobbit, North American Friesian Journal Magazine, October 2001, (252) 257-1618, with minor modifications by Julie Davis
back to top
