The Friesian Horse is an old breed of horse that, like many breeds, seems to trace its origins back to the Middle Ages. The exact area of origin is Friesland, which lies in the Northern part of the Netherlands. The horse itself descends from the Equus Robustus. Such bloodlines as the Arabian and the Andalusian horses of Spain have been introduced into the Friesian Horse, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as earlier as it are believed by some. The introduction of the Andalusian horse gave the Friesian such qualities as the high knee action, a smaller head, and craning neck. Many horses were being crossbred with the English Thoroughbred, the Friesian is an exception; it was kept pure and away from the influence of the Thoroughbred.
These horses bred for several centuries by the monks of Friesland before the government stepped in and set many regulations to protect the breeding. The Dutch Horse law set in 1939, which has been since revised, states rules for the studbook and breeding. From records that date back from 1251, we know that the Friesian Horse was highly regarded and praised.
Like many other heavy set but strong horses, these horses were sought out for use in battle as warhorses because of their ability to carry fully armored soldiers and still maneuver quickly in battle. Later the added agility of these horses made them a sought after breed and recommended for riding schools around Paris and Spain during the 15th century as well as the 16th century. They also developed quite the reputation as carriage horses, with little to compete with in Europe (they were also used in royal courts as coach horses). The Friesian is sometimes referred to as the "Belgian Black." Aside from being everyday carriage horses, the Friesian was often being used as a funeral horse; they gained the name the "Black Brigade." The horses that were being used in coalmines or that were of dark color were also referred to by that name, but it was the funeral horses that earned it.
In the 20th century, the Friesian gained some film credit to its name. A Friesian stallion by the name of Othello starred in the film "Ladyhawke" (1985). That film sparked interest in the breed for continued film uses. Thus, the Friesian appeared in many other films such as "300," "The Mask of Zorro," "Eragon," and "Alexander"(which starred Collin Farrell). They have also been used in the dramatization of real historical events, some of which took place in the last 400 to 600 years, which is around the timeframe the breed came was first recognized. The Friesian also gained some recognition on paper being featured on postcards as well as a book "Carriages of the Past" published in 1998.
At one time, the breed was lost in North America due to constant crossbreeding, but it was reintroduced in 1974 by a man named Tom Hannon of Canton, Ohio. By 1983, the horse had gained so much popularity that it sparked the establishment of a national association and show.
Puppies for Sale: Excellent Lab Puppies
Healthy Boston Terrier puppies for sale ( Males and females available now )
Edgewood Champion Line Stud
TerrificPets.com helps you find puppies for sale from great dog breeders! Please support our breeders when looking for puppies for sale.
|
