In this article
Where the Friesian comes from
The Friesian takes its name from Friesland, a province in the northern Netherlands. According to the Friesian Horse Association of North America, the breed is linked to the medieval knight’s horse, and Arabian and Andalusian blood was introduced in the 16th and 17th centuries. Friesians later became known as carriage horses.
The studbook was founded on 1 May 1879 and is the oldest in the Netherlands. The breed then went through a critical period: by 1907 crossbreeding had become so popular that the separate Friesian book was merged with the crossbred one, a step that “could have been the end” of the breed. A society formed in 1913 to preserve it, and the Dutch studbook (KFPS) still keeps the breed standard and registry today. North American associations, such as FHANA, work with the KFPS studbook.
Traits that identify the breed
The breed description highlights:
- Black coat only. A small white star on the forehead is the only white allowed. Bays and greys occurred earlier in the breed but are not recognised today.
- Long, heavy mane and tail, often left to grow very long.
- Feathering — long hair on the fetlocks.
- High-action, fast trot, with a balanced, powerful build and ears pricked forward.
- Pleasant, gentle character: intelligent, willing to learn and ready to perform.
What the Friesian is used for today
The Friesian is not a racing or speed horse. Its modern uses are:
- Driving: harness showing in singles, pairs and tandems, recreational and competition driving, and four-in-hand.
- Dressage, where its action and presence are used well.
- Exhibitions and quadrille driving, for its strong stage presence.
- Recreational riding, thanks to its cooperative nature.
Why the Friesian is so admired — and so costly
Much of the appeal is visual: an all-black coat, a flowing mane and a high trot make a striking picture in any setting. Add a generally gentle temperament and the horse is pleasant to handle.
The high price has objective reasons, none of them magic:
- Rarity outside Europe. In many countries supply is small.
- Import costs. Transport, health checks and paperwork add to the final price.
- A selective studbook. Inspections and predicates limit the number of top-rated animals.
- Demand for horses that meet the standard well.
Rather than fixing a number that changes with exchange rates, bloodline and market, it is more useful to understand why Friesians are among the more expensive horses.
Buying a Friesian outside the Netherlands
Whatever country you are in, confirm the registration and pedigree with the studbook or its national partner association before buying, and have a veterinarian examine the horse. For other breeds and their uses, see horse breeds by use.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Friesian horse come from?
From Friesland, a province in the northern Netherlands. It is one of Europe's oldest distinct breeds, historically linked to the medieval knight's horse, and its studbook, founded on 1 May 1879, is the oldest in the Netherlands.
Are all Friesian horses black?
Today, yes. The breed is bred exclusively black, and the only white allowed is a small star on the forehead. Bays and greys occurred earlier in the breed's history but are no longer accepted.
Why are Friesian horses so expensive?
Rarity outside Europe, import costs, a selective studbook with inspections and predicates, and demand for horses that meet the breed standard well all push prices up. Specific values vary with exchange rates, bloodlines and market, so compare real offers rather than published figures.
What are Friesians used for today?
Mainly for driving — singles, pairs, tandems and four-in-hand — and for dressage and recreational riding. Their presence also makes them popular for shows and exhibitions.