To begin with, is it a Friesian that you really want?



Friesians are from the Friesland Province of the Netherlands (thus the name), and whose ancestors were often used as war horses in Europe during the Middle Ages due to their grace and nimbleness. Friesians have inherited these attributes from their ancestors, making them a perfect match to the sport of dressage.

Other attributes that make them a good choice for dressage are their power, appearance, and excellent body control. That they are highly intelligent is obviously beneficial as well.

Because of their heavy, muscular physique, Friesians do not work well for racing. However, their strength and bulk are a good fit as a carriage horse as well as combined driving. And although they love to jump, they are not good for competitive jumping.

Friesians are used as show horses as well, often leaving their mane, tail, and feather (the hair on the lower legs) untrimmed, allowing them to grow out long and thick. Standing between 14 and 16 hands (1.5 to 1.7 meters), their fur is typically black in color, though in very rare cases is chestnut. One look at a strong Friesian and you'll quickly appreciate their value as the horse of choice for use in films.

Hollywood aside, a Friesian is a good all-around horse whatever your needs. They are also well-mannered, comparatively, making them an excellent choice as a family horse. Due to their high demand, you can expect to pay above average price for a Friesian.

If you desire a Friesian for breeding, keep in mind that breeding Friesians is strictly regulated and that crossbreeding is not allowed. This is because the breed was threatened with extinction due to cross breeding.

By this point, you should have a pretty good idea whether a Friesian is the horse you want to buy. Be wary however. Finding a dealer that has horses for sale is relatively easy. Finding a reputable dealer that will sell you a Friesian that has been well cared for and is in prime shape is comparatively more difficult. When you're ready to start shopping around, riding instructors can often give you good advice on where to find a good dealer.