Who hasn’t dreamed of riding a majestic black horse with a gracefully flowing mane and a strong stride? For those involved with the breed of Friesians, this dream is a daily reality, and yes—it’s as awesome as it sounds.
The Allure of Friesians
Friesians have a long and impressive history that began in Friesland, a province of the Netherlands near the Wadden Sea. Early Friesian horses were prized war and farming horses in Europe as early as the 1500s.
The first Friesians came to the United States in the 1600s and are believed to have impacted the development of some American breeds, such as the Morgan and Standardbred. Over time, interest in Friesians decreased in the U.S., and very few remained as the centuries passed. However, in the last 50 years or so, interest in Friesians has been on the upswing. Today, the breed is thriving.
This is great news for young riders who are drawn to the big presence and gentle spirit of these beautiful horses. With the increased numbers of Friesians and half-Friesians, there are more opportunities to experience all they have to offer. Today, the Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA) offers a variety of youth programs—let’s take a look!
Future of the Friesian Breed
One especially exciting program is called Future FHANA.
According to Erin Miley of the FHANA Youth Committee, “We want to create a sense of community and culture for our youth members while providing them unique opportunities to engage with the Friesian breed.”
The program has two membership options, Future FHANA Youth (under 18 years old) and Future FHANA Young Adult (ages 18-30), and each group has age-appropriate, customized activities. Members receive annual gifts, including a coloring book, which adds to the fun.
The FHANA Youth Committee also encourages youth members through their Future FHANA Spotlight, which highlights the accomplishments of young riders who are riding, showing, or just enjoying Friesians.
The annual Youth Awards are another way FHANA promotes and encourages youth members, and they offer these awards for riding, driving, and dressage. (These awards are open to exhibitors age 21 and under.)
“Youth will create the foundation for the future of the Friesian Horse Association of North America, and, as such, the future of the Friesian horse in North America,” Erin says.
Young Success
FHANA member Alanna Bent (@_ab_dressage) is making big dreams come true in dressage with her Friesian gelding, Ooude. Alanna started Ooude under saddle herself when she was 15, and they’ve been on an incredible journey in the six years since then.
Together, they’ve earned U.S. Dressage Federation bronze and silver medals and are currently competing at the Prix St. George level. They earned Ooude’s Sport Predicate and recently achieved Ooude’s Sport Elite Predicate, which means they’ve earned five scores of at least 60 percent at the Prix St. George or higher levels of dressage.
Alanna and Ooude have achieved so many accomplishments already, but they have even bigger plans for the future!
Friesian Breed Fast Facts
◆ Heights of 15.2 to 16.2 hands are considered average for Friesians. For registration, mares and geldings must be at least 15 hands, and stallions must stand at least 15.3 hands.
◆ Quality and breed type are evaluated through an inspection process known as a keuring, which means “judging” in Dutch.
◆ Friesians are almost always black, and white markings are prohibited except for a tiny star. (Chestnuts occur rarely.)
◆ There are approximately 8,000 Friesians in the United States.
◆ Friesians are incredible driving horses, but also excel in dressage.
◆ The breed is known for its intelligence and its gentle demeanor.
◆ In addition to the breeds it has influenced in the U.S., the Friesian is believed to have been influential in the development of the Oldenburg, the Fell Pony, and the Dales Pony, among others.
◆ The Friesian Horse Association of North America was established in 1984.
◆ In 2014, the Friesian graduated off The Livestock Conservancy’s list of endangered breeds, thanks to a population rebound.
Key Takeaway
Feeling inspired by these athletic and talented equines? Even if you don’t have a Friesian just yet, there are still lots of ways to get involved with this incredible breed. To explore the world of Friesian horses or to join FHANA, visit www.fhana.com to get started. New adventures await!
This article about the Friesian horse breed appeared in the November/December 2023 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!
