Four reasons why Friesian horses are so incredible
I’ve spent a lot of time with horses over the years, and my friends often ask me which breed of horse is my favourite.
It’s a tough one to call, but I have so much love for the beautiful Friesian horse.
It’s hard to put why I love this breed into words – sometimes you adore something, and you can’t quite explain why you do.
However, I’ve managed to get four of the reasons why the Friesian horse is just so incredible out on (virtual) paper!
1. The Friesian horse has a rich history – the ‘black gem’ of Friesland
Out of all of the horse breeds in history, none of them has had such a long and exciting history as our Friesian friends.
The brave and bold Friesian is reputed to have been around since 1,000 BC. The breed was originally bred for battle, and even carried kings like William the Conqueror into war!
Friesians became incredibly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. They were used not only to plough the fields but to take part in the trotting races that were well-loved across the world at the time.
In Victorian times, there were over 700 Friesian horses in London, used to pull hearses and give an air of solemn dignity to funeral processions. They are still sometimes used today.
At the end of the 19th century, Friesian numbers started to dwindle, and there were worries that the breed would become extinct. By the early 20th century, there were only three breeding stallions left in the Netherlands!
Thankfully, a society was established to establish a breeding programme and protect the breed, and the beautiful Friesian lives on across the world today.
Friesians are responsible for siring other beautiful horse breeds including the Shire horse, Oldenburger and Clydesdale. While the Clydesdale breed is taller and heavier than its Friesian forefathers, it shares the same easy-going demeanour (more on that a little bit later!)
2. The Friesian horse has a wonderful personality (and is also a budding screen star!)
Friesian horses are truly the gentle giants of the equine world, calm, even-tempered and elegant. We humans could learn a lot from them!
Not only are Friesian horses great with children, but they are also an excellent choice for novice riders. Their gentle and friendly personality makes them easy to get along with, and on the rare occasions that they spook, they prefer to stop and stand still rather than rearing.
In fact, did you know that Friesian horses are frequently used in TV and film as they have such a kind and easy-going temperament? You can see this breed in films including The Mask of Zorro, 300 and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, as well as dramas like Game of Thrones!
3. The Friesian horse can turn its hand (or hooves!) to anything
One of the things I love about Friesians is that they have a wide range of different skills and can successfully do anything they try.
Not only can you ride them, but they have the strength to pull carriages and the grace to do dressage, show jumping and eventing.
The Friesian breed debuted at the World Equestrian Games in 2014 with a rider from South Africa. Although the pair didn’t win, it was amazing to see just what a Friesian horse could do!
4. The Friesian horse is just beautiful to watch
With its long mane, feathery hooves and shiny black coat, I think that the Friesian is one of the most stunning horses you can find.
The most handsome horse in the world, Frederik the Great, is... you’ve guessed it… a Friesian!
The key thing that sets the Friesian apart from other breeds is its striking black colour. Unlike other horse breeds, the true Friesian comes in one colour and one colour only – jet black. No white markings on the body or lower legs.
Seeing a Friesian horse canter across a field while the sun sets in the sky… it’s one of those things in the world that truly sets your heart-a-flutter!
So, these are just four of the reasons why I love the Friesian horse. As I mentioned at the start of the article, it can sometimes be hard to get your reasons why you love a specific type of horse out on paper. However, I hope I’ve inspired you to find out more about this beautiful breed.
If you’re a fan of Friesians, I’d love to hear why you adore this particular breed too!
Show your love for your Friesian friends with Wild Horse Club
If you are looking for a wonderful way to show your admiration for this beautiful breed of horse, the Wild Horse Club Friesian pendant is the perfect choice.
Lovingly hand-crafted in the city of London, this pendant is meticulously detailed and has a small hallmark on its belly, a guarantee of the quality of the precious metals used.
To celebrate the striking colouration of the Friesian horse, this pendant has a rich and sumptuous black rhodium plating. It glistens and glows when it moves, just like our Friesian friends do.
Whether I am out riding or out with loved ones, I wear my Friesian horse pendant all of the time.
If you have a love of Friesian horses, or have a friend who does, this striking pendant will allow you to show your passion for these gentle giants of the equine world.
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