What is the history of the Friesian horse?
The story is that Friesians date back to the middle ages where they, by virtue of their strength and robust nature, carried armored knights. Whether that is true or not, it is certain that the Friesian breed dates back for centuries. The line was so popular that cross-breeding became rampant in the 1800 s. Alarmed, the Dutch hastened to outline a Friesian Registry of Friesian horses in the late 1870 s. This registry was created to set rigorous breeding standards and thus preserve this magnificent breed. Still, due to this significant dilution of the breed, Friesians were nearly bred out of existence by 1917. Pure-blooded, and top quality Friesians are now on a comeback, thanks to the Friesian people and their loving and conscientious attention to saving and restoring the breed.
