Adrian Brickley

Agueda Recio Y Alvarez Paula

Agueda Recio Y Alvarez Paula - Brazil

The legend of this magnificent black creature began in a province of the Netherlands once known as "Friesland". Used as a war horse by Friesian armies and as a Crusading Knight`s war steed to the Middle East, the Friesian was known to be a lighter and more refined "draft-type" horse. However, the Friesian is not truly a draft horse. Descended from Equus Robustos and influenced by Iberian horses and Andulusian stock, they developed a refinement and extravagant motion not seen in the heavier breeds before. They flourished in this early time. Because of their popularity and versatility, they were often cross-bred with other horses to improve horse stock and bloodlines. But it was by this cross-breeding that they were almost lost to the world. Another factor that was leading to their demise was the onslaught of the Industrial Revolution, thus making their use as an agricultural horse oblivious.

On May 1, 1879 a group of 20 concerned Friesian breeders met at an inn in Roordahuizum, Friesland to discuss the future of their breed. The outcome of this discussion was the development of "The Friesian Horse Studbook". Shortly after this in the early 1900`s the Friesch Paarden-Stamboek was established to ensure that the Friesian bloodlines remained pure. Even with these measures, the breed was almost extinct. By 1913, only 3 registered studbook stallions remained and even by the late 1950`s less than 500 breeding mares existed. The breed was in dire straits. But through the love of a Nation and people who delighted in the breed, the Friesian began to make a comeback.

In order for a horse to be registered in the Studbook and able to breed, it has to go through a series of Judging`s at different intervals in it`s life. These annual judgings are given by Studbook Representatives who travel from the Netherlands to the United States to evaluate all Friesians. The criteria is rigid and little over 1% of all stallions judged are accepted into the studbook. Presently, there are only 16 registered and approved breeding stallions in the United States and less than 50 exist in the entire world. But the breed is growing in size and popularity!

Physical Characteristics...

bullet Black coat (early in the breed grey and brown coats were recognized as well)

bullet Small white spot allowed on forehead or upper lip but no where else

bullet Head is refined

bullet Pronounced crest

bullet Thick neck with a gentle slope to the shoulder

bullet Overall thick boned

bullet Short cannons

bullet Feathering on leg can range from heavy to sparse. Normal feathering occurs from knees down along the back of the cannon bone and around the ankles and pasterns.

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Thick and solid hooves

Personality...

Known to be quick witted and sharp, Friesians are quick studies of any discipline. Their graceful, light, and agile nature make them natural dressage horses. They are also known to be reliable and obedient horses.



Agueda Recio Y Alvarez Paula