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Black
Ask an inspectors of the FPS (Friesch Paarden Stamboek or Friesian Studbook) what a Friesian horse should look like, the first answer would be "Black!" As well as being black, the luxurious mane, tail and "feathers" on the feet are the most important exterior characteristics of the breed.
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Short History
As well as being a very old breed, the Friesian horse has to be seen as the only surviving indigenous breed in the Netherlands.
Originally, the Friesian horse was favoured for military service. Roman historians recorded mounted Friesian troops at Hadrian's wall in around 150 A.D. and Anthony Dent describes the presence of independent Friesian troops at Carlisle in the 4th Century which probably related to mercenaries with Friesian stallions. Dent also mentions that Friesian horses were probably the foundation for the "Old English Black", the ancestor of the Shire horse and of the Fell Pony. The latter shows a remarkable resemblance.
During the 17th Century, Friesian horses were found amongst Spanish breeds at various riding academies where the art of classical riding was practiced. Even then, the Friesian was very much in demand as a carriage horse as well as being a popular high-school dressage horse.
In the course of the 18th and 19th centuries the Friesian horse became restricted to the province of Friesland where the horse was used for pleasure purposes such as trotting races (These, incidentally, are becoming quite popular once again).
Some of these trotting horses were quite famous and almost certainly the Friesian horse was used for breeding Russian Orlov and American trotting horses.
Finally, at the end of the 19th century/beginning of the 20th century the Friesian horse with "the blood of a nobleman and a talent for dancing" had to be used on the farms and compete with heavier horse breeds and more importantly increasing mechanisation of farming activities. This competition almost proved fatal and the breed was al but extinct by 1913 with just 3 stallions remaining in the Studbook. All through the first part of the 20th century the Friesian was on the brink of disappearance from this world. However in the first half of the 1960s the improved economy and thus increased affluence saved the breed.
Through many years of severe selection the movement characteristics are deeply rooted in the genes of the Friesian horse. This also goes for the unique nature of the Friesian horse: lively, intelligent, honest and loyal, always willing to work, but proud like the Friesian people themselves.
Carriage Horse
The Friesian Horse has always been the accepted horse to the funeral profession mainly because of its temperament, presence and colour.
The Harrods Stable operate 8 Friesian horses from their Knightsbridge stables situated under the store in part of the Goods Receiving Bay. 4 horses, for a week at a time, are stabled and worked in London and then return to Mr. Al Fayeds Surrey estate when the other 4 take over.
Studbook
A Friesian horse is one which has an original Registration Certificate issued by "Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek" (established in 1879) from their offices in Drachten, the Netherlands. Registration Certificates issued by any other Breed Society will not be recognised.
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