The Friesian horse is the product of a carefully monitored breeding system that routinely evaluates and grades all registered horses. The registry encourages breeding for an ideal Friesian horse. The studbook registry for the Friesian horse was established in 1879 in the Netherlands. To this day, the vast majority of the world’s Friesian horses are registered with the original Dutch registry, Het Friesch Paarden Stamboek (The Friesian Horse Studbook) which is also referred to by its initials, FPS. However within the last decades an additional registry has been established by a group of Friesian owners in Germany. Although the two registries are similar in some ways, they are not identical. Horses cannot be dual-registered and are sometimes not transferable from one registry to the other. FHANA, the Friesian Horse Association of North America, is affiliated with the original Dutch registry and provides services to members on this continent and coordinates between North American Friesian owners and the FPS registry in the Netherlands. Judges come from the Netherlands each fall to evaluate Friesians on this continent. FHS, the Friesian Horse Society, is affiliated with the FPZV, the German registry, and facilitates similar services for its members. The Friesian Horse Studbook is one of the most carefully controlled registries in the world. Crossbreeding is not endorsed by the registry. Only the offspring of Approved Stallions can be entered into the main Studbook registers.
 Stallions must be approved for breeding in order for their offspring to be eligible for registration in the main Studbook. The selection process for breeding approval evaluates the superiority of pedigree as well as the stallion’s movement and conformation. Weeks of further evaluation test the candidate’s quality of gaits, abilities under saddle and in harness, brilliance, temperament and trainability.A stallion’s breeding approval is always conditional but the greatest test comes when his oldest offspring are reach adulthood. At that time his offspring must demonstrate sufficient quality and sport aptitude to prove that the stallion makes a positive impact on the breed. If not, his breeding approval is withdrawn for the future. Standards for breeding approval are extremely high and only a handful of young stallions join the ranks of Approved Stallions each year.
In the fall of their year of birth, Friesian foals are evaluated for a premium ranking, implanted with a microchip for permanent identification and entered into the Foal Book register. 
When mares and geldings reach adulthood they are presented for entry into the Studbook for Mares or the Studbook for Geldings. They must be at least 14.3 hands high, demonstrate the characteristics of the Friesian Horse and must be black with no white markings on the legs or body. The better horses are awarded a premium and the best 25-30% may be awarded Star status based on their movement and conformation. Superior Foal Book stallions—those not approved for breeding—may also receive the Star designation. The very, very best of the Star Mares may be designated as Model. Preferential Mares and Performance Mothers receive their designations due to the superior quality or outstanding athletic achievement of their offspring.
 Friesian horses may be a somewhat greater financial investment than the average riding horse, with prices similar to those for other European warmbloods. A prospective buyer should become familiar with the judging/grading system as well as with the designations of status awarded to certain adult horses. A thorough understanding of the registry system is especially important for buyers who are interested in acquiring a horse for breeding.Prospective buyers should shop around for the horse that best meets their objectives. Sometimes the best horse is not the most expensive one.
 Authoritative information
about the breed and about the registries can be obtained from each registry’s web site at
www.friesianhorsesociety.com
or www.fhana.com. Each web site includes a list of breeders and sellers who can be contacted for information or a sales list.
Clay’s more complex performances with the Friesians have required years of training and are presented under the name Friesians Spectacular. We endeavor to exhibit Friesian horses in ways that showcase their beauty, range of abilities and broad appeal.
Knapp Friesian Foundation, Inc.
|
Friesian Horses are noted for their striking physical appearance. There is truly no other breed similar to the Friesian.
The black color ranges from seal brown to true jet-black but summer sunshine, shedding or sweat can bleach the horses’ coats to a lighter shade. Selective breeding minimizes white markings and white on the body, legs or feet is considered undesirable in breeding horses. The long, thick manes and tails and abundant fetlock hair are traditionally left full and natural, emphasizing these appealing characteristics of the breed. 
The Friesian is an all-around horse with an impressive appearance that guarantees a second look wherever it goes.
The Friesian horse has a long and romantic history. The breed developed many centuries ago in Friesland, in Northwestern Europe, which is now a part of The Netherlands. By the early Middles Ages, the horse was already known by the name of the area in which it originated. Because of their strength and agility Friesians were coveted war horses and they carried knights in the Crusades and into battle.
It’s our goal to acquaint people with the magnificent Friesian horse.
We are fortunate to have Clay Maier, a successful Pleasure Driving competitor and trainer, presenting the Friesian horses to the public. Clay has a life-long background in equestrian disciplines as diverse as four-in-hand carriage driving, professional rodeo and equestrian entertainment. This varied background allows him to present the Friesians in a variety of entertaining ways including driving, under saddle, in long lines and over jumps. 
