The Friesian horse in Ireland
Updated · HorsesalesIreland.com
HorsesalesIreland.com is run by Carrig Mhor Friesian Stud, who have bred Friesians in County Wexford for over twenty years. This is the breed as we know it: what makes a Friesian special, what it is and isn't suited to, and what to check before you buy one.
A short history
The Friesian comes from Friesland in the north of the Netherlands and is one of Europe's oldest breeds, with roots in the medieval war horse and later in the trotting and carriage horses of the Dutch countryside. It very nearly disappeared in the early twentieth century, saved by a handful of breeders, and has since spread worldwide. The breed is governed by the Dutch studbook, the KFPS (Koninklijke Vereniging Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek), which sets the standard and runs the inspections, or keurings, that grade horses.
What a Friesian looks like
Always black, with at most a small star allowed. A long, thick mane and tail, feathering on the lower legs, a high-set, arched neck, a compact, powerful body and a proud, high-stepping trot. Most stand between 15.2hh and 16.2hh. The modern breed has two types: the heavier, more baroque type and the lighter sport type bred with dressage in mind.
Temperament
This is why people fall for them. Friesians are famously gentle, willing and people-oriented, with a quiet, biddable nature that suits amateur riders and families. They tend to be sensitive rather than sharp, and they like a job and a routine. They are not, as a rule, a nervous rider's first choice for galloping across country, but for a rider who wants a kind, striking horse to learn with, they are hard to beat.
What they're good at
- Dressage: the natural cadence and uphill trot make them a pleasure at the lower and middle levels, and the sport type competes higher.
- Driving: the breed's traditional job, and they excel at it, singly and in pairs.
- Leisure and hacking: steady, sociable, and they turn heads on the road.
- Showing and film work: there's a reason every fantasy film has one.
- What they're less suited to: fast work, showjumping at any height, and hunting, where their build and feathering count against them.
Care in the Irish climate
Friesians do well in Ireland, but there are a few things to know. The feathers and the wet go together badly: mud fever is the common complaint, so keep the lower legs dry and clean and consider clipping the feathers in a wet winter. The thick mane and tail need regular attention. They are good doers and can run to fat on good Irish grass, so watch the weight. Like all breeds they carry some hereditary conditions; a reputable breeder will talk to you about them openly, and the KFPS tests stallions.
Buying a Friesian in Ireland
- Ask for the KFPS papers. A registered Friesian has a Dutch passport or an Irish passport with the KFPS pedigree, and may have a grading from a keuring (foal book, studbook, ster, kroon, model). An unregistered black horse with feathers is a different, cheaper thing.
- Ask what the horse has been bred for: the baroque type and the sport type ride differently.
- Have it vetted like any other horse. Ask the vet specifically about the legs and the heart.
- Prices in Ireland run from a few thousand euro for an unregistered or older horse to well into five figures for a graded, schooled, registered mare or gelding. As with any breed, temperament and schooling are what you're paying for.
Common questions
Are Friesians good for beginners?
Generally yes, because of their temperament, provided the horse itself is well-schooled and sensible. Buy the individual, not the breed.
Can a Friesian be any colour other than black?
Pure-bred Friesians are black; a small star is permitted. Chestnut occasionally occurs from a recessive gene and such horses are not accepted for breeding in the main studbook.
Where can I see Friesians for sale in Ireland?
Browse the Other horses category on HorsesalesIreland.com, where Friesians and Friesian crosses are listed, or contact Carrig Mhor Friesian Stud through the About page.