The Friesian Horse
Learn About Friesians. Find Your Friesian.                                                                                                                                                  Last updated: 04/03/14
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What Friesian is the right one? When shopping for a Friesian--especially when unfamiliar with the breed--build up reference material by sample riding several of ours. For more info visit the Lesson & Visit pageor e-mail us.

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Anneke is the provider of the simultaneous translation in English at the annual KFPS Stallion Show in Leeuwarden.

On this page we share a simple reference guide to this magnificent breed based on FAQs, which provides a roadmap for informed Friesian shopping. Want to learn more? Join Anneke's Friesians or come visit, see the Membership page and the Lesson/Visit page. Page index below or scroll down.
 
 

The best decision we ever made is to get away from Social Media and the like, yet rather read the Word. It is so peaceful. We encourage people to do the same. We are working hard on the farm and will soon be back in touch with our low-tech newsletter and update this page as well.

 
We are the KFPS interpreters at the annual KFPS Stallion Shows, live & online..
 
Test Rides. When shopping for a Friesian--especially when unfamiliar with the breed--build up reference material by sample riding several of ours. They are all different ages, genders, personalities, ride styles, and training, yet so homogenously KFPS Friesian. No matter what you end up doing; the goal is that you become an informed shopper with our ultimate sample platter. See the Lesson & Visit page.
 
 
 
 
The KFPS Worldwide Studbook
 
The Koninklijke Vereniging 'Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek' (KFPS, www.kfps.nl) was founded in and has been registering Friesian horses since 1879. A brief history of the breed and more on Friesian registries will follow as this page develops. The KFPS is the original studbook, officially recognized as the mother studbook, and not just by far the largest but also the only worldwide studbook. It is a closed studbook, meaning that only purebreds according to the KFPS regulations are registered.
 
Today, more than 40,000 horses are registered worldwide and the studbook has some 13,000 members worldwide. Outside The Netherlands these members are organized in their own national associations, affiliations of KFPS, which operate under KFPS regulations, have local country recognition, and stay in close contact with KFPS. Germany and North America have the largest foreign KFPS affiliates in number of members and horses after The Netherlands but it is exciting to see that the Friesian horse can now be found in just about every country and on every continent, which is celebrated at the annual KFPS stallion show in Leeuwarden, The NL in January, where Anneke's Friesians provides the simultaneous translation in English for the foreign visitors for the KFPS. The associations are represented in the KFPS Member Council. One of their meetings takes place annually at the annual KFPS Friesian stallion show.
 
Most of the Dutch members are also members of breeding chapters that organize many local activities such as regional shows and inspections. These chapters are represented in the Member Council as well. The larger foreign affiliates also have regional chapters. A great example are the chapters of the North American representative www.fhana.com.
 
The KFPS serves as an organization for registering and inspecting the Friesian horse, has pulled the breed through various historic bottlenecks, stewards the breed into the future, and provides information to its members and the public.
 
Much of the Studbook's information is published in the full-color monthly Dutch magazine Phryso to which one can subscribe. We can recommend it even if it is in Dutch. There is a regular Phryso in German and now an annual Phryso publication in English.
 
Be sure to check out the KFPS website www.kfps.nl. It has a wealth of information on inspection results, worldwide affiliations and Dutch chapters, offspring and breeding information, stats on the Studbook's breeding stallions, tools to select a stallion, mare lines, breeding goals, inspection/predicate/testing regulations, and so much more. Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
Beauty & Versatility: Friesian Traits
The Friesian horse is the only breed of horse native to The Netherlands. Already during the dark ages horses of the Friesian type were being described. By applying a consistent policy of breeding, Friesian horses as we know them today still share the specific breed characteristics and therefore similarities with their ancient ancestors. Over the centuries there have been some influences on the breed, such as more refinement by the Spanish breeds. Since 1879 the studbook has been a closed studbook. The KFPS saved the breed various times from the brink of extinction, which had much to do with the demand for horses and the economy and with ever adapting breeding policies it has also guided the breed through the changing times.  
 
Typical for these so-called black pearls is the beautiful front, thick and long mane and tail, feathers, the black color and their powerful, lofty gaits with much action. The well proportioned conformation with a noble head placed on a slightly arched neck is a perfect expression of this breed's elegant appearance and proud stature. Because of the similarities the breed is very recognizable and charismatic. Yet with individual differences there is a Friesian for everyone.
 
A friendly character and intelligence is key for a horse so it can be used for many purposes, especially the one you choose it for. The Friesian is both personable, and a quick study.
 
Its beautiful self-carriage, willingness to work, and eagerness to learn make today's Friesian a highly favored dressage horse. In days gone by they were used as war horses, for high-school dressage, as trotters, coach horses, and on farms as both a fancy horse taking the farmers to church with their sjees (gig) on Sundays and working during the week as agricultural horses. As the demands changed the horses varied lightly, mostly during the agricultural phase in the early 20th century when they were bred downhill for the farm work and when the hotter horses were dismissed once they were just hanging around in the post-war recession and mechanisation. Typical has always been the breed's versatility and adaptability when breeds specifically bred for one purpose only would beat them at a certain discipline and the Friesian could move on, even if it wasn't easy.
 
Versatility creates its own popularity and the time was right a few decades ago. The demand for riding and sport horses that slowly started in the 1970s and has increased tremendously since the 1990s has made the Friesian flourish. Currently very important for the leisure, dressage, and driving demands are long forearms, powerful hind quarters, suppleness in the body, a good neckset, light in the throatlatch, even proportions with good connections and stamina. Two items to pay attention to are definitely to keep the hair and not breed too much lightness in conformation.
 
A small gene pool does come with certain health issues (more--good news--on that later) but these are expertly being managed by the KFPS studbook, although we realize that is a small consolation if such a rare event concerns your horse, which is why in North America with many one-horse owners stories can be taken out of context and start to live their own life.  
 
The Friesian horse is driven with the traditional Frisian gig and show carts in show driving, similar to the Saddlebreds. There are even at times for fun classes for show-driving horses under saddle. Friesian are driven single, as a pair, in tandem, teams or in unicorn. In show driving the Friesians compete against each other in their own sport events. Friesians are also measuring up well when competing against other breeds in combined driving as well as in the dressage-under-saddle ring. No need to tell you how popular these Black Beauties are in dressage these days and how well they score. There are now great efforts underway to continue to increase the number of Friesians showing at the highest levels (it takes money and management to have the breed fully catch up to the traditional warmblood) and ultimately to have a Friesian compete in the Olympics. So far so good! Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
Registration Papers
When purchasing a Friesian horse always make sure you a) receive the studbook paper with it (if the horse comes from The Netherlands it will also have a KFPS passport) and a signed & dated FHANA transfer form as well as sales contract or at least have a sales contract and have the seller send in the studbook paper with transfer form. Technically the seller pays for the transfer fee and sends in the paper and form but depending on the sales agreement negotiated it may also be the buyer. This way you can re-register the horse in your name with paid studbook membership and you have proof of purchase. Be sure to reregister on time to avoid a late fee.
 
The chip number on the document has to correspond with the microchip in the left side of the neck, about 4 inches below the mane, about the middle of the neck, which can be scanned by a vet or if you have your own (possibly intl.) chip reader.
 
On the paper it will state the pedigree, date of birth, breeder, registered owners, any keuring ratings with height at the withers, and the ranking with the KFPS studbook. Read more on the terminology often found on horses' studbook papers/in their predigrees with the ancestors' names under the Predicate& Test header (click).
 
If it concerns a horse in the main registry (that is most common and most desirable) the paper has the colors green, yellow and light gray. If it is a Friesian sired by a German FPZV stallion and registered in the KFPS-D book the paper has yellow, pink and light gray colors. If the horse is sired by an unapproved KFPS stallion with limited breeding rights in B-book I the colors are orange, reddish/brown and light gray. If the horse is sired by an unapproved KFPS stallion and thus is B-book II the colors on the paper are red, blue, and light gray.
It is alaminated paper with a relief stamp of the KFPS studbook. When you join the KFPS affiliate in your country and you reregister the horse in your name you will receive an updated version of the studbook paper with your name on it as the owner.
When breeding the mare registration and stallion registration will determine in what register the foal is registered. Upgrades can only take place in one generation if a lower-grade mare is bred back to a KFPS Studbook stallion (except for BBI mare). Foalbook stallions only receive a breeding permit (annually reviewed) in countries that are underserved by stallions. Foalbook stallions are all stallion not KFPS Studbook approved for breeding (the numbered stallions).
  • KFPS-book mare with KFPS Studbook stallion: KFPS book, KFPS-book mare with approved stallion of KFPS daughter studbook: KFPS-D for FPZV stallions and BBII for other registries, KFPS-book mare with foalbook stallion with breeding permit BBI, KFPS-book mare with foalbook stallion or BBI or BBII stallion: BBII.
  • KFPS-D mare with KFPS Studbook stallion: KFPS book (upgrade in one generation), KFPS-D mare with Approved stallion of KFPS daughter studbook: KFPS-D with FPZV stallion or BBII with stallion from other registry, KFPS-D mare with foalbook stallion with breeding permit: BBI, KFPS-D mare with foalbook stallion or BBI or BBII stallion: BBII.
  • BBI mare with KFPS Studbook stallion: BBI, BBI mare with approved stallion of KFPS daughter studbook BBI (FPZV stallion) or BBII (other registry), BBI mare with foalbook stallion or BBI or BBII stallion: BBII.
  • BBII mare with KFPS Studbook stallion: BBI, BBII mare with approved stallion of KFPS daughter studbook: BBI (FPZV stallion) or BBII (other registry), BBII mare with foalbook stallion with breeding permit: BBII/BBI, BBII mare with foalbook stallion or BBI or BBII stallion: BBII.  Return to top of the page.
 
 
Foal Registration
When you breed a KFPS mare the stallion owner will notify the KFPS. The KFPS wil then provide the stallion manager with a birth-notification form that is sent by the stallion manager to the owner of the mare close to the due date. When the foal is born the foal owner has to fill out and send in the form to the KFPS affiliate or KFPS within two weeks after the birth of the foal with appropriate fees. The owner then receives back a confirmation with microchip kit. Once this has been processed (or after the foal attended its keuring) the owner will receive the foal's laminated KFPS paper. Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
Naming your Friesian
When you register the foal you need to name it. This name can never be changed again, although you can give it a barn/show name. So if you purchased your horse and you do not like its name you can rename it for shows and in the barn but never on the registration paper. You can name it whatever you want; it doesn't have to be a Frisian or Dutch name. If the name is already taken you will get the first letter of your last name behind it. If you have a barn name registered you can give the foal a last name. This year in 2014, the foal names start T, U or V. Every year the studbook works through the next three consecutive letters of the alphabet, except for the year when it finishes up the alphabet with w, x, y, z. So when you see the horse and know its registered name it gets easy to calculate its age. Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
Horse Care & Health

Our Friesians are consistently healthy. Learn from us how easy Friesians are to care for & train with simplicity for over 3 decades. See the Workshop & Events page as well as the Lessons & Visit page.

Plenty of stories go around about the Friesian's health and that they are supposedly stoic and fragile. Although it is true every breed deals with certain issues that are more breed specific and a closed studbook can add to the challenge, we do not agree with these assumptions.
 
Instead of spending time on chatter we recommend becoming actively educated on and contributing to the established KFPS tools and managing the Friesian the way it has been for centuries; sober, reading the breed's subtle cues, and respecting its strong-headed yet gentle-hearted nature.
 
For one we believe most issues are due to management, most notably over-pampering, keeping the horses too fat on a too-rich diet (baroque is not the same as fat), too much & improperly managed stress, mentally overloading the Friesian too young-too fast, not enough knowledge on general daily horse keeping, and treating a horse like a decorative, stuffed toy in a pretty stall.
 
We are no better than anyone else, however, natural, sober, appropriate horse keeping and the statistics of our many years and many Friesians cared for (which started with our sober roots in The Netherlands) continue to prove to be effective even with our Texas challenges (most notably heat, humidity, and sand) and we are dedicated to growing in the strategy.
 
We cover this topic as part of our Friesian clinics (click here for details on our clinics on the home page). See for yourself how we manage our herd successfully.
 
Also there is no other studbook that is as proactive and open, and offers as much advice and many tools to breed & manage responsibly as the KFPS studbook; another reason to breed with approved stallions (see the information in the KFPS Stallion book, click for details).
 
A big part of it also is the KFPS Health Council, which closely works with other studbooks, equine clinics, universities, and owners to address issues. See www.kfps.nl for more information on studbook resources and (affiliated) organizations.
 
An important tip we can give is that when issues do arise to at conclusion have a certified professional draw up a report of findings and treatment, and mail that with a copy of the horse's KFPS paper and any DNA material if applicable to the KFPS Health Council. Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
The Inspection (Keuring)
The KFPS organizes inspections (stamboekkeuringen) throughout The Netherlands during the summer season. KFPS inspection teams also venture out throughout the world to inspect in other countries. Depending on the Friesian population in these countries an inspection (keuring) may take place once a year but could also take place less, like every other year. The studbook plans these foreign days such that the new foals are old enough to be shown.
 
Knowledgeable and dedicated Friesian lovers with the time, aspiration, and ability to judge can apply with KFPS to potentially study to become an apprentice judge, and if selected and trained, they can study and work their way up to ultimately become a judge or if one is really good and experienced an Inspector. This is a very lengthy process!
 
At these studbook inspections foals as well as mares and geldings can be presented for inclusion in the appropriate KFPS registry and/or promotion to a higher level of quality.
 
For stallions three years of age and older separate inspections are held in The Netherlands; the foalbook stallion inspections and the studbook inspections.
 
At the regional breeders' events (fokdagen) held by the Dutch KFPS breeding associations (fokverenigingen) it is also possible to present yearling, 2 year old and older star mares for inspection.
 
In foreign countries all these classes take place at the same inspection event.
 
Breeding-stallion candidates go through three selection rounds in The Netherlands; starting with round 1 in November/December open to stallions as of age 2 1/2, and then round 2 and 3 at the annual KFPS Stallion Show at the WTC Expo in Leeuwarden, The NL each year in January. The chosen ones attend that year's stallion testing (more in a separate paragraph-to-follow). North America is the first country/continent after The Netherlands to have its own stallion testing under KFPS regulations, in California. Stallions selected from the previous year's fall inspections go through the saddle and harness training and testing in January/February in CA.
 
If the average score for the five main characteristic scores (see below) at the bottom of the linear score form is: 7.5 or up, 1st premie, stb ster; 7, 2nd premie, stb ster; 6 to 7, 3rd premie, stb; 6 stb no premie, less than 6 is no promotion, i.e., remains foalbook. More on the predicates in a separate paragraph.
 
Please note: in considering the awarding of premiums the criteria relating to trueness to breed, the walk, and trot carry the most weight over legs & feet and conformation. In addition, a horse with a score of 4 or less for one or more of the five criteria will not be registered in the studbook (remains foalbook), and a horse with a score of unsatisfactory (5 or less) for one or more of the main criteria cannot be entered into the star register even if the total were to be sufficient.
 
After being inspected at a foalbook stallion inspection (in The Netherlands, all the same day overseas) stallions three years and older can either remain foalbook (Vb) or be awarded Ster (vb Ster).
 
At the regional breeders' events (in The Netherlands) foals, yearling fillies, and two year old fillies are eligible for a 1st, 2nd or 3rd premie but may also receive 'no premie.' These classes all take place on the same day outside The Netherlands. Stud colts may be presented for a premie as foals and are then not seen again until age three (or in The NL at age 2 1/2 for stallion selection).
 
Ster and Crown mares and Ster geldings inspected at regional breeders' events in The Netherlands or the same day outside The NL are eligible to be presented for a 1st or 2nd premie but may also receive 'no premie.' Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
Stallion Selection, Stallion Show & Stallion Information
If an owner would like to have their stallion(s) considered for approval as a KFPS approved breeding stallion, they can present them for inspection by the KFPS studbook starting at three years of age abroad and in The Netherlands, as well as in the fall of being 2 1/2 in The Netherlands in Ermelo. Young potential is selected in North America at the annual fall inspections for the following January North American stallion testing in California. Selected stallions may also be flown over to The Netherlands for the continued process.
 
In The Netherlands these young stallions will go through three rounds of inspection. The first in November: assessment of conformation and movement both in hand (on a hard surface/'the street') and at liberty. If selected for the second inspection these stallions are awarded the Ster predicate.
 
If they subsequently pass a semen/x-ray inspection they can attend the second inspection; a second inspection in January at the annual Stallion Show with assessment of conformation and at liberty/in hand in the cage. Followed by a third inspection on the Saturday of the annual January KFPS Stallion Show: conformation and movement in hand. In between also the pedigrees are closely studied with the family tree visited when possible. Vettings are mandatory in between to move forward. The quality of the pedigree and the degree of kinship to the entire Friesian population are part of the overall picture so it may happen that a stallion with a 'flaw' compensated by other factors will go through the testing.
 
The annual KFPS Stallion Show is held every year in January in Leeuwarden in Friesland (usually the second weekend of January) at the WTC Expo and runs three days on Thursday/Friday/Saturday with the second and third selection of the young stallions for that year's spring and fall performance/approval testings, shows for entertainment, clinics for education, meetings with the foreign affiliates, shopping, food & drinks, a great atmosphere, auction of the stallions from the Vitens stallion-raising project, and inspection/presentation of the approved Studbook stallions. The stallions age 13 and older do not have to attend but it's great to see these older gentlemen, often former champions. They all receive a red/white/blue honorary ribbon. The stallions through age 12 have to attend unless there is a veterinary reason. They receive an orange/1st premie ribbon; for several years now the 1st or 2nd premie rating is no longer in use. The stallions are divided in: 13 and older; stallions through age 12 but not in the following classes of 7 years back and earlier. For 2012. registered to breed 2005 and 2006 & approved on offspring. Then the stallions registered but not yet approved on offspring: registered 2006 and 2007; registered 2008; registered 2009; registered 2010; registered 2011. The stallions that were approved based on sport performance & short version of the testing are presented separately in order of year. It used to be that the best 2 of each class through age 12 went to the championship round. New this year was that the older stallions were also included and that out of all the best 2 per class were selected: champion & reserve older stallions (offspring approved, registered 2006 and older), champion & reserve younger stallions (registered 2006 through 2011, not yet offspring approved), then out of those four an overall champion & reserve were selected. Attendance is some 10,000 spectators!
 

Anneke's Friesians is the KFPS interpreter at the annual KFPS Stallion Shows, live & online (click for show details).

 
The stallions that make it through the third inspection in Leeuwarden (with celebration/photo op with owners/breeders for the February Phryso) go through a 10-week Central Performance Testing in Ermelo with training and testing in dressage, show driving, and driving (resulting in three score bars). First the saddle test takes place; if the stallions pass they can continue with the driving tests.
 
If they pass that they are registered in the KFPS Studbook register for stallions, given one Frisian name (so no barn name behind it or a double name, with the occasional exception in history) starting with a letter from their birth year (if possible their own birth name if it is Frisian and not used yet for a breeding-approved stallion ) and a sequential number of approval to breed. A testing report is published each year of the new crop with breeding advice, followed by a foal report on the first crop's inspection results, and then a final report when they go through the testing on offspring. These reports are published annually in KFPS' magazine Phryso and in their Stallion Book. This is a publication in Dutch, however:
 
 
 
 
A young, approved stallion receives a breeding permit for 180 mares a year, not including frozen semen and mares outside the country where it is standing. Once the oldest offspring reach maturity (normally after five breeding seasons) 20 randomly selected offspring are tested in the ABFP offspring testing. Also all the keuring results of its offspring is taken into account. If the offspring show to have a sufficient level of quality based on items such as health, sport ability, conformation, and movement the stallion is then approved on offspring. From that time on the stallion may breed an unlimited number of mares each year. Of course a stallion may then also be disapproved for breeding in case of an unfavorable report. If semen of that stallion is used starting in the year it no longer has a breeding permit, the offspring will be registered in B-book II. Often these disapproved stallions are snapped up by 'other registries.' The approval status does not affect the offspring as they are judged on their own merit. You can therefore see young stallions sired by no-longer-approved stallions in the stallion testing for instance. Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
Choosing a Stallion for a Mare
Choosing the right stallion to breed to a mare is an important decision, to be made with great care. You have to consider how the foal is to be used in the future: dressage, show driving, driving or perhaps a horse with talent for various leisure uses, which includes how form & personality influence function.
 
When selecting a stallion you have to determine which are the weaker points of the mare you wish to improve on (pick only a few) and which strong points you wish to accentuate (the linear score sheet from the keuring is a great tool, see the keuring paragraph) and compare that to the stallion information (another great reason to take offspring to a keuring, see also the KFPS Stallion Book, click) of what a stallion tends to throw.
 
This information may also be accessed on the KFPS website with a selection program and the updates are published every year in the Dutch Phryso. Based on the information you can select the stallion that will most likely provide the greatest improvement and which stallions are available to you based on fresh and frozen semen availability.
 
Another important factor to consider is that since the population of Friesian horses is a closed population with a small gene pool, having gone through various genetic bottlenecks, you have to be careful with inbreeding, although it can at times be used as a tool, called 'line breeding.' The KFPS advises a combination of no more than 5% inbreeding but again, more does not have to be bad. The kinship percentage of a stallion relative to the overall population is also part of the stallion information and is important to consider to aid in using all available bloodlines, even if they still all go back to one foundation sire. Important to look at is to not have the same stallion appear in the foal's first three generations.
 
More detailed breeding /stallion /selection information is shared at our quarterly Friesian clinics. Click here for more information on the home page. Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
The Central Mare Show-Inspection Finals
In The Netherlands in September or October the Central Mare Show/inspection finals takes place.
 
Except for foals, all the mares and geldings (no stallions; they don't receive premies anyway) awarded a 1st premie during that year's inspection season are invited to participate in the KFPS studbook's annual central inspection/central mare show.
 
This conclusion to the inspection season is usually held in October but sometimes in September depending on the schedule. At this event mares three years of age and older are eligible to receive the provisional Crown or (if 7 years of age or older) the provisional Model title. The model predicate is the highest rating on conformation and gait available for mares. Crown distinguishes the highest-scored 1st premie Ster mares in that Ster echelon.
 
The provisional status becomes permanent once the mare completes an IBOP (a test on one day) or ABFP performance test (four weeks long, with evaluations along the way, includes training, finalized by the test) either under saddle or in one of the two driving disciplines (show driving or dressage driving), and if it scores at least 77 points with an average score of 7 for the basic gaits, or if she is awarded the Sport predicate based on her own show achievements.
 
It used to be that the horse has to complete the test within a year after receiving the provisional Crown or Model predicate but that is no longer the case; there is no expiration date. Briefly the age for becoming Model went down from 7 to 4 but it has been back to 7 for a while now to allow for the requirement of having had a foal and being able to show durability.
 
Although few 1st premie geldings come in, they are welcome too. In addition the finals of the KFPS Young Friesian Horses with Dressage Talent as well as the finals of the KFPS Young Friesian Horses with Show-Driving Talent takes place at this event for the mares, geldings, and stallions (dressage ages 4, 5, and 6 and show-driving ages 3, 4, and 5) that qualified from that year's qualifying rounds held throughout The Netherlands for dressage and at the KFPS breeding chapter days throughout The Netherlands. See the kfps website for dates and info.
 
Stallions never go to this inspection finals. Non-approved stallions get either the vb Ster status or no rating (and never a premie) at their own Dutch stallion inspection or through an ABFP test with inspection option, or go through the stallion selection (starting with the first inspection each fall in Ermelo The NL) and if selected far up enough attend with the approved Studbook stallions the annual KFPS Stallion Show in Leeuwarden, The NL in January (click here or scroll up for that paragraph). Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
KFPS Events and Sport Affiliations
Young dressage horses can participate in the Competition for Young Friesian Horses with Dressage Talent. This competition is open to mares, stallions, and gelding ages 4, 5, and 6. In the selection competitions held throughout The Netherlands these horses can qualify to participate in the finals held at the Central Mare Show/Inspection each year in the fall(see above or click here).
 
Young show-driving horses can participate in the Competition for Young Friesian Horses with Show-Driving Talent that is open to mares, stallions, and geldings ages 3, 4, and 5. The qualifying competions are held at the Dutch regional breeders' events (by the KFPS local Dutch chapters), with the finals taking place at the Central Mare Show/Inspection each year in the fall(see above or click here).
 
Check out these websites for KFPS sport affiliates:
 
 
 
Traveling to The Netherlands for the HK
We share tips on traveling to The Netherlands for the stallion show as part of visiting Anneke's Friesians and Membership to Anneke's Friesians, based on our many years of experience, being Dutch nationals, and translating there for the KFPS studbook every year. Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
Predicates, Premies, Linear Scores & IBOP/ABFP
In The Netherlands, the KFPS offers two tests in which Friesian horses can participate: the IBOP and the ABFP tests (only IBOP is available outside The Netherlands on KFPS keuring days). The IBOP test is a one-ride test on one day that is intended to establish in the most objective way possible the suitability of the horse for a certain use (available is: under saddle, driving, show-driving). The ABFP test (includes training and takes several weeks but tests the same) is intended to establish in the most objective way possible the horse's talent as a dressage, driving or show-driving horse (three scores are given with three tests trained for and performed). Usually an ABFP is followed by a studbook inspection for premie/predicate consideration.
 
Friesian horses are also eligible for the KFPS Sport title when they have achieve this level (or equivalent abroad): Dressage Z1 +5 pts., show driving cat I & II honor class and cat III open class, in a single season placeas 6 times as prize winner in the 'green (show) season' of April 15 until October 1. Dressage in harness Z level + 10 pts.
 
For both KFPS and KNHS (Royal Dutch Equestrian Sports Society) it is important to register in advance with which Friesian horse one will be participating. The horse needs to have acquired at least 10 points in class 3 from the time at which an application for the horse has been entered to KFPS and KNHS. These requirements apply to points for sports achievements awarded in The Netherlands. Points for sports achievements awarded outside of The Netherlands will be subject to comparable requirements as assessed by the KFPS inspection team.
 
Other titles you may find in pedigrees are Preferent and Prestatie/Performance. When a stallion has an excellent record of siring offspring that have inherited his positive characteristics he can be given the Preferent status based on a point system. Mares too can be awarded the Preferent status when four of a mare's offspring have received the Ster title or higher or were registered as an approved stallion. If the number becomes 8, the mare is double Preferent, etc. and the number of offspring will be mentioned with the mare's Preferent title on the papers. Geldings never receive the Preferent status. The title of Performance/Prestatie dam is awarded to mares with three or more offspring earning the Sport predicate.
 
More info to follow. Also see the Keuring/Inspection paragraph on this page (click). Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
Buyer Tips
Buyer tips are provided to inquiries as they apply and to Members of Anneke's Friesians to help them connect (click for the Membership page).
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Seller Tips
Seller tips are provided to inquiries as they apply and Members of Anneke's Friesians to help them connect (click for the Membership page). Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
 
The Price of a Friesian
Text soon.
 
 
Midieval / Knights' War Horses
 
People ask us: 'Aren't they the medieval knights' war horses?' No, and maybe. Knights were poor warriors and often did not have a horse at all, lucky to be bravely on foot with some sort of weapon of any kind and probably not an armor either. If for any reason they had/were given access to a horse it was whatever was available and probably the fastest/smallest/most nimble as weight was not the issue. So when studying history in general, warfare, along with the development and history of the Friesian we say it's a 'maybe' at best.  Return to top of the page
 
 
 
Importing
Please visit our Import page by clicking here for import information. Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
Raising & Training the Friesian
Friesians are very easy to raise and train, however, there are some important guidelines to stick by. We cover this topic at our Friesian clinics in detail with hands-on examples.
Of course many general rules apply but we believe the main problem boils down to not allowing them their time; not respecting their smarts, individuality, and determination (true Frisian/Dutch personality traits); starting them too early, not keeping it playful; also don't overwhelm the horse with too much at a time; look at the big picture instead of worrying about/correcting every little thing. Just like Dutch/Frisian people they don't appreciate micro management or too strict of a schedule. Listen, observe, as well as work through items. Watch them flourish when you do, watch them go down the tubes real quick if you don't. Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
Why Choose KFPS
Text soon. Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
Why A Friesian
Text soon.
 
 
Is the Friesian World Fun?
 
Yes and no. We highly doubt it's any different anywhere else, but, we LOVE the Friesian horse, have since childhood and that outweighs how much we also do not enjoy the horse world. The Dutch studbook is high quality, and we want to help those who enjoy what we enjoy. Return to top of the page.
 
 
Crossbreeding
 
Once upon a time the Friesian was truly an endangered breed and the sentiments against crossbreeding certainly stem from that era. Of course that is no longer the case.
 
We are regularly asked why WE do not crossbreed and do not stand our stallion to that end. We are not against crossbreeding, HOWEVER, it is just not of interest to US as we enjoy the purebred. Crossbreeding is random for several generations, takes much more effort than most people can ever imagine for a consistent, good outcome (unless you get randomly lucky), we don't want our name or our stallion's name on unpredictable outcome out of usually poor mares and poor decisions, and the important aspect of raising the offspring is also often left unconsidered. The money we could make is simply not worth it, however, if it is to others I applaud them for doing business.
 
If a Friesian is what you want, you won't get it with a cross but that doesn't mean a cross can't be great in its own right. In short: do whatever makes you happy. It's just not for us. Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
 
'Other' Registries
Text soon. Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
Our Friesian Resume
Please visit the About Us page by clicking here for our Friesian resume & background. Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
Some of Our Favorite Things
We share practical barn, herd & property management as well as time & money saving tips with Members of Anneke's Friesians.
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Quick History of the Breed
Text soon. Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
For More Information & Resources
For additional, in-depth, and the latest (translated) check out the Friesian e-newsletter with benefits (click), as well as the Friesian educational dvds in the Gift Shop (click) and our Friesian clinic: raising, training & showing the Friesian (click) (includes riding our Friesians). Return to top of the page.
 
 
 
Source
We started with a KFPS brochure and adapted/added to the text and headers based on our 31 years of KFPS experience. There is more to come/edit and we are re-incorporating some of our former Friesians-101 info by popular demand.
 
 
 
Photo header: Jorrit 363. Photo by Cally Matherly.
 
 
 
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This site is the creation of webmistress Anneke van den IJssel and was last updated 04/03/14. For feedback on this website please e-mail frisian@earthlink.net. Copyright © 2005-2014 Anneke's Friesians. All rights reserved. Information subject to change without notice. Usage/copying without express written request and permission is prohibited.

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