The Friesian Horse

From almost extinct to a thriving breed with 70,000 registered horses in more than 80 countries: the Friesian horse has conquered many storms and is more popular than ever. The royal appearance, the friendly, people-oriented character, the versatility in sport… The adaptability of the Friesian horse is limitless. A Love for Life, a love for life. 

(https://kfps.nl/algemene-informatie/)

The Friesian (also Frizian) is a horese breed originating in Friesland, in the Netherlands. Although the conformation of the breed resembles that of a light draught horse, Friesians are graceful and nimble for their size. It is believed that during the Middle Ages, ancestors of Friesian horses were in great demand as was horses throughout continental Europe. Through the Early Middle Ages and High Middle Ages, their size enabled them to carry a knight in armour. In the Late Middle Ages, heavier, draught type animals were needed. Though the breed nearly became extinct on more than one occasion, the modern day Friesian horse is growing in numbers and popularity, used both in harness and under saddle. Most recently, the breed is being introduced to the field of dressage, causing the decline of the draught-type with its sturdy legs and back. 

The Friesian breed is most often recognised by its black coat colour.  The Friesian stands on average about 15.3 hands (63 inches, 160 cm), although it may vary from 14.2 to 17 hands (58 to 68 inches, 147 to 173 cm) at the withers, and mares or geldings must be at least 15.2 hands (62 inches, 157 cm) to qualify for a "star-designation" pedigree.[1] Friesians are judged at an inspection, or keuring, by Dutch judges, who decide whether the horse is worthy of star designation.  The breed has powerful overall conformation and good bone structure, with what is sometimes called a "Baroque" body type. Friesians have long, arched necks and well-chiseled, short-eared, "Spanish-type" heads. They have powerful, sloping shoulders, compact, muscular bodies with strong, sloping hindquarters and low-set tails. Their limbs are comparatively short and strong. A Friesian horse also has a long, thick mane and tail, often wavy, and "feather"—long, silky hair on the lower legs—deliberately left untrimmed. The breed is known for a brisk, high-stepping trot. The Friesian is considered willing, active, and energetic, but also gentle and docile. A Friesian tends to have great presence and to carry itself with elegance.[2] Today, there are two distinct conformation types—the "baroque" type, which has the more robust build of the classical Friesian, and the modern, "sport horse" type, which is finer-boned. Both types are common, though the modern type is currently more popular in the show ring than is the baroque Friesian. However, conformation type is considered less important than correct movement.[3] 

1. "KFPS HOme." Fps-studbook.com. March 19, 2014. Archived from the original on January 28, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
2. "The Austrialian & New Zealand Friesian Horse Society Inc. anzfhs.org.au. Archived from the original on March 9, 2018. Retrieved November 26, 2017. 
3. "The History of Friesians." Friesians Scotland. July 4, 2011. Retrieved November 28, 2017.