Friesian Owners - advice for new horse please

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shmoo

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Hello, my new horse arrived on Sunday. He is totally gorgeous, very hungry and extremely friendly is the best way I can describe him.

I'm very new to Friesians, he's my first. My last horse was an ex-racer so fairly well poles apart.

Any advice specific to the breed more than welcome. Things I've encountered so far:

He's a terror to lead. Huge and knows it. I'm no weedy thing and he dragged me around 10 feet before I got him back. My friend suggested in his bridle for a while and I've got a dually coming mail order so ??? this time of year.

He is a poppet out hacking which is to be his main job with me. He hates puddles with a passion. Tiptoes around them. We have a ford we go through quite often which we did on our first ride Sunday afternoon, he followed the others but was very suspicious.

He's on a kilo of nuts and chaff morning and night, ad lib hay and he's wearing a no neck (don't think I'd find one to fit) lightweight at the moment.

I have a mare & pony he's been eyeballing since arrival despite me being told he was ok out with a mare next door.

I cant think of anything else. He's a lovely big boy.
 
Never had a Friesian but have a friend who does and hers was a nightmare to lead at one time - they certainly know their own strength and he caused marital discord by diving off across her husband's crops on numerous occasions. She resorted to a chiffney until he learnt some manners, then swapped to a dually, and he is now much more polite.

I hadn't handled him for years but I called in at the weekend and then led him the quarter-mile to his field while she took another horse and he was a perfect gentleman in an ordinary headcollar.

Have fun with your lovely big boy!
 
Friesians in many ways are not like Other Horses! I have one who is a charming person, but not - how can I put this politely? - perhaps not the brightest bulb in the chandelier? It is well to remember that they are actually draught horses and can be bargy if you don't MAKE them behave; once they have learned something it will stick forever, it's just getting it installed that can be problematic. Oh, and tend to be greedy/VERY good doers.
 
I got in touch with his seller this morning, who also suggested a chiffney. This wasn't mentioned at all when I was shopping!

I have never used one, and have just read horror story after horror story so we're resorting to his bridle for the immediate, I may hook up an old headpiece to a bit with a curb chain just for leading?? And I have a dually on the way.

He is big, I've been told they were used for logging mainly?? He's ridden in a full cheek copper lozenge snaffle/caveson combo - I used a neck strap first ride which I was so glad I had for the brook as I though he was going to jump it at one stage, then I remembered he doesn't really jump. He stands beautifully even when other ponies are hooning around him which is really important and he stands when I get on - also huge to me as I had an incident a long time ago I don't think I'll ever get over.

He's not built for speed, he's a super comfy safe family horse, just need to get over this leading thing. My last being an ex-racer had impeccable manners. I have to say I do think any animal professionally produced, be that dog or horse does seem to have much better manners??

He has the softest most kissable nose... or is that too weird ? :O)
 
Any thing which is difficult to lead I always use a lunge line, that way if they decide they'd like to get away I can still keep hold of them instead of having a lead rope yanked out of my hands.

I used a chifney on mine when I got him and took it off after 2 months, just needed to assert my dominance and get him used to me being in charge when leading him. Never needed to use it as such but it was enough and he knew what it was. If you do use one leave it high in their mouth, I put mine lower to start with and he just got his tongue over it.
 
No help with the leading but he sounds like you'll have loads of fun together, pics are definately needed!

If you keep struggling with his leading there are plenty of people about who would come out and help you school him on that
 
I've had great success with the dually you need to do the groundwork with him first so he understands the pressure and release aspect. My horse planted when I first put it on because she didn't like it but by the third time she grasped what it was all about. I can lead her easily in any halter now.
 
I would lead with a bridle for the time being but maybe have his head collar on underneath and use two lead ropes one clipped to the head collar and one, through the nearside bit ring, under the chin to the other. Use the rope attached to the headcollar as your primary rope and only use the one attached to the bit when needed. I would reccomend you doing some ground work with him. get him leading politely on command, in a safe, confined space. lots of walk, trot, halt transitions, backing up and lateral movements. He needs to learn that you are in control. And quickly. A friend of mine has a friesian and he's a bit on a pansy out hacking but I'm sure yours will improve with practice. Practice leading and riding over a tarp on the ground, as well as round obscure obstacles to get him more confident in you and scary situations. Good luck! and have fun!
 
Try sending a PM to parker79 on here - she has a friesian she's had from very young that she started herself, i'm sure she'd be really pleased to hear from a fellow friesian friend! Shes not often on here any more but I know her personally so will tell her to perhaps check her inbox :)
 
I have a Friesian x tb. Used to be a right so and so when he was younger and out hacking he was a right wuss He's now coming up 21 and has chilled out. I used a dually for about 3 years of his life mainly because we were on part livery and others had to deal with him, now he follows me like a lamb and doesn't pull at all. Hacking out he is now the confidence given to others and keeps his head where others lose it. Still has the odd moment. He can be grumpy sometimes and is a one to one horse but i found firm but fair was the best way to deal with him. He's very clever not dumb at all and doesn't take long to pick up on things. I also use amigo rugs with neck covers on him as B&J said. Good luck with yours and most of all enjoy. ☺ pics please.
 
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i have a Friesian boy.. stands around the 17hh mark... he is handled in rope halter as he is entire and I am only 5ft 2. I instilled manners in him from day 1... infact at home I barely "need" the halter on him and occaisionally lead him just from his plaited forelock!. I do a little natural horsemanship stuff with him and expect him to behave..... no iffs or butts!
they can be naughty - mainly because their humans have let them get away with murder.. although I love the breed I hate to see them just use their natural giraffe head carriage etc to walk all over everyone/ thing in their way!

face book group - Friesian horse owner uk are a really friendly bunch of people... come and have a look.... we love sharing photos and stories about what our black pearls are getting up to.... and most importantly they are always willing to help..

please do post some pictures....
 
Hi - congrats on your new horse. I've had a young Friesian about two and a half years now and have learnt an awful lot about the importance of boundaries and persistence :).

Some people will say that Friesian's are not that bright - but that's just the impression that they give when they are being stubborn or not listening to you. My girl is very good at understanding where the boundaries lie and subtly pushing them to see what she can get away with. If I start the day by letting her get in my space and move my feet around before long she will be walking over me and generally being extremely rude. So I tend to start off by asking her to back away from me and do a little bit of groundwork.

Never use a chifney, but a control headcollar like a dually with a long leadrope and gloves can be really useful.

If you are not confident with groundwork I would highly recommend investing in a few lessons. The work I've done with confident instructors has taught me a lot.

You have to be willing to teach one thing at a time and be really clear about it even if it takes up the whole time you put aside for riding :(. I had many happy days taking 20 minutes to walk in from the field because I was quietly making her back up everytime she barged me or pulled ahead. But it's been worth every minute when I take her places and get complimented on her ground manners.

I also never hand feed treats as it makes her nippy and pushy, but they do vary. Oh and she doesn't get any hard feed at all despite being ridden most days - just some chaff and a balancer as they really don't need it.
 
Welcome to Friesian ownership!

Some great advice from the other posters re his barging - I can't help there, my big guy follows me round like a puppy, can be led by a child. From my experience they are a wonderful breed. A pleasure to be around. My boy is safe and unflappable, yet flashy and forward - best of both worlds :)

As for the rugs, I've found the only ones which really fit for huge neck and shoulders are the Amigo XL and Weatherbeeta Freestyle.

We need pics! And do keep us updated on your progress.
 
Like all draft horses, they have to know that the handler is in charge, which is down to body language, not strength.

We had a Clydie mare who dragged her 6'+, rugby-playing, novice owner all across the yard at tea-time, 5'6", 9st experienced woman took over and she behaved herself beautifully without any hint of a rush.

I have a draft mare now, who terrified her previous owners but is a teddy bear with us, because she knows that we know what we are doing.

Start as you mean to go on and don't let your horse think that he is in charge. We use rope halters to good effect, if you want one before your dually is likely to arrive, pop along to your local; farm store and get a cow halter.
 
I have a friesian :) She was also exceedingly rude on the ground when I got her, used to stand nigh on top of you, refuse to back up or walk out on the lunge, drag you for a blade of grass etc. Couple of weeks of consistent leading, stopping and backing up on a dually solved it.

You don't need a chiffeny, just consistent firm fair handling. The dually will be great, make sure you have at least a 12 ft line with it though. also Kelly Marks perfect manners book would be a great book for you.

Remember you have your space and he has his - do not let him into yours and do not be goaded into his by him not moving when asked. When you set off to walk ask him to move his feet first, i.e. rope in left hand, horse on your right, take rope in direction you want to go, then you can use your right hand as the 'driving' hand to give added stimulus if needed. Set off once he's moved at least one foot and go with a purpose, no idle dawdling. When you want to halt, stop like you've walked into a wall and expect him to do the same, if he doesnt he hits the rope which will bring the dually into action, if he stops in front of you back him up to correct position. Repeat many times, lots of good boy and stroking when he gets it right - don't treat at this stage as they're so food orientated he will lose focus.

Then you need to start moving his hind end, then front end etc etc

Id lose the kilo of nuts, A its a huge quantity and B theyre a cheap source of feed, better on a decent sup like Pro Hoof in a handful of fast fibre and the ad lib hay. Watch his weight, they get fat v v easily and its a huge strain on their legs and internal organs.
 
Lead in a bridle with the head collar under it .
I would be leading about the yard practising stopping standing and walking on to command .
If the horse is rude halt and make it step back a few steps and stand .
If he gets rude on the way to field take him straight back to the stable and start again , no turn out until polite they soon get the message .
If you are not confident get someone experienced to help you on the ground a few times just to show you the way.
You will sort this , it's a much better issue to have than a horse whose misbehaving when ridden .
Friesians are often a little ' other ' odd if you like but they are still just horses and the same rules apply to all horses apply to them .
 
Welcome to Friesian ownership..please don't use a chiffney...until your dually arrives use a bridle and headcollar. The dually pressure and release technique does work for leading and general ground work. It is very early days and he could be testing you so make sure you are calm and consistent in your boundaries regarding his behaviour. You appear to be feeding a lot of feed - my mare is on grass/hay and a little speedibeet with lo cal balancer and is well covered..they really can get a lot out of a little feed!
 
I got my Friesian boy a year ago when he was three. Beautiful, beautiful horses, but they do need to be taken in hand a bit. My boy was a bit of a nightmare being led when I first got him. I ended up with an Eskadron controller head collar that did the trick - he's a lot better in hand now, but prone to occasional bouts of stubbornness. Some people seem to think they're a bit dim...but I actually think they're very bright - just don't rush them (same with any young horse really) and they are exceptionally friendly and sociable. Easy on the feed, mine has a few fibre nuts and hay - he seems to do very well on that. One massive bonus with them is they're stunningly beautiful to look at - all my lads got to do is bat his eyelashes at me - and I melt!

Enjoy your beautiful Black Pearl!

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE !!
 
I got my Friesian boy a year ago when he was three. Beautiful, beautiful horses, but they do need to be taken in hand a bit. My boy was a bit of a nightmare being led when I first got him. I ended up with an Eskadron controller head collar that did the trick - he's a lot better in hand now, but prone to occasional bouts of stubbornness. Some people seem to think they're a bit dim...but I actually think they're very bright - just don't rush them (same with any young horse really) and they are exceptionally friendly and sociable. Easy on the feed, mine has a few fibre nuts and hay - he seems to do very well on that. One massive bonus with them is they're stunningly beautiful to look at - all my lads got to do is bat his eyelashes at me - and I melt!

Enjoy your beautiful Black Pearl!

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE !!
 
Friesians like rules to follow. When my now 9 year old arrived as a large bolshy three year old he had no manners, simply because he hadnt been taught. Whoever said Friesians aren't intelligent has obviously never owned one, they are the most intelligent horses I have ever had! It only took a week of consistent handling, making him stop and wait at gateways, teaching him to back up on voice command, the key being CONSISTENCY with everything you do. My boy is a huge muscly 16.3 powerhouse, but a child could handle him. He may look terrifying when he is piaffing down the track to come in of a night time, snorting at the wind through the trees (he doesnt like the wind), but my very non-horsy husband would still happily handle him, and wont go anywhere near my antique ex race horse!

I would never use a chifney, they can do so much damage. If you need more control, use a bridle. Remember that many modern Friesians come from sports bloodlines, and can be very sensitive. Start them right, and you will have an incredible horse; start them wrong, and you can have a nervous horse with a ton of muscle whose anxiety can put you in danger.

I have no idea as to your level of experience OP, but dont be afraid to seek some assistance from a decent trainer, preferably one who understands the breed and doesnt try and force them too quickly. Friesians need time, generally more than other types of horse, as they are slow to mature, but they are simply the best when you have them on your side!

Enjoy your horse, please post some photos. Xxxx
 
Hi, I will put some photos up as soon as I find my camera, and remember how to do it.

I have probably not done the best with my starting him off over the holidays. We haven't been anywhere due to being out visiting family and the like. I have the farrier tomorrow morning so it will be a good test. I think he's bored to tears, I was going to lead him in his bridle with his headcollar over the top and a lungeline attached to his bit threaded through? My dually hasn't arrived yet :( Hopefully it will all go to plan. He's only had two other owners, and is 11 so he's probably in shock.

I've been looking at body types and he's a big chunky build so I think he's a baroque? Huge chest neck and bum but bushy feet as someone cut his feathers off! His feet are big, quite upright so I suppose he'll always be ok barefoot? My TB was a real flatfoot but barefoot, he looks as though he'll fare much better. 're the feed, my field mate also said it was way too much, he's on a lot of chaff and around half to a third of the nuts now. I am used to feeding TB s.....

Ok, to be totally honest I'm a little nervous of bringing him in alone tomorrow. The fields are a few mins walk from the yard with no visibility. He doesn't seem unduly interested in the others, but I guess well see. I have one with acute separation anxiety so I always look for something that isn't there. He does seem to respond to voice commands, so I'm going to work on those.

I found the facebook group, I requested to join but not sure where it went, I'm not so good on facebook. And I have no idea how to pm someone on here. Crickey, I am feeling old! Best go find my 7 year old for some help :)
 
I have a 4 year old Friesian x Warmblood. He is currently 16.2hh and has been known to use his strength against me many a time, esp. When I lost confidence. However, he has got better with age and training. I don't think I count in the Friesian world though as mine is black and white lol xx
 
Schmoo have confidence in yourself and project it to your horse. Friesians make you think they are on alert because they have such high head carriage but it is just how they carry themselves - if you approach things in a matter of fact/nothing is going to go wrong way things may just be fine. Have your haynet ready for the farrier visit (my mare started barefoot but is fully shod now as she was taking so much off her feet when we hacked out and was getting footy) and stand calmly with him whilst he is trimmed. I have been known to hide bits of carrot in the haynet for ponies to find when having to stand for farriers. Im sad to hear he has had his feathers trimmed ..no trimming of any hair for him now! Let us know how you get on oh and don't beat yourself up about not doing much with him riding wise - getting to know one another on the ground is valuable...any time spent with him doing anything is valuable..the riding and fun will come.
 
Ok, so he was very keen but well behaved going in, a bit grumpy for my farrier but we got there, a total fidget after but we got through that then we were half way down the field and the neurotic warmblood next door went off like a rocket. I hadn't attached my lungeline so was just in a bridle with a Mahoosive horse lungeing in a 6 foot circle around me. I tried a couple of times to go forwards as I was going to put him in a different field but in the interest of safety and that I was pretty worried I gave up and whipped off his bridle. Probably the worse thing I could do...

Ok. He was sold to me as a family pony, well horse. There is no way my 15 year old daughter could handle him, and I can't let my 7 year old through his field to get to her pony unless he is occupied eating.

I paid a lot of money for him and I'm just unsure. I went through this with my last horse who morphed into a psychotic lunatic a week after I got her. She calmed down but my oh god what have I done thoughts were getting the better of me for quite a long time. I guess I'm there again.

He's very playful, and out alone so as I said yesterday probably bored. I have Kelly Marks book on manners on the way, and still expect my dually any day.

I'm just worried I've made a mistake. I suppose we all (we being the slightly older slightly less confident than some club) have these thoughts. Ill persevere I just thought I'd bought my way out of these kind of issues and have just realised I am naive , its not such a good place to be.

What should I do next?

:(
 
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