Friesians - would you recommend?

PeanutButterDragon

PeanutButterDragon

Well-Known Member
Joined
7 June 2008
Messages
6,006
Visit site
A friend has just put her gelding up for sale as despite the fact he is honest and fit for purpose, they just haven't gelled. She has mentioned she'd like to go and have a look at a Friesian gelding she has seen advertised. In all honesty I know nothing about the breed besides their dressage ability; she is after something to do low level BD and unaff ODEs, basically RC type activities. Would a Friesian be suitable?
 
Should be fine but they can be quite stubborn at times. I wouldn't stand by their jumping ability though. (I'm sure there are others that will tell me they jump like stags now though
blush.gif
)
 
They mature late. ANd can be quite stubborn.

My wife loves them, she worked witha few stallions and got grief from half of them and the other half behaved like perfect gentlemen. As long as your friend can 'be the boss' as it were then she should be fine with them
smile.gif


there is tale of them being able to jump but i think they do it quite poorly and without grace... if you go to youtube and put in jumping friesian you will see what i mean
laugh.gif
 
the ones I have had contact with seem to be either end of the scale, either very well behaved perfect horse type or total nutter, with attitude to match.
 
i have two friesians

friesians can jump but i was told that excessive jumping can damage there tendons etc there not like any other breed that can jump ,i dont know if there much truth in this but they are very much dressage and driving horses
and as said they are late matures
but every horse is different so you cant compare so i would go along and see
 
I would recommend she go and look at them, as they are generally eye catching, good movers and very loyal. Of course, as with any breed, you will get some that don't live up to the reputation, but of those I have seen, I have only seen one that I turned round straight away and walked away from ( very poorly put together).

I have recently purchased my second Friesian, but it took me three trips to Holland, after a couple of disappointing visits in the UK, to find my lovely lad. If your friend is serious about buying one, it is so worthwhile doing some homework, contacting reputable Friesian breeders in Holland, and going out to visit. I have yet to find anyone in the UK who is selling what I would call decent stock. Some of them claim that the horse are registered Friesians, but in fact they are not, and one in particular claims a great deal about her stallion, but the horse is not eligible to have his offspring registered! Buyer beware!

With my previous Friesian, I competed extremely successfully in a diverse range of events, from dressage to showing to Private Driving to happy hacking and sponsored rides, and in regard to jumping, my lad won a Hunter Trial over a 3'6" course, and in some style! SO, they CAN jump, but are not generally purchased as jumping horses.

Your friend would do well to contact FHAGBI, the Friesian Horse Association of Great Britain and Ireland, who are affiliated to the FPS (Friese Paarden Stamboek) for some further buying advice and Dutch contacts.

If she gets a good 'un, she will have an incredible friend for life who will turn heads wherever she takes him/her.
 
I would recommend your friend looks at quite a few friesians first to get a feel for the breed. They seem to mature late and can be very stubborn. Although a very nice breed they are very hard work and not easy!

We have one at our yard at the moment and he is stunning. He has come on a long way since he arrived but he is six and very immature. He is a real character but just very hard work.

I think your friend should think long and hard before making a decision. They are great for dressage tho.
 
Just to add, I have never found them "hard work". I have found them to be very bright, extremely quick (and willing) to learn, and a joy to handle, but then I make sure that my horses have manners and I won't tolerate any nonsense (this applies to ALL of my horses, not just the Friesians!).

I have certainly never found them stubborn.
 
ive never really rated them but my yo has a lovely mare, she more the modern type, fully fps registered and has also breed a stunning colt (she was imported from holland)

so far shes hunted, showjumped and doing an ode this week, shes one of the most genuine horses ive come across for a while, nothing stubborn about her.

if i didnt have a new lad, id be having her.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top