Description of the Friesian horse
The Friesian horse, or Frize for short, is considered the pride of the Dutch. In another way, this horse is called the "Black Pearl", because it has special characteristics and a bright appearance. She is considered one of the most beautiful among the people and is popular with breeders. In the history of the existence of such a breed, there have been both good and bad moments, there was a time when it was even threatened with extinction. Currently, the Frisian variety is doing well, the number of its owners is increasing, almost everyone likes it, although it is considered costly. Noble lines and beauty were introduced from the east and came to Europe.
Friesian horse breed
The appearance of such a horse was formed 700 years ago, but this horse was spoken about a thousand years earlier, only described differently. In ancient times, these were not very beautiful horses, short in stature, but capable of work. Frisian horsemen used them in war, and peasants - during plowing.
The Friesians have a docile and friendly disposition. If desired, Friezes can easily learn and make contact with people. Such horses are not pugnacious and are calm about communicating with different people, but there should be only one owner. Horses have inexhaustible kindness and will suit the same people. Many farmers keep these pets just as favorite animals. But if you look at it, the Friesian horse breed is a harness horse. Now it is being revived and is in demand. Friesians are the only purebred horses in Holland.
History of the origin of the breed
Major conquests, which stretched in Europe for many years, made strong changes in the life of the people, this changed the whole selection and selection of individuals in general. When the tournaments of the knights were held and the carriages of carriages walked, it was necessary that the horse was developed and did not lose mobility and learning in this case. All these signs were in the Frisian horses, which had spread by the 17th century. At that time, on the ice of the Dutch lake there was an exit of the trotting horse species.
Among them, horses often appeared, which had the ability to quickly run at a trot for a long time. Undoubtedly, due to the power and stateliness of the friezes, they could not be called real trotters, but the phrase "Friesian lynx" has forever been fixed in the vocabulary of horse breeders.
However, the time of kings is in the past, it took with it all the attributes. The great Friesian stallion quickly lost fame: the luxurious nobles were replaced by the bourgeoisie, and the people of the lower class needed a good worker who could plow a field and carry a heavy load. The then popular breed was threatened with extinction. Of course, the people in the country understood the value of their purebred breed and created the Friesian horse studbook. It was the first herd book in Holland, it was decided to enter it separately according to the registers of both purebred carriers and carriers of mixed blood.
Revival of the breed
In the course of 20 years, only 3 representatives of the Friesians were included in the real studbook, because of this, the enthusiasts decided to create a special community of fans of Friesian horses. With the help of a well-designed program, the Friezes recovered slowly, but they did not succeed in breaking the signs of practicality in horse breeding. In order to preserve the mares, a beautiful view was sacrificed. The preference was given to strength and endurance, so the limbs became short.
Random changes kept the horses alive for a short time, but the new generation of horses again reached a critical level. Even the intervention of the king's family, who took control of the national treasure, did not help. Only an active interest in equestrian sports saved these horses from extinction. They were in demand precisely because of their majestic character, noble appearance, intelligence and kindness to people.
Breed improvement
In the old days, such individuals looked very rude, because in order to do the work, they needed endurance and strong strong limbs. The harsh climate also dictated its own conditions: a shaggy coat and a thick mane were needed. Over time, the blood of the angular Friezes mixed with the blood of the lightest Celtic horses, this added grace to the breed. Further development proceeded mainly due to the use of the Friezes in military activities: the armor of the knights became more heavy.
The Friezes were strengthened, they could do the work of heavy trucks, while remaining very fast and agile, for which they were extremely appreciated. So the horse's exterior became harmonious.
Subsequently, changes took place in the Middle Ages. Previously used the Arabian and Andalusian breed. But they are riding varieties that could not completely replace the Frieze horse, because their performance and purpose are completely different. But the blood mixture successfully influenced the improvement of the frieze variety.
The Friesians' horses got a graceful look, there was a positive change in gait. The friezes began to move smoothly and briskly. Thanks to mixing with other varieties, the purpose of the breed has improved and changed. Riding mares could be used for transportation.
The Friesian horse had a wonderful ability to adapt and also became more resilient. For a time, such horses were used by aristocrats.
Over time, this variety became popular. The horses were used to transport people and various things, as well as for sports competitions at a trot under the saddle. Due to the production of mechanisms around the world, the importance of equestrian transport has decreased, the number of the breed has been reduced. Only with the help of the heroic efforts of some professionals was it possible to achieve the preservation and restoration of the breed.
Friesian breed appearance
The height at the withers of the Friesian horse ranges from 152 to 162 cm in the side-altars. Such growth at the withers makes this variety very stately. The Friesian breed of mares is elegant, moderately bony. The Frieze horse has a large head, dark, expressive eyes. The neck, even not dependent on highly developed muscles and power, has a rather graceful curve.
The horse is a draft horse, although it has elegance. The body is slightly stretched. The limbs are strong enough. The signs of horses are thick bristles on the limbs that go down to the hooves. Such a feature has collected the common name of this property - frieze. This name was passed on to other breeds of horses. This sign makes the Friesian breed royal.
The skin is visible and very plump, the coat is shiny and short. Also a sign of Friezes is a thick long mane and tail. The hair of this variety is only black. This sign was the result of a crisis situation.Previously, individuals of the Friesians had other suits, therefore, if, for example, a white suit, light or golden, is offered for sale, then perhaps this is not a purebred Friesian individual. Although a photo of such a suit looks very beautiful, thorough research should be carried out before buying.
Pros of the breed
- unpretentious maintenance and care;
- calm character;
- the possibility of using it for various purposes, since the breed is by and large universal.
Using Friezes
There are more than 60 thousand horses of the Friesian variety. All horses are registered in one of the studbook cells at the firm's office, which is located in the city of Drachten. The interest lies in the fact that each section has its own shades of documents, thus, even without knowing the language, one can easily determine the status of the pedigree of a mare or horse. Even this species undergoes the necessary reporting of any crossing, therefore, the born foal of the Friesian breed will be registered. The farmer six months later is obliged to put a chip on each individual.
When running, the Frisians raise their limbs high enough. The horse expends energy, therefore, such individuals are not very suitable for activities in the role of a heavy truck, although they are able to perform such work. It is better to classify these pets as easy-harness varieties. Accordingly, Friesian horses are used in sledding competitions and in dressage. The disposition of such pets is calm and balanced, submissive.
Friesian horses do not show the ardor that is inherent in riding breeds, it is because of this that they are in great demand and are very successful in the circus, as actors on the set of films. They are often used in amateur transportation: they are safe for beginners, and often serve as pets. They do not require special attention, they perfectly tolerate changes in climatic conditions. If you want to choose a good, loving friend, suitable for any job, no doubt you need to acquire such a mare: she will help you in everything.
How much are the Friesian horses
How much is the Friesian horse breed? On average, Friesian horses cost from 500 thousand rubles, despite the fact that the price is practically minimal. In such advertisements from private traders, you can run into scammers, because this is basically how animals are sold without documents. To acquire a thoroughbred and proven breed, a healthy horse, you need to look for an animal from breeders at the most famous stud farms. The price, of course, can vary significantly.
The most expensive are young mares or foals. The price of a Friesian horse may also differ from the location of the selling club. Before choosing an individual, you need to carefully familiarize yourself with it personally and look at its appearance, study reviews about the Friesian horse, know the characteristics of the Friesians, and also watch photos and videos.