Now I know some of you have been debating between the Friesian and Friesian Sport Horse breeds and are looking for some advice.
Well saddle up, because I’m gonna break down the difference between these two stunning breeds so you can decide which might be the best fit for you and your lifestyle.
Let me tell you a little story that illustrates the key differences between these two breeds. Last year my friend Jim was looking for a new horse.
He fell in love with the Friesians he saw at a breed show – their presence, that luxurious mane and tail, their fairytale look.
I mean, what’s not to love right? But Jim is an avid trail rider and was afraid a straight up Friesian might not have the stamina he needed.
So I suggested he look into the Friesian Sport Horse, which combines the Friesian’s gorgeous looks with the athleticism of a lighter sport horse breed.
Jim ended up with the perfect sporty Friesian cross named Midnight and has been riding him on trails for over a year now.
Midnight has the energy to go all day but still turns heads with his wavy black mane and tail.
Jim is so happy he went with the Friesian Sport Horse instead of a pure Friesian, because the breed is perfect for his trail riding lifestyle.
So if you want the full on fairytale Friesian look, go with the purebred.
But if you need more athleticism for activities like trail riding, the Friesian Sport Horse is likely the better choice.
Now let’s get into the nitty gritty of each breed…
Table of Contents
Origin and History
The Friesian dates back many centuries to the Middle Ages where it was popular as a warhorse and carriage horse.
The breed originated in the province of Friesland in the northern Netherlands, which is how it got its name.
In the Middle Ages, the Friesian horse was in high demand, prized for its strength, compact body and proud bearing.
Armored knights rode Friesians into battle, using their power and agility to charge, turn quickly and evade attacks. Wealthy nobles hitched them up to pull ornate carriages. The Friesian became an iconic sight travelling the roads of medieval Europe.
By the late 1800s, however, the breed had fallen out of favor as machines replaced horses in war and transportation.
The number of purebred Friesians dwindled dangerously low, almost into extinction. But a group of Dutch breeders stepped in to save the majestic Friesian, rigorously preserving bloodlines and promoting them for driving and dressage. This revival brought the striking black beauties back from the brink.
The Friesian Sport Horse is a much more recent crossbreed that first emerged in the late 20th century.
Breeders started crossing pure Friesians with lighter sport horse breeds like the Thoroughbred, Arabian, and American Saddlebred.
This mix combines the fairytale aesthetics of the Friesian with the athletics and stamina of a sport horse. The resulting Friesian Sport Horses have gained popularity amongst riders looking for both beauty and performance.
Appearance & Coat
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – that mane and tail! Friesians are most famous for their long, wavy black mane and tail which fairytale dreams are made of. Their prized mane and tail grow quickly and can reach the ground if not trimmed.
Competitive Friesian show horses may have their mane and tail hair exceeding 2-3 feet in length! All that hair cascades down the neck and swishes majestically with every step. The Friesian also has wispy feathering on the lower legs which further adds to the dramatic presentation.
Beyond the hair, Friesians have a powerful, muscular body yet refined facial features that give them an imposing but elegant presence.
Their jet black coat color further accentuates their commanding looks. When a Friesian enters the arena or parade ground, they never fail to captivate an audience with their fairytale aura.
Friesian Sport Horses inherit the dark color and wavy locks from their Friesian parent but have a more streamlined, athletic sport horse body. Their mane and tail may not be as abundant as a pure Friesian but still impressive.
Many Friesian Sport Horses exhibit the desired uphill build and square proportions prized in sport horses, allowing them to excel in disciplines requiring speed, agility and scope. But they retain just enough feathering and presence to deliver that fairytale flair.
Temperament and Personality
Friesians are known for their gentle, patient nature. Despite their imposing size and presence, they have a calm and cooperative temperament that makes them very trainable.
This docile, sweet nature also makes them great therapeutic horses for people with special needs. I once gave lessons on a schoolmaster Friesian named Sampson who was so gentle even timid first-time riders felt immediately at ease.
That’s not to say Friesians don’t have spirit – they definitely have presence and pride! But they aren’t hot blooded or quick to spook. Their courage and levelheadedness made them great warhorses back in the day.
Now those qualities make them ideal for fairytale carriage rides, parades, and medieval shows where distractions and crowds abound. With their patient temperament, Friesians take it all in stride.
The cross with a lighter breed gives Friesian Sport Horses more energy and drive. While the Friesian gives them a calm demeanor, the sport horse aspect makes them more forward thinking and enthusiastic about active work.
Friesian Sport Horses tend to be eager partners constantly ready to go. Their upbeat attitude helps them excel across multiple disciplines.
Uses & Abilities
Purebred Friesians are best suited for dressage, pleasure riding, and driving. Their fairytale appearance makes them naturals as show horses – their flashy movement is eye catching in the dressage or driving arena.
Friesians also make ideal parade horses thanks to their steady temperament amid hustle and bustle. And their majestic looks are in high demand for movies, commercials, and other performances needing a fairytale horse.
While pure Friesians have the gentle nature ideal for leisurely riding and light draft work, they don’t have the speed or stamina for intense, high level performance sports. You’re not going to see a Friesian winning any major show jumping or eventing competitions.
Their build is more drafty than athletic. But for pleasure riding down quiet trails or relaxed arena work, their pleasant nature and smooth gaits make them an enjoyable mount.
Friesian Sport Horses inherit better athleticism from their sport horse parent while retaining enough feathering and presence to deliver that fairytale flair.
This makes them talented all-arounders – they can do dressage, jumping, eventing, trail riding, and more. Friesian Sport Horses have the moves to succeed in the dressage or jumping arena but still have the steady temperament to carry novice riders.
Their added athleticism opens up possibilities like eventing, hunting, competitive trail riding, and ranch work. If you need a horse that can do it all both in the show ring and out on the trails, the Friesian Sport Horse is an excellent choice.
Care & Maintenance
That gorgeous Friesian mane and tail don’t care for themselves! Expect to spend time every week washing, conditioning, brushing and braiding all that hair.
Using moisturizing shampoos and conditioners formulated for black coats will help keep their hair healthy, shiny, and manageable. Many Friesian owners also use special detanglers and hair oils to prevent breakage and keep their tresses in top form.
And be prepared to vacuum Friesian hair out of your trailer, tack room, and just about everywhere else on a regular basis.
A Friesian sheds as splendidly as they shine! Daily grooming is a must to keep their coat and feathers gleaming and tangle-free. You’ll go through your share of grooming brushes keeping a Friesian pristine.
Friesian Sport Horses are lower maintenance when it comes to grooming yet still require diligent care. Their lighter sport horse build means less feathering to maintain.
However their hooves and joints in particular may need extra attention to stay sound under demanding performance work. Be sure to keep their hooves properly balanced and shoes in good repair. Joint supplements and vigilant warm-up/cool-down routines will help keep those vulnerable limbs worry-free.
Gaits and Movement
The Friesian is known for its graceful, high-stepping gaits. Their trot is dramatic and eye-catching, with the knees lifting high in an almost exaggerated extension. When a Friesian trots past, you can’t help but stop and watch! Their canter is also smooth and flowing.
This flashy way of moving makes Friesians ideal for classical dressage, where extravagant action is desirable.
However, the tradeoff for those gorgeous gaits is less efficiency over long distances. All that knee action requires more energy.
Friesians tire sooner when travelling lengthy trails compared to a lighter-framed sport horse. So while pleasant for an easy weekend trail ride, their gaits become a limitation during an all-day trek or multi-day camping trip.
Friesian Sport Horses exhibit less high action but greater stamina inherited from their sport horse ancestry.
Their movement is typically lower to the ground with longer strides – not as lofty but better suited for logging serious miles.
While they may lack some of the extravagant action prized in the show ring, Friesian Sport Horses can stay sound and Energetic during demanding activities like competitive trail, endurance riding, and ranch work. Their hybrid vigour allows them to combine supple Friesian gaits with sport horse staying power.
Availability & Cost
Purebred Friesians are relatively rare, with only around 8,000 registered worldwide. Breeding stock and trained adults sell for premium prices, often $10,000 to $50,000 or more. The limited gene pool and intensive care required to produce quality foals contributes to the high price tag. Expenses like artificial insemination and neonatal intensive care quickly add up for Friesian breeders.
The rarity and nobility of the breed also drive up prices – owning a fairytale Friesian is considered a status symbol amongst equine circles.
Demand for movie and show horses further shrinks the pool of specimens available to the public. So those wishing to own this regal breed must have deep pockets in addition to patience and persistence finding one for sale.
Friesian Sport Horses are more readily available and affordable, with many selling from $5,000 to $15,000 on average.
Since they are a crossbreed, no registration or pedigree is required, opening up more diverse breeding opportunities.
Their sport horse ancestry also allows them to reproduce more easily than pure Friesians. However, Friesian Sport Horses possessing exceptional movement, conformation or temperament can still sell for premium prices.
Breed Associations
The Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA) is the main organization representing Friesians and supporting/protecting the breed in the United States and Canada.
FHANA provides services like pedigree records, horse inspections and keuring events (conformation evaluations), and shows offering awards to top Friesians. Members must follow strict breeding practices and trace all horses back to proven bloodlines in the Netherlands. FHANA’s oversight ensures the purity of North American Friesians.
For Friesian Sport Horses, no formal registry or governing body exists. Since Friesian Sport Horses come from mixing different breeds, there are no requirements in terms of pedigree or purity.
However, some warmblood registries like the American Warmblood Society have a special division for Friesian Sport Horse crosses that meet certain conformation and movement criteria.
While not mandatory, registration can enhance marketability and prestige. Owners interested in breeding or showing their Friesian Sport Horse may benefit from association membership and inspections.
Ideal Owner Type
A lover of history and tradition who appreciates the Friesian’s old world nobility and grandeur is an ideal owner for this breed.
Willingness to provide extensive grooming and conscientious care is also a must. Pure Friesians thrive with owners who aren’t in a rush and can spend relaxed time in the barn pampering their fairytale companion. Patience is key too, as Friesians tend to have a slower, methodical nature. They should be treated with respect, not forced into uncomfortable situations that conflict with their calm temperament.
The moderate, jack-of-all-trades abilities of the Friesian Sport Horse make them more suited to goal-oriented riders hoping to excel in competition and recreational activities.
Friesian Sport Horse owners must be in tune with their horse’s athletic needs – regular conditioning exercise, joint supplements, performance-focused hoof care and preventive treatments.
If you love delving into equine sports science and nutrition, the Friesian Sport Horse will fascinate and reward dedicated owners seeking to optimize their partner’s abilities.
Regardless of breed, connecting with a horse is what matters most. But those synced with the essence of the Friesian or Friesian Sport Horse are sure to form an extra special bond.
Health & Conformation
Purebred Friesians face some unique health risks owners should be aware of. The limited gene pool and inbreeding sometimes necessary to preserve bloodlines can result in immunodeficiency disorders.
Foals are also prone to conditions like dwarfism, contracted tendons, and umbilical hernias. Mature Friesians are predisposed to eye issues like uveitis and cataracts. Their striking black coat when combined with feathering also makes them susceptible to skin infections and hoof problems if not meticulously cared for.
The outcrossing of Friesian Sport Horses introduces hybrid vigor that improves overall health and hardiness.
The lighter sport horse build also decreases risk of some orthopedic issues associated with the stocky Friesian frame. But inherited conditions like osteochondrosis still remain a possibility, so buyers should screen prospective parents.
In terms of conformation, Friesians should exhibit power and athleticism blended with style and nobility.
The desired uphill build, broad hips, strong hindquarters and arched neck give Friesians their regal carriage. For Friesian Sport Horses, judges focus more on correct sport horse angles and proportions that facilitate athletic performance.
Friesian vs. Friesian Sport Horse: A Comprehensive Comparison
| Friesian | Friesian Sport Horse | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Netherlands, dates to Middle Ages | Crossbreed developed late 20th century |
| Build | Stocky, powerful, dramatic presence | Lighter, more athletic sport horse frame |
| Height | 15-17 hands | 15-17 hands |
| Temperament | Calm, gentle, docile | Eager, energetic, forward moving |
| Movement | High action, animated gaits | Lower action but greater stamina |
| Coat Color | Jet black | Usually black or dark bay |
| Man and Tail | Long, abundant, flows to the ground | Wavy and long but less profuse |
| Feathering | Profuse hair on lower legs | Moderate feathering |
| Best Disciplines | Dressage, driving, parades | All-around sport horse activities |
| Availability | Rare, limited breeding pool | More readily available |
| Price Range | $10,000 – $50,000+ | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Governing Body | Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA) | No formal registry |
| Grooming Needs | High maintenance coat and feathers | Moderate grooming needs |
| Health Considerations | Some genetic conditions due to limited gene pool | Typically robust health |