Buyer question
Is a Friesian horse good for beginners?
It can be: our Animal Library rates the Friesian horse 3 out of 5 for beginners (kind but health-heavy).
Source: the Friesian horse page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Friesian horse in the Animal Library
The detail
A black, heavily feathered baroque horse from the Netherlands, once a warhorse and later a carriage horse. Friesians are gentle, willing and striking, but the breed has a narrow gene pool and a heavy load of health issues.
- Temperament
- Gentle, willing, people-led
- Best fit
- Driving, dressage, pleasure
- Trainability
- 5 out of 5 (Willing and kind)
- Upkeep
- 5 out of 5 (Feather care, health watch)
- Energy
- 3 out of 5 (Animated, tires sooner)
What to weigh
Friesians live shorter lives on average than most breeds and are prone to feather mites, insulin resistance, megaesophagus and aortic rupture. Vet costs and careful management are part of the deal.