Friesian vs Andalusian / PRE
Friesian or Andalusian / PRE? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Friesian | Andalusian / PRE | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Friesland, Netherlands | Iberian Peninsula, Spain |
| Size | 15–17 hands · 1,200–1,500 lb | 15–16.2 hands · 1,100–1,300 lb |
| Lifespan | 16–20 years | 25–30 years |
| Coat | Black only, heavy feather | Mostly grey, thick mane |
| Temperament | Gentle, willing, people-led | Brave, sensitive, willing |
| Best fit | Driving, dressage, pleasure | Dressage, working equitation |
| Energy | ●●●●● Animated, tires sooner | ●●●●● Animated, collected |
| Trainability | ●●●●● Willing and kind | ●●●●● Quick, eager learner |
| Upkeep | ●●●●● Feather care, health watch | ●●●●● Easy keeper, mane care |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Kind but health-heavy | ●●●●● Sensitive to rider errors |
| Observed price | $5,500 median (370 prices) | $14,000 median (352 prices) |
How they differ
- Energy: about the same (3 of 5 each).
- Trainability: about the same (5 of 5 each).
- Upkeep: the Friesian rates higher than the Andalusian / PRE (5 of 5 vs 3).
- Beginner fit: about the same (3 of 5 each).
The Friesian
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.
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.
The Andalusian / PRE
The Pura Raza Española, a baroque horse from Spain prized for centuries for collection, agility and a proud carriage. PREs are brave, sensitive and quick to learn, and most turn grey with age.
Grey horses carry a high lifetime risk of melanoma, and PREs are prone to insulin resistance and laminitis. Stallions are more common in the breed and are not for novices.
Questions
Is a Friesian or an Andalusian / PRE better for a beginner?
Neither has the edge: both rate 3 of 5 for beginners in our Animal Library. Friesian: Kind but health-heavy. Andalusian / PRE: Sensitive to rider errors.
What is the main difference between a Friesian and an Andalusian / PRE?
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. By contrast, grey horses carry a high lifetime risk of melanoma, and PREs are prone to insulin resistance and laminitis. Stallions are more common in the breed and are not for novices.
Which costs more, a Friesian or an Andalusian / PRE?
On the prices we observed, the Friesian median is $5,500 (370 prices) and the Andalusian / PRE median is $14,000 (352 prices).