Friesian horse

The Friesian horse, the Friesian is a breed of horses with a black color, bred in Friesland, a province in the north of the Netherlands, Known under the figurative name as the "black gold" of Holland. It is considered one of the oldest breeds in Europe. The breed was formed by crossing with oriental and Spanish (Andalusian) horses. Although the breed resembles a light draft horse in appearance, the Frisians are graceful and agile for their size. In the Middle Ages, it was used to transport knights, later as a draft breed and at races. Participated in the breeding of new breeds of horses. In modern times, it is used both in harness and in riding (in particular, in such a discipline as dressage). Representatives of this breed have repeatedly participated in film and televisiThe Friesian horse is considered one of the oldest breeds in Europe; according to some sources, it originates from the northern Dutch province of Friesland (Netherlands Friesland). Some researchers consider it to be a descendant of a wilEuropean forest horse that lived in the periglacial forest-tundra[1]. According to some reports, written reports about the Frisian breed date back to the middle of the 13th cenury [2]. During the Middle Ages, due to its strength and endurance, it was used by knights[3]. It is believed that the breed was formed by crossing with oriental (Arab) horses, which took plac

e during the era of the Crusades [1According to other reports, the modern breed was bred in the 16th-17th centuries by crossing Spanish (Andalusian) horses with a local heavy "cold-blooded" breed, which took place during the occupation of the Netherlands by Spain [4]. The combination of the qualities of the Andalusian and Dutch horses led to the fact that "the neck of the Frisians became thinner, the muzzle was more elegant, the legs and body were thinner, but all this did not take away their power from the Frisians"[3]. There is a point of view that the modern type of horse was formed by the end of the 16th century, as this is indicated by the image of horses in the ceremonial portraits of the European aristocracy, similar in appearance to friezes [5]. Due to the loss of the need to use such troops as knightly cavalry, the Frisian breed was retrained as a draft breed, used in horse-drawn carriages in noble carriages. Later it was used in horse races and races, in breeding trotter breeds of horses [3]. In the West, these horses are known under the figurative name "black pearls", "black gold"[6]. This is primarily due to the fact that they are recognized as one of the most beautiful and original draft breeds in the world[7]. The literature on this subject noted: “The elegant appearance and characteristic shiny black color make the display of harnesses of Friesian horses especially popular at horse shows and other spectacles in Holland”[1]. Friesian horses were twice on the verge of extinction, as they were mixed with other breeds, but were saved by Dutch horse breeders. In 1879, a stud book for the Friesian breed (Paardenstamboek) was created by a group of local horse breeders. In 1907, she received the name Friesch Paarden Stamboek (FPS), and in 1952 she was awarded the title - "Royal" (KFPS) [8]. Another threat was associated with the active use in the twentieth century of mechanization of processes and the spread of cars [3]. Since the beginning of the 1960s, when it was possible to change the situation for the better, nothing threatened the existence of the breed [5]. The Frisians took part in the creation of several breeds of horses (Oldenburg, Shire, Fell, Dale pony, Morgan's horse, Orlov trotter)[9][10][3].

In 1823, King Willem I of the Netherlands established an annual Frisian race called "King's Whip Day", the winner of which was awarded a golden whip. In 1985, Frisians joined the Royal Stables. Friezes were among the six horses harnessed to the Royal Carriage at the opening ceremony of the World Equestrian Games in The Hague in 1994[7]. In Friesland itself, the breed occupies about 50% of the world's quantity. The second half of the Friesian breed is represented in the rest of the country, as well as in Germany, France, Switzerland, the USA and some other countОписание

Measurements: the height at the withers of the stallions starts at about 152 cm and reaches 162[4][1], the height of the mares is not lower than 150 cm.

Gait

Color: Exclusively black. Of the marks, only an asterisk with a diameter of not more than 30 mm is allowed for mares. Stallions are not allowed to be marked.

Appearance[en]: Frize is not a very large, bony, but elegant horse, somewhat high-legged, with a pronounced draft warehouse. The Frisians have a rough, loose constitution. The body is wide and deep, but slightly stretched, the back is long and often soft. The friability of the constitution is concealed by the high protrusion of the neck and the elongation of the forms. The neck of the frieze is with a beautiful slight bend, set very high, and the head is large, long, with an almost straight profile and long, strict ears. The most memorable feature of the Friesian horse is the very long and thick brushes that cover the bony powerful legs from the hock and carpal joint and fall on large black hooves (the so-called friezes). Thick, long, wavy manes and tails require extra care, as the hair can become tangled and unsightly

The breed cultivates the so-called "carriage move" - ​​when the horse's legs at a trot move in a large circular amplitude with a loss of speed on smooth ground, but with the least physical effort on deep, soft ground (snow, sand). Often, owners seek to improve the natural movement of their horses by using the Friesian harness, a device made of ropes and blocks that connects the snaffle to each leg of the horse, in training.

Friezes are famous for their easy learning, human orientation, and convenience in everyday life. Most often they have soft gaits for the rider. However, professional driving athletes prefer to use more intelligent breeds.

Friesian horses have an energetic temperament, they are quite calm and balanced. They are not disturbed by large crowds of people, they remain unshakable at the sound of loud music, therefore they are often used at festive events and holidays[12]. Recently used in dressage, where they are valued for colorful movements, "wide" rTypes.

The breed, which has undergone a long selection, is currently divided according to the exterior into three main types.

Friezes are famous for their easy learning, human orientation, and convenience in everyday life. Most often they have soft gaits for the rider. However, professional driving athletes prefer to use more intelligent breeds.

Friesian horses have an energetic temperament, they are quite calm and balanced. They are not disturbed by large crowds of people, they remain unshakable at the sound of loud music, therefore they are often used at festive events and holidays[12]. Recently used in dressage, where they are valued for colorful movements, "wide" rTypes.

The breed, which has undergone a long selection, is currently divided according to the exterior into three main types [13]:

The breed cultivates the so-called "carriage move" - ​​when the horse's legs at a trot move in a large circular amplitude with a loss of speed on smooth ground, but with the least physical effort on deep, soft ground (snow, sand). Often, owners seek to improve the natural movement of their horses by using the Friesian harness, a device made of ropes and blocks that connects the snaffle to each leg of the horse, in training.

Friezes are famous for their easy learning, human orientation, and convenience in everyday life. Most often they have soft gaits for the rider. However, professional driving athletes prefer to use more intelligent breeds.

Friesian horses have an energetic temperament, they are quite calm and balanced. They are not disturbed by large crowds of people, they remain unshakable at the sound of loud music, therefore they are often used at festive events and holidays. Recently used in dressage, where they are valued for colorful movements, "wide" rTypes.

The breed, which has undergone a long selection, is currently divided according to the exterior into three main types:

"Baroque". This type is ancient, the friezes of this type have retained almost all the main features of their ancestors. The baroque frieze has a magnificent thick mane and tail, a high gait, a clear, expressive gait. As a rule, these horses are the successors of old pedigree lines.

Modern type. Horses of this type are not as “powerful” as the “baroque” Frisians, at the same time they are more massive than representatives of the modern sports type.Sports type. The sports-type frieze has practically no “classic” massiveness, however, it wins in growth, while maintaining the color and gaits. The sports frieze has a short and strong back, the shoulder is long and deep, the croup is lowered. A feature of horses of this type is a relatively small volume of lungs, which is why such friezes are not suitable for high-speed races and jump tests, even being in the light category .

To date, the Frisians are more of a decorative breed of horses. They are suitable for only one sports discipline - driving, but they do not have enough fans in it. Basically, these horses are used for photo shoots and in ceremonial carriages.

In May 2016, the British media named the most beautiful horse in the world a stallion nicknamed Frederick the Great, who lives in the United States.

In art

The blue-black Friesian horses were as big as Langdon had ever seen. These very large and stunningly beautiful horses trotted across the field, demonstrating their relief muscles. Thick hair covered powerful legs falling on huge black hooves, and long manes fluttered.