Friesian Horse

Lisa Selvaggio
By

Lisa Selvaggio

. Reviewed by Kaela Schraer, DVM
Published Feb. 12, 2025
Black Friesian horse standing in a field

vikarus/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

In This Article

Overview

The Friesian horse breed dates back to the Middle Ages in Friesland, a province in the Netherlands. In the past, Friesians were used as war horses and carriage horses. Today, these eye-catching horses are used in equestrian events and films, and also make great family companions.

Here’s what you should know about this breed, from Friesian horse colors and health problems to their temperament and grooming needs.

Friesian Horse Snapshot

  • Height: 15.2–18+ hands (60.8–64 inches)

  • Weight: 1,300+ pounds

  • Lifespan: 16–30 years

  • Colors: Black (includes variations like black bay and dark brown); occasionally chestnut; no white markings except a small star on forehead

Caring for a Friesian Horse

Friesian horses are known for their friendly personality and varied talents. They are usually easy to train and a pleasure to work with. But they can have serious health problems, and they also require more extensive grooming than other breeds because of their leg feathers (long hairs) and thick mane and tail.

Friesian Horse Health Issues

The Friesian horse breed is prone to several health problems because of past inbreeding. Also, the Friesian horse lifespan is, on average, shorter than that of other horse breeds, with some only living around 16 years.

Common health conditions in Friesian horses include:

Aortic Rupture

Aortic rupture can cause sudden death. In Friesians, this usually occurs at the aortic arch, and it’s believed that it may be caused by a connective tissue disorder in this breed.

Sometimes there aren’t any signs, but when symptoms occur, they may include:

Because there’s no treatment, humane euthanasia is performed for horses who experience aortic rupture. 

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a serious condition that Friesian horses can genetically inherit. It causes an excessive amount of spinal fluid to accumulate in the brain, so the horse’s head will be dome-shaped and larger than it should be.

Unfortunately, there is no way to treat hydrocephalus. Foals are usually either stillborn or miscarried. If they are born alive, foals with hydrocephalus exhibit neurological problems that are serious enough that humane euthanasia is the only option.

A genetic test can determine if a horse has the mutation that causes hydrocephalus. Breeders can use this to avoid breeding horses that could pass the condition on to their foals.

Megaesophagus

Megaesophagus occurs when the esophagus is always dilated (enlarged), reducing its ability to move food to the stomach. This condition can be genetically inherited in the Friesian breed, particularly because of their susceptibility to connective tissue abnormalities.

Symptoms of megaesophagus in horses include:

There are ways to manage megaesophagus and prevent the rupture of the esophagus. For example, to help food move through, a horse can be fed slurries and pellets from elevated troughs.

Avoiding the breeding of horses with megaesophagus is the best way to prevent it.

Dwarfism

Friesians can inherit dwarfism. Horses with this condition will have a normal back and head, but their ribs and limbs will be shorter than normal. The fetlock joints in all of their legs will also have hyperextension, which can increase the odds of injuries and cause abnormal gaits.  

Breeders can use genetic testing to determine if their horses are carriers of the mutation that causes dwarfism. By not breeding the carriers, they can reduce the risk of this disorder being passed on to offspring.

What To Feed a Friesian Horse

Friesian horses may gain weight easily, and being overweight or obese can lead to health problems, including issues with the joints and laminitis. So, it’s important to feed these horses a nutritious diet in the right quantities.

As a general rule, you can feed your horse roughly 2% of their body weight in high-quality forage, such as grass hay, each day. For example, a Friesian weighing 1,300 pounds would get about 26 pounds of forage daily.

The amounts and types of foods you should give them can vary based on their health and activity level. For example, Friesians who are more active and need more energy may benefit from grains like wheat, barley, and oats. Talk to your veterinarian about finding the best grain choice suitable for your horse’s needs. 

Friesian horses may gain weight easily, and being overweight or obese can lead to health problems.

Always be sure your horse has clean water that’s easy to access. All horses also need salt daily, whether you give them loose salt or a salt lick.

Your veterinarian can also recommend a vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure your horse gets all of the nutrients they need to thrive. Other supplements, such as fatty acids or joint supplements, might benefit your Friesian depending on their unique needs.

Monitor your horse’s weight to ensure they’re within an appropriate range, and adjust their diet accordingly with the guidance of a veterinarian.

Friesian Horse Disciplines

Friesians are strong, energetic, and versatile horses who can compete in a range of equestrian disciplines, thanks to their varied skills and high-stepping trot.

They make lovely family companions for everyday rides, can be used in farm work, and are fantastic show horses. However, they generally aren’t best for endurance or jumping competitions due to their overall build.

Friesian wearing a dressage bridle
Photo by kondakov/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images via Getty Images

A trained Friesian sport horse can perform in discipline that include:

  • Dressage

  • Driving

  • Hunt and saddle seat

  • Trail riding

  • Pleasure riding

These horses have also been used in entertainment—after all, a black Friesian horse is a sight to behold. They have appeared in films including “The Mask of Zorro,” “Sense and Sensibility,” and “Ladyhawke.”

Friesian Horse Personality and Temperament

Every horse is an individual with their own unique personality, but Friesian horses are generally known for being eager to please, intelligent, easygoing, and friendly.

Friesians are willing horses who don’t mind working and like being active, whether it means taking you for a ride on a trail or helping you win equestrian competitions.  

Well-trained Friesians can be compatible with trainers and riders of all experience levels, including young riders, as long as they are comfortable with such a large horse.

Friesians are typically gentle, affectionate, and enjoy being around people, and you may be surprised by the strong bond you develop with them.

Friesian Horse Training

There are plenty of Friesian horse characteristics that make them wonderful to work with. They’re smart, learn quickly, and are willing to learn and work. Because of their versatility, they can be trained in multiple disciplines, and they look amazing in the show ring once they’ve mastered new talents.

As with any other horse, it’s best to start training a Friesian while they're a foal. This will ensure they are comfortable working with trainers and riders, and they’ll have a strong foundation of following basic cues.

Although the Friesian can quickly acquire new skills, it’s important to train them in a way that won’t overwhelm them. As your horse learns new commands, you can take their training to more advanced levels, without moving too fast. Keep the training sessions positive, and never be harsh with your horse.

Friesian Horse Grooming Guide

Friesian horses have a gorgeously thick mane, long forelock, feathering on the lower legs, and a thick tail.

While these features add to their beauty, they also make grooming a bit more complicated than for other horses, and failing to keep them clean can lead to skin issues.

Once you have a routine in place, though, you should find that grooming your Friesian isn’t too difficult.

Coat Care

To keep your Friesian’s coat clean and smooth, brush them daily with top-quality equine grooming tools. Use brushes like the following to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris from the coat, mane, tail, and feathering:

Many people keep their Friesian’s mane long. To maintain the length you want, pull out the longest hairs rather than trimming the mane, as this will ensure it looks even and natural. Brushing it often will keep it smooth and tangle-free, but be gentle to avoid breakage and damage. Or you can braid it for easier maintenance.

If your horse’s tail gets too long, it might start to touch the ground; use scissors to trim it. This routine will keep it at the right length, reaching to the hock or fetlock, for example. Like the mane, you can also braid the tail.

The thick feathering on each leg can be left alone or trimmed as needed so it doesn’t become too long and messy. You can use scissors or clippers, and you can decide how much you want to cut.

Hoof Care

To care for your Friesian’s hooves, clean them daily with a hoof pick that removes rocks, dirt, and other debris. If you notice any signs of problems, such as injuries or infections, let your veterinarian know.

Hire a professional farrier to examine your horse’s hooves, make sure they’re balanced, and trim them. They can also put the right shoes on your horse depending on which discipline you ride. All of these steps can help reduce the risk of joint and foot problems. 

Friesian Horse FAQs

Where did Friesians get their name?

The Friesian horse breed got its name from the fact that it’s from Friesland in the Netherlands.

How much does a Friesian horse cost?

On average, Friesian horse prices might range from $5,000 to nearly $50,000, depending on factors like location, age, bloodline, and level of training and experience. For example, a black Friesian stallion horse with extensive training and performance experience will be more expensive than a young, untrained horse.

Is a Friesian horse a warmblood?

Yes, the Friesian is a warmblood horse breed.

Are Friesian horses rare?

Yes, the Friesian equine breed is rare, with fewer than 50,000 around the world.


Lisa Selvaggio

WRITTEN BY

Lisa Selvaggio

Freelance Writer


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