Breed Profile: Friesian

Friesian horses are my favorite breed of horses. They are a stocky draft horse breed, and have short legs and strong feet, and are very muscled, though they are nimble and graceful. They are often used for harness, saddle, and carriage, and are a very athletic breed. They are a naturally flashy breed, and are loving, and expressive, and noble.

The Friesian breed is most often recognized by its black coat color, however, color alone is not the only distinguishing characteristic; Friesians are occasionally chestnut. Friesians rarely have white markings of any kind; most registries allow only a small star on the forehead for purebred registration.

Friesians have long, arched necks and well-chiseled, short-eared, "Spanish-type" heads. They have powerful, sloping shoulders, compact, muscular bodies with strong, sloping hindquarters and low-set tails. Their limbs are comparatively short and strong. A Friesian horse also has a long, thick mane and tail, often wavy, and "feather"—long, silky hair on the lower legs—deliberately left untrimmed. The breed is known for a brisk, high-stepping trot. The Friesian is considered willing, active, and energetic, but also gentle and docile. A Friesian tends to have great presence and to carry itself with elegance. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friesian_horse