The Friesian is a horse breed originating in Friesland in the Netherlands. Friesians are graceful and nimble for their size. It is believed that in the old days ancestors of Friesian horses were in great demand as war horses throughout continental Europe. Their size enabled them to carry a knight in armour.
Though the breed nearly became extinct on more than one occasion, the modern day Friesian horse is growing in numbers and popularity, used both in harness and with a saddle. Most recently, the breed is being introduced to the field of dressage.
At the Kathu horse trials/show/dressage/jumping competition, (I don’t know what to call the two day event) I was introduced to the Friesian horse… the shear size and colour had me running to get near for photos… the horse exudes shear power, yet in the hands of this little lady was as gentle as a moon beam on the skin….
It had the most exquisite gait, and pride seemed to shine in its face…
“Look at me with my Knight in shining armour”…..
“and I do as I’m told… such a gentle nudge will have me perform as she wants…”
I only got photos of this horse warming up… but its performance in the ring was brilliant… his head came up and the chest went out … a total look of pride…. oh what a horse….
The Photographic Journey of bulldog. 
Would have been a lot better without the mean bridle
What a beautiful, elegant, stately looking horse. You captured its image well and the grooming details,too.
I don’t know much about horses, so I enjoyed the background you’ve shared on the Friesian. Such a gorgeous animal. This horse looks like he should be leading a parade. He looks like a leader. 🙂
There you have it… that’s what I saw… he’s a leader… good spot…
Clearly you really love animals!
I have a friend who breeds friesians and they really are beautiful horses. Even just standing in the field, they have a regal air about them.
You are so right Joanne… but what lovely horses they are…
What a magnificent animal he is Bulldog. 🙂
What a magnificent, regal animal..and that black shiny coat is simply divine! wow!
I do agree… I got really excited when I saw this horse…. just wish the weather had of been better, I could have taken so many more photos…
Morning Bulldog, you have bowled us ALL over with your Friesian horse posting. Viva horses! I Googled this breed and what a wonderful world opened to me. To think these majestic beauties were used as WAR horses…! Lump in my throat truly. Wow Dianne G, I can imagine your treasured memories of your grandfather’s farm boasting this breed. Sheer magic. 🙂
Yes I envy Dianne the privilege she had of knowing these horses so well…. it is such a proud horse, the power it exudes and the temperament it showed, had me wanting badly just to give it a big hug…
The horse and the rider both look impressive. Very pleasing!
Thanks.
Thank you for the visit and comment…
Hi Bulldog this is doris form the http://miartedoris.wordpress.com/
I have been hacked and cannot go into my blog 😦
this horse is so beautiful, the photos are beautiful like always
take care
Thank you Doris… been missing you…
My grandfather used to have these horses on his farm. You’ve bought back a lot of memories for me here, Rob xxx
How lucky you are Dianne, to have known these horses as if they were your own… I could spend days taking photos of horses like this…
Beautiful. And what big feet!
It was one of the things that caught my eye and you will see a bit of a close up of them in today’s post… I thought maybe it needed some foot work… but it does add to the uniqueness of this breed…
They’re handsome horses.
I love black horses. They are so majestic. Great pics, bulldog. 🙂
Thanks Sylvia…
so beautiful – doesn’t the plaiding of the mane just amaze you – what a job. Beautiful photos Rob – wish we were there to see them too, something majestic about horses, especially on show.
I was intrigued with all the horses hair dos and body markings… a friend who is a breeder, trainer and is going to the Olympics was preparing one of his horses for the show… I couldn’t believe the patterns he can produce on a horses rump with a damp brush…
Been seeing this horse breed mentioned recently and didn’t know their history. Gentle giants. That 3rd picture/horse looks exactly like paintings of horses being ridden by knights. Friesians look like they enjoy performing
Funny when I saw the horse the first time I immediately pictured a Knight on its back… it just has that look about it…
Somehow it’s easier for horses to know who they are than people? (giggles inserted) They are magnificent.
Also my favorite draft horse. When I met my first I too was in awe!
A brilliant horse…
What a beaut!
Isn’t it…
It’s a gorgeous horse…and then there’s that tail again…. 🙂
It’s a beaut
A beautiful horse and first time I’ve heard of that breed. It looks as tall as a Clydesdale but sleeker.
Diana xo
This was a first for me… and am I glad I got to see it too…
Oh my goodness Bulldog sheer magnificence and pride captured in your awesome photos. I personally would name this animal of perfection
KNIGHT. As magnificent as Steven Spielberg’s WAR HORSE. Would love to watch him in his dressage routine. Sigh. 🙂
Thanks Zita… it was pure watching pleasure… what a proud horse…
That is one black beauty! Some horses are just meant to perform. They seem to love the crowd and “play” to the audience. I know, because I’ve seen them do it. They’re just like people in that respect!
Thanks Lorna… this horse was just screaming out “Look at me aren’t I a beauty?”
That’s how you can tell the real “contenders.” Kind of like the Miss America Pageants… 😉
Wow…. what a stunning creature! Just magnificent.
Thanks Jewels.,..
I especially like the jet black colour and flowing tail…he’s a proud looking horse all round.
Thanks Brian… a magnificent animal…
Magnificent creature – just gorgeous 🙂
Thanks Sherri
Fresians are beautiful! Google ‘Lolke’ for pics of one of the best in Holland.
Wow what a Stallion… and the pedigree is attested to by the price of his off spring… thanks for the heads up of Lolke
What a magnificent horse and so sturdy! No wonder they can carry a knight in armour. Wow! I would also prefer a ‘knight’ like that Rob. What a beauty! I love the way they braid their mane hair. It’s just beautiful! Amazing and stunning captures of this gorgeous beauty Rob. Thanks for sharing. 😀
Thanks Sonel… it is a thing of beauty
It’s a beautiful horse indeed and you captured it so nice, Bulldog 🙂 Pawkisses for a Happy Day 🙂
Thank you… it just looked as though it would carry a Knight…