The Howards

Linda and I have been long term horse owners of various breeds.  As I approached my 50th year and my appendix gelding was ageing I started to look for my "last hurrah" horse.  I was always enamored with the Friesian breed for their beauty and sociability, their flowing manes, and their beautiful movement under saddle and in carriage harness.  Hence started the process of looking for my first Friesian, who is Ster, my little filly.

  Today we have a small breeding operation specialized in high quality stermerries which are selectively

bred to qualified approved stallions in Holland and the US.  These foals will be exceptional and of interest to the Friesian breed.  We are breeding to develop exceptional foals not the average Friesian.  Our breedings will lead to the modern day Friesian look which is more refined and forward moving yet retaining the beauty of the Friesian heritage. 

As all of our horses are FHANA/FPS approved you can be assured that our horses meet the highest standard.

Our Friesians will make a valuable addition to your breeding stock or may be your next winning sport horse.

 Friesians are sought after for many disciplines including dressage and carriages.  But possibly you will find, as we did, that you will foremost fall in love with their fine and loving character and their beauty.

 

Friesian History

Although the Friesian of today is considered a warmblood, it is descended from the ancient Equus robustus and still retains many heavy horse characteristics.  Developed in Friesland, (a small province in the Netherlands) the Friesian Horse maintained a size suitable for carrying heavy loads, and was intelligent and light on its feet.  During the Middle Ages, the knights proudly utilized these abilities for wartime purposes.   In times of peace, the Friesian Horse was used for medium draft purposes in town and on the farm.

In the early 1800's, the Friesian Horse was bred to be lighter and faster in order to accommodate the popular trotting races in Europe.  Due to the mechanization of the farms, as well as crossbreeding, the purebred Friesian nearly met with extinction by the end of World War I.

With the one remaining stallion and a few mares, a small group of people from Friesland undertook the challenge to restore the Friesian Horse to its original form.  This resulted in an increase in population that assured the continuation of this magnificent breed.

Originally imported to North America in the 17th Century, the breed was lost here due to crossbreeding.  The Friesian Horse was not introduced again in North America until 1974.  With vowed determination to maintain the purity and standard of the breed, the Friesian Horse Association of North America was formed, working with the Friesian Paarden-Stamboek, the original parent organization in the Netherlands.

 

Friesian Characteristics

The Friesian Horse is very charismatic.  His gentle and willing nature provides a strong base for versatile training and his intelligence leads to a rewarding partnership between horse and owner.  He can be used in many of the different disciplines (dressage, saddle seat, pleasure riding, trail, pleasure driving, combined driving, etc.) as well as, exhibition and light draft work.  His handsome appearance and animated action provide a noble "presence" in any show ring, parade, or simply in your own paddock.

Registered Friesian horses are always black, including all the various hues of black from deep jet black to a bay black.  White markings are not allowed on the body or legs.  They have long, thick flowing manes and tails and pronounced fetlock hair.  The Friesian Horse hold its head high and proud with an arching neck.  The animated gait is natural.  Selective breeding is used to achieve the active hock action and high, extended front leg action.  The body is strong and deep, with a sloping shoulder.  Registered Friesian stallions must be at least 1.60 m (15.3 hands) high at the age of 4, while the females must be 1.5 m (14.3 hands) high.  The females average about 1300 lbs., more for the males.

Please contact us if you would like to know more about our Friesians.  We welcome the opportunity to discuss your requirements.  Also, we frequently travel to Holland where we can acquire horses for your specific needs.