The foundation of the modern Friesian seems to have made its appearance in the early 16th Century. During the Dutch Independence War against Spain, it is believed that the Spanish Andalusian horse was mixed into the Friesian bloodlines influencing development of today’s Friesian. References to the Friesian as a war horse in this period are well documented, as is its presence in the stables of the nobility of Europe, including the Hungarian King Louis II, Don Juan of Austria and Prince George William of Prussia.

As the Friesian made its way across Europe there is every indication that its bloodlines also influenced the Fell Pony, the Dales Pony, and the English Black, among others. There is evidence that the Friesian made its presence felt in New Amsterdam (New York), North America as early as 1625 and that it may also have played a role in the development of the Morgan horse.

The Friesian became more favored as a carriage horse and trotter as opposed to a war horse during the Eighteenth Century. However, as other breeds became more available moving into the Nineteenth century, the Friesian lost its utility as a trotter and the breed came close to extinction.

All modern Friesians can trace their bloodlines back to 1913 and the stallion Paulus. Paulus’s bloodlines in turn can be traced back to Nemo, born in 1885. Paulus’s progeny gave rise to the three foundation bloodlines of all modern Friesians: Tetman, Age, and Ritske.

In the 1960’s, the Friesian horse was again threatened with extinction. Due to the rising interest in combined driving competition, and dressage sport in the 1970’s , the Friesian horse again emerged throughout the world.

The demand for this unique breed in a multitude of disciplines increased, and the Friesian horse has come forth again to enter the world of equestrian sport increasing its' world numbers to 40,000 at the onset of the 21st century.

In 2001, the International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA), a California non-profit corporation, was created and dedicated to the promotion, showing and exhibition of the Friesian Horse and its derivatives. Our sole purpose is to provide a USEF-rated show circuit for the Friesian horse, to help ensure competitive consistency for exhibitors and competitors, whether amateur or professional. Every horse with Friesian blood should be able to connect with and preserve their authentic Dutch heritage. IFSHA intends to reach out to all people with Friesian-bred horses and bring them together to protect, promote and establish a harmonious show community. 

For more information contact:

International Friesian Show Horse Association
http://www.friesianshowhorse.com/
1623 Tome Highway
Port Deposit, MD 21904
By email: ifsha@friesianshowhorse.com
By phone: (410) 658-4932
By FAX: (410) 658-2213

IFSHA's Competition Rules