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The Friesian Horse
The Friesian
horse
is noted for its lovable character, intelligence, and easy temperament, they are
most recognizable by their jet-black coats, fluid motion, knee and hock action,
long manes, and feathering around their feet. Most Friesians are between 15.2hh
and 16.2hh. Friesians are always black with only a small white star
permitted. White markings anywhere else is not permitted and will not allow a
horse into the Main Studbook. There is a main studbook for classification of the majority of the breeding stock, There is a Star Registry for mares and geldings of a very high quality, and for mares that are close to flawless there is a Model Registry, which is not only based on conformation and movement, but also the mare must be tested on performance. About 25% to 30% of mares of exceptional conformation and movement are awarded entrance into the star registry. Horses usually need to be re-shown to the Dutch Judges in years following, as few horses are mature enough at three to pass. And there is a B-Book 1 and B-Book 2, as well as a Foalbook, for horses that do not qualify for the Main Studbook. Horses have mandatory inspections, at keurings, with Dutch judges, as weanlings, (for inclusion in the foalbook,) and at three, (for inclusion in the studbook). They are judged on 60% movement and 40% on conformation. Foals may now be included in the foalbook without being presented at a keuring through DNA testing and microchip identification has replaced tongue tattooing. Friesian stallions have such a difficult trial to become breeding stallions that less than 1% of horses that are tried get their permanent breeding approval. If a Friesian stallion is given breeding approval by the FPS, the parent organization for the Friesian Horse Association of North America, (FHANA), it is never allowed to crossbreed with other breeds of horses. There are approximately 84 stallions approved to breed in the world, approximately 20 of those are in the U.S.
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