Australia and New Zealand Friesian Horse Society (anzfhs.org.au)

The Friesian Horse is always black with a long flowing mane and tail, often to the ground. He carries his noble head on a crested neck. His action is flamboyant and eye-catching. He can be driven, ridden, jumped, likes working on the land or performing in the circus. He is one of the most versatile breeds of the world.

Contrary to wide belief, there are not two types of Friesians in the studbook. The breed standards are consistent and uniform for any horse that is of a proven Freisian mating.

A Friesian stallion

The Friesian is a harmoniously and evenly built horse with a noble head and bright intelligent eyes, small attentive ears, slightly inclining towards each other. A neck that is not to short, slightly bent, a strong back, ending in a croup that is not too short and should not be too slanted. A powerful shoulder that should be long enough and slanting. With long enough ribs that are well-arched, strong legs and feet, a well-developed upper arm and a good position.

Smooth, square, elegant and grand gaits, accentuated by sufficient growth of hair on the lower foot, a nice crest and a nice long tail. In short, a horse with a luxuriant and proud appearance, a great temperament, willingness to work and honest. The height at the shoulder at three years of age of 1.60 metre for a make horse is considered ideal.

The walk should be straight, powerful and supple with sufficient power from the hindquarters; the hindquarters should be swung forward with power. The trot should have a roomy forward action, feet lifted highly, with good power from the hindquarters, the trot should be light footed with a floating movement and enough flexion in the hock. The canter is cheerful and sustained with enough power from the hindquarters and flexion in the hock.