Last Updated on October 4, 2020
The first time I saw a Friesian horse I was visiting the home of a new friend who had just moved into town. I grew up around horses so I was very used to them but her horses were something I had never seen before. They were as black as night and they looked like they had just stepped out of a fairy tale. They were Friesian Horses. If you have ever had the chance to see one in person they are quite a visual treat. It also begs the question, how much do they cost?
General Information on Friesian Horses
Friesian horses are native to Friesland, Holland a province located in the Netherlands. Early they were bay or grey in color. But due to breeding practices they only come in one recognized color black. That color is qualified by 3 recognized shades. Also, with the occasional exception of a star facial marking located on the forehead of the horse.
This breed was reintroduced into North America in 1974. Following a period of time when they were crossbred with other breeds causing North American Friesians to lose their pureblood. There are currently only about 8,000 Friesians in North America.
They are generally used in horse show competitions (because who would not want to show them off), dressage and driving pleasure. Though they are not bred for their jumping ability, you may occasionally see an owner choose to jump their Friesian.
What is the Friesian Horse Price and Ongoing Costs
The cost of purchasing one varies greatly depending on the type of horse you buy. Currently, purebred, pedigree Friesians will set you back anywhere between $7,000 for a yearling to $600,000 for a stallion that has qualifying offspring. This price point is for horses that don’t meet the high breeding qualifications set by the Dutch Friesch Paarden Stamboek.
Ongoing costs for Friesians are much the same as any other horse. They require diets of grasses, hays, and grains. Occasionally they may require supplements at the discretion of your veterinarian. They will also require regular veterinarian, farrier visits.
Factors Affecting Friesian Horse Cost
A lot goes into the purchase price of a Friesian. The Dutch Friesch Paarden Stamboek (aka the KFPS) is the authority on the Friesian pedigree. They are looking to have their pedigree recognized. And their fitness for participation in breeding programs are inspected by the KFPS twice in their lives. Friesian foals looking for KFPS accreditation are entered into a Foal Book until they are reevaluated in adulthood (aged 3 years or older).
During the adulthood evaluation, a horse may earn “premium” or “premie” status they are entered into a Studbook. This premium status’ can be found on the horse’s registration certificate. For more on Friesian horses and their accreditation form the KFPS you can check out the Friesian Horse Association of North America’s website.
On average they live for about 16 years, which is less than the general average life expectancy of other breeds. Training for your Friesian depends on how you plan to spend time with your four-legged beauty. Buying a pedigree horse that is already trained with 1-3 years will run you on average $25,000-$30,000 per horse.
Conclusion
Friesian horses are a majestic, well-regulated breed. Factors affecting the cost of a Friesian horse depends on what you plan to use your Friesian for. Primarily whether or not pedigree and breeding ability is important to you. If you have any questions, comments, feel free to comment below.
Takeaways:
-Costs of a Friesian Horse depends greatly on the breeding quality of the horse.
-The cost of maintaining one is very similar to maintaining most other horses: veterinary care, hoof care, lodging in addition to any costs to have your horse’s breeding fitness determined.
-Friesians are loyal, calm and willing companions. They are great competitors of horse shows, dressage, pleasure driving and jumping.
-The life expectancy of a Friesian is about half that of other horse breeds-approximately 16 years.
-Friesians on average are 15 hands tall and weighs approximately 1300 lbs.
FAQs
How Much Does a Friesian Horse Weigh?
The Friesian horse usually will not weigh over 1400 pounds but there have been a few that have exceeded that weight and weighed up to 1600 pounds.
Fresian horses have a very strong and solid build and have stunning posture.
What is a Friesian Sport Horse?
The Friesian Sport Horse is a Friesian that is crossed with a Thoroughbred, Warmblood, Arabian, or an American Saddlebred.
The offspring must maintain a minimum of 25% Friesian blood to be registered by the Friesian Sport Horse Association.
Currently, these are the only four breeds that can be crossed with the Fresian and be registered with the Friesian Sport Horse Association. The purpose of the Friesian Sport Horse was to produce a suitable horse for a variety of disciplines like jumping, eventing, and dressage.
Why are Friesian Horses So Expensive?
The reason why Friesian horses are more expensive than many other breeds is due to how rare, or how difficult they are to find. In 1970 there were only five Friesian stallions in the world and were considered an endangered animal. The number of Friesian horses is slowly increasing.
In 1991, 800 Friesian horses were in the United States and increased to approximately 2002. Although the number of Friesian horses is continuing to grow they are still considered a rare breed and are considered to be endangered. Friesians’ bloodlines along with the amount and type of training they have will also impact their value.
What Is a Friesian Horse Used For?
Friesian horses were first used as warhorses back in the 4th-century. They were used in battle until the early 20th century and were the preferred horse of knights during the crusades. In the later part of the 20th century, Friesians were used as carriage horses and riding in trotting races.
Frisians are very confident and do not spook easily. They have a very calm and friendly disposition, with a very willing personality. Friesian horses have very durable feet and have a very sturdy build making them a good choice for the trail.
They also have a natural uphill build, fluid movement, and powerful hindquarters. The mental and physical traits of the Friesian horse make them ideal for being used in dressage and for pulling a carriage. Friesians are such amazing carriage horses that a carriage designed exclusively for them.
The physical beauty along with their calm and willing personality makes Fresian horses a very desirable horse to be used in movies and television shows.
What Is the Temperament of a Friesian Horse?
Friesian horses have a very calm personality and are considered to be highly intelligent. At times they can be mischievous and playful, but they are always loyal and loving and they develop very strong attachments to their owners.
Friesan’s maybe a bit stubborn and insecure when they are youngsters, but as they get older they become very solid and confident mounts, and they are very willing and eager to please their owners.
Michael Dehaan is a passionate horse owner, horse rider, and lover of all things equine. He has been around horses since he was a child, and has grown to become an expert in the field. He has owned and ridden a variety of horses of different breeds, and has trained many to compete in shows and competitions. He is an experienced horseman, having worked with and competed many horses, including his own. He is an active member of the equestrian community, participating in events and teaching riding lessons.
