Friesian Sporthorses
An Emerging Breed for the 21st Century
Friesian may become extinct. By 1913 there existed only three purebred Friesian studbook stallions. Steps were taken and registry rules were revised to ensure the future of the purebred Friesian horse, which today is flourishing. Meanwhile, the crossbreeding of Friesians has seen a remark-
T
able resurgence in popularity, especially in the last fifteen years. Much of the earliest crossbreeding was highly experimental, and the goals and motivations of cross breeders varied greatly. Among this group of breeding pioneers were those who admired the characteristics of the Friesian but desired to create a sportier hybrid, and the earliest concept of a Friesian Sporthorse was born. Te goal of Friesian Sporthorse breeding is to
create a quality horse of sport horse type, building on the strengths of the Friesian, but with a greater emphasis on sport potential. Friesian Sporthorses most commonly combine Warmblood and/or Toroughbred blood with that of the Friesian, as this breeding has proven to be the most successful for sport. Te infusion of Warmblood and/or Toroughbred blood most notably tends to consistently improve the overall athleticism and stamina as well as the quality of the canter.
Te Friesian Sporthorse Association As the popularity of sport-bred Friesian crosses
increased, there was a growing demand for an official registry to recognize, document and further develop these sport-bred crosses as a breed. In 2007, after years of planning and preparation, the Friesian Sporthorse Association (FSA) was officially launched. Te FSA is the official registry of the Friesian Sporthorse, and it is the only registry dedicated exclusively to the Friesian Sporthorse. It is also the first and only registry to recognize the Friesian Sporthorse as a developing breed with strict and specific guidelines for breeding and registration.
he crossbreeding of Friesians is a controversial topic in some circles. When the first Friesian registry was formed in 1879 in the Netherlands, crossbreeding was common. Te popularity of the crossbred, however, led to fears that the purebred
By the FSA staff Since its inception, the FSA has grown into an international
registry and registers Friesian Sporthorses from around the world. Registry issues and decisions are handled and voted on by a five-member Advisory Board that represent decades of sport horse experience with Warmbloods and/or Friesians. In 2008 the FSA trademarked the name “Friesian Sporthorse.” Te registry also is internationally recognized and authorized to issue UELNs (Universal Equine Life Numbers) which adds to the legitimacy and recognition of the Friesian Sporthorse as a breed worldwide. Te Friesian Sporthorse is still a relatively small breed with
currently less than five hundred Friesian Sporthorses registered in the world. However, the popularity of the Friesian Sporthorse continues to grow as more people are exposed to the breed and discover the beauty, athleticism, trainability and fun personalities of these horses.
Nico (1996-2010), legendary pinto Friesian Sporthorse. The only pinto Friesian Sporthorse to be fully approved for breeding. Owned by Hidden Promise Sporthorses and ridden by James Koford.
SPECIAL FRIESIAN SPORTHORSE SECTION Warmbloods Today 45
Friesian Sporthorse Association Photo courtesy Hidden Promise Sporthorses
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