Books are outlined in more detail on the FSA’s website (
FriesianSporthorseAssociation.com), or registry officials are happy to help determine which book a specific horse may be eligible for. A Certificate of Pedigree (COP) may be issued if a horse
does not meet the criteria for one of the three books but can prove a minimum 25% Friesian heritage. Friesian Sporthorse stallions and mares are approved
for breeding after meeting certain performance and/or inspection requirements as well as meeting the strict pedigree requirements. Additionally, mares may be awarded Star and/ or Preferred Mare status based on their exceptional quality and achievements and that of their offspring. All Friesian Sporthorses (including geldings) are eligible to
earn Elite Book status at the following levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Elite Book status is earned via performance and may be achieved at dressage, combined driving or eventing performance. (Bronze Elite Book status may also be achieved by meeting a minimum inspection or in-hand score.) Te criteria are tougher for each level of recognition. Tere are no age limits or special pedigree requirements for horses to be eligible to earn Elite Book status; it is entirely performance based and open to all FSA registered horses.
Ducati CH, a Friesian Sporthorse gelding competing at Grand Prix with owner/trainer Brooke Cramton.
Registry Goals and Structure Te FSA aims to encourage, document and recognize the
breeding of Friesian Sporthorses worldwide. Te structure and registration guidelines of the FSA were heavily influenced by established sport horse and Warmblood breeding practices. Te FSA’s heavy emphasis on sport is reflected in the
strict guidelines of both the Main and Auxiliary Books. Te previous success (and lack thereof) of crossbreeding certain breeds with the Friesian was carefully examined, and much consideration was also given to the unique characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of the Friesian. An incredible amount of thought, planning and discussion went into establishing the registration guidelines for Friesian Sporthorses. Friesian Sporthorses must have at least 25% Friesian
blood. Initial registration is divided into Main Book, Auxiliary Book and Foundation Book as determined by a minimum three generation pedigree. Te Foundation Book is for purebred Friesian stallions and mares which are being used for crossbreeding. Te Main Book is for horses which are at least 25% Friesian, combined with up to 75% Warmblood, Toroughbred, Iberian, and/or Georgian Grande. Te Auxiliary Book is a little bit more open, allowing limited percentages of Saddlebred, draft, or Arabian blood (but not all three). Te specifics of the Main and Auxiliary
46 July/August 2012
Friesian Sporthorse Characteristics Friesian Sporthorses are generally of a middle weight sport or
Baroque type, often with the higher and more arched neck set of the Friesian. Tey frequently have the thicker mane, tail,
Hanover Cangaaro, ridden by Rachel Haase, owned by Bama Rogers / Hanover Farm, is the first Friesian Sporthorse to earn Elite Book status via eventing.
Photo courtesy Bama Rogers
Photo (also with article title) courtesy Brooke Cramton
Friesian Sporthorse Association
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