“Teir strict registration guidelines give legitimacy to the breed. Tese are not just random Friesian crosses—they are selectively bred Friesian Sporthorses.” Gigha Steinman of River Oaks Farm of Florida also came
primarily from a Warmblood background. “When I bought my first Friesian cross twelve years ago, I didn’t know anything about them,” she admits. “I was so impressed with him, though, that I set out to learn everything I could about crossbreeding Friesians.” Her journey led her to purchase a young Friesian Sporthorse colt named Lexington, who is now an FSA approved breeding stallion competing at FEI level dressage, scoring in the 70s, and has earned Gold Elite status. “I can’t say enough good things about these horses,” says Gigha. Most Friesian Sporthorse owners echo Gigha’s sentiments.
Megan Pifer of Ohio bought her first Friesian Sporthorse last year. “I was thrilled because she was the total package. She had the presence, intelligence, and movement of her Friesian sire, but also the stamina, elasticity, strong back and uphill carriage of her Toroughbred dam,” Megan remarks. Amateur rider Tania Radda of Arizona admits her dressage
instructor was initially skeptical of her choice to buy a young, unstarted Friesian Sporthorse. However, her trainer changed her mind the first time she sat on Tania’s new horse. “She rode him once around the arena and told me that she was no longer mad at me,” Tania recalls. “Her words were ‘this horse is brilliant!’”
Broad Appeal Because Friesian Sporthorses tend to be talented enough for
professionals but with temperaments suitable for amateurs, they appeal to a broad range of riders. Friesian Sporthorses also tend to be pretty horses, and although attractiveness does not correlate to talent, many Friesian Sporthorse owners admit to the appeal of owning a beautiful horse. Robert Labrie stands two FSA Approved Foundation stallions
Othello and Mathijs at his farm Friesians of Majesty in Vermont. He believes that Friesians have much to offer to the development
LEFT TO RIGHT : ➊ Celtics Whisper is an Elite Book Friesian Sport- horse gelding competing at Fourth Level. Owner/rider is Teresa Foster. ➋ Yogi Brusco is an Elite Book Friesian Sporthorse gelding. Owner is Tania Radda and his rider/trainer is Tracey Krajenke. ➌ Miramar, a rare pinto Main Book Friesian Sporthorse mare, is owned by Melanie Cain-Stage.
Photo courtesy John Paul Foster Photo by Mickie Krajenke
of the modern dressage horse. “First, the crosses inherit the fabulous Friesian temperaments,” he states. “And with the elaborate Friesian movement, the cross is perfectly suited for dressage.”
Te Importance of Registry Affiliation Robert also thinks that the selection of a registry is important. “We
chose to associate our stallions with the FSA because they provide strict registration guidelines, breeding approvals and performance recognition programs,” he says. “Our goal is to breed top shelf sport horses, and the FSA has the same goals. Tey are supporting careful, selective and responsible breeding practices to develop the Friesian Sporthorse for the highest levels of competition.” Megan Pifer is also very supportive of the FSA. “I am a
true believer in the Friesian Sporthorse for both amateur and professional riders. Tis organization is very professional and works diligently to create great opportunities for its members.” “I like the fact that the FSA is internationally recognized,
plus it’s the only registry dedicated exclusively to recognizing and promoting the Friesian Sporthorse,” says Friesian Sporthorse breeder Carrie Simmons. “Teir strict registration guidelines give legitimacy to the breed. Tese are not just random Friesian crosses—they are selectively bred Friesian Sporthorses.” Australian breeder Tashlin Hall sums it up nicely when she
says, “I feel lucky to have access to register my horses with the FSA, and I look forward to watching the membership and the popularity of the breed grow in Australia and around the world.”
Growing Popularity Te popularity of the Friesian Sporthorse breed will undoubtedly
continue to grow as more people are exposed to these special horses. Breeders continue to fine-tune their breeding programs, and Friesian Sporthorses continue to prove themselves in competition. At the same time the general public is slowly becoming more aware of the breed and the subtle nuances that differentiate Friesian Sporthorses from the myriad of Friesian crossbreds. Te FSA and its members are proud to be a part of history as they support the development of this extraordinary horse in the 21st century. With the dedication of the FSA behind them, the sky is the limit for Friesian Sporthorses. n
Photo courtesy Melanie Cain-Stage
SPECIAL FRIESIAN SPORTHORSE SECTION Warmbloods Today 49
Friesian Sporthorse Association
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