Horse
Breed Description:
The Friesian Sporthorse breed of horse is a Friesian crossbred of the sport horse type and is bred with the goal of exceptional performance in the sport horse disciplines. (Note that the term "Friesian Sport Horse" is interpreted as a generic all-inclusive term to describe any Friesian Cross horse.) Different Friesian Sporthorse registries view the horse in different ways and have different standards that define what it means to be a Friesian Sporthouse. One registry regards Friesian Sporthorses as a breed, with strict breeding requirements in addition to performance standards. For this registry, Friesians are crossbred primarily with warmbloods and Thoroughbreds, although limited percentages of American Saddlebred, draft, Arabian, Morgan, and certain Paint bloodlines may be accepted into lower books. Other registries, operating with the view that "sporthorse" is a type, impose performance requirements instead of breeding standards. Regardless of approach, the goal of the registries is to produce horses well-suited to driving, jumping, eventing, and dressage. Most registries also agree that the Friesian Sporthorse breed of horse must have at least 25% Friesian blood in order to be considered a Friesian Sporthorse. Because the existence of 25% Friesian blood is the sole breeding requirement with respect to bloodlines, the Friesian Sporthorse breed of horse has wider variations in terms of characteristics than do many other breeds. For example, Friesian Sporthorses can come in a variety of colors and sizes, with no limitations on acceptable colors or markings. Their body type can range from a lighter and finer sport horse build to a heavier build. However, many exhibit the arched neck, even temperament, and noble appearance of the Friesian. The addition of warmbloods, in particular, gives Friesian Sporthorses an increased athleticism and stamina.
Temperament:
The temperament of the Friesian Sporthorse breed of horse is generally even and pleasant.
Height:
The Friesian Sporthorse breed of horse has widely varying height from horse to horse.
Weight:
The weight of the Friesian Sporthorse beed of horse varies widely from horse to horse.
Health Problems:
As a hybrid, the Friesian Sporthorse breed of horse is considered hardier and more resilient than a purebred.
Origin:
The Friesian Sporthorse breed of horse originated initially in Germany and the Netherlands, but its ongoing development has occurred primarily in the United States, Canada, and Germany since the late 1900s.
Friesians have been crossbred since the 1800s. In 1879, the Friesian registry created a separate book for registration of Friesian crossbreeds. However, by 1907, crossbreeding had become so common that the rules were changed and the two books were combined into one. In 1915, two books were again created, as breeders were concerned that the purebred Friesian might become extinct. Eventually, two separate Friesian registries were created: the Dutch and the German. Today, the Dutch Friesian registry (Friese Paarden Stamboek or FPS) and its American counterpart (Friesian Horse Association North America or FHANA) do not allow crossbreeding. However, the German Friesian registry (Friesenpferde Zuchtverband e. V. or FPZV) and its American counterpart (FPZV USA) do allow crossbreeding.
As the popularity of the Friesian crossbreds continues to rise, new independent registries have been formed specifically to register and recognize the Friesian Sporthorse as a unique breed of horse. 