The Friesian horse- big, black and majestic-is one of the oldest breeds. For many centuries the Friesian was relatively isolated in a small area in the northwestern Netherlands. As well as being a very old breed, the Friesian horse is seen as the only surviving indigenous breed in the Netherlands. Originally they were favored for military service. Roman historians recorded mounted Friesian troops at Hadrians Wall in around 150 AD.  Friesian bloodlines have roots with the Shire horse, and the Fell Pony. Other blood such as Arabian and Andalusia blood was used to change certain characteristics as the times and needs of users of the breed changed. In the 18th and 19th century, the Friesian became restricted to the province of Friesland where the horse was used for pleasure in riding , driving and trotting races. At the end of the 19th century and into the 20th century, the Friesian had a rocky time; with changes in industry and economics the breed was nearly lost. On May 1st, 1879, the first studbook of the Netherlands, the Friesian Horse Studbook was established and aimed at saving the Friesian horse form apparent doom. After a short revival, it decreased rapidly again and in 1913 only 3 old studbook stallions remained.  The breed was almost extinct. In the 1960s, the Friesian horse was hit again with the world-wide abolition of horse power and the introduction of mechanization. Most farmers lacked the money and time to keep their horses solely for pleasure. In 1965 only 500 mares remained in the studbook registries. However just in the nick of time , the influence of improving economy  came to rescue the Friesian horse as it was rediscovered.

    There are  3 basic variations of the Friesian horse. The older style was a heavy baroque look, heavy bone and heavy muscle mass. Today the more favored style is the sport type- somewhat lighter and more agile in order to compete well in today's most common equine disciplines, those being dressage riding and also carriage driving. The superb temperament and willingness to work and please allows the Friesian to excel in every equine discipline from trail riding to advanced dressage competition.

     Every fall, the Dutch judges come to America and sweep across the country at all the regional judgings called Kuerings.  The foal is judged against a strict standard of what the breeds characteristic should be. Judging is based 40% on conformation and 60% on motion and movement-the high stepping action in the front and the back legs is the most highly sought after characteristic for the breed. Foals are micro-chipped, and DNA tested to assure the integrity of its bloodlines. The foal will receive a 1st,2nd or 3rd premium rating and then entered into the foal-book.  A champion and reserve champion foal is also selected at each kuering  in which the best quality foal is chosen and given this award. 3 year old horses are also judged in order to be entered into the studbook.  The most coveted rating is a 1st or 2nd premium ster- or star as it is translated in America. A mare may also receive a 3rd premium but not star, but may still be allowed in the studbook. Stallions and geldings of high quality may receive a ster rating and be entered in the studbook, but if they do not receive a ster rating, they remain only in the foal book. A very very small percent of stallions are given the ster rating, and go on the be selected for stallion  approval testing.  Stallions go through a 90 day testing in the Netherlands.  Currently there are less than 120 stallions, approved for breeding in the entire world with the US being home to approximately 25. So, any stallion that makes it to this high high achievement is considered a super star in the Friesian industry and valued at a minimum of two hundred thousand dollars, and many are sold for double that-.In order to be approved on offspring, the approved stallion is expected to maintain a high level of high quality foals and must continue producing excellent or his approval for offspring, may be revoked .

   The FPS, Friesian Parden Society in Holland is considered the authority on the friesian breed, being the original studbook keeper and being the most strict on the standards of excellence in the breed. FHANA- The friesian horse Association of North America is the Arm of the FPS in America.  While the AQHA-American Quarter Horse Association boasts more than 3 million horses registered in the US- the Friesian Horse Association of North America has less than 5000 registered Friesians in the US. So, the Friesian is quite a bit more rare.  

Ynskje Ut It Leechlan is a stunning example of the friesian breed standing 16.2 with a gorgeous blue black coat. Ynskje’s temperament is such that we trust her with the very young, the very old, or the very novice rider. Her disposition and temperament are impeccable.  Ynskje has give us 2 gorgeous foals, A filly in 2005- Pehnina Van Firey who can be seen at Firey Ranch, and a gorgeous colt in 2007- Wyndevere Van Firey who resides now with our very good friend and trainer Sula Robertson.

 Firey Ranch has 1 or 2 purebred FPS registered Friesian foals per year for sale. .