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69-510: The Groninger shares much of its initial foundation with the Friesian , East Friesian and Alt-Oldenburger , and Holsteiner : small native farm horses and medieval destriers were influenced by popular Spanish , Neapolitan , and Arabian horses in the 17th and 18th centuries. Horses like England's Cleveland Bay were also utilized, producing a horse that was tall by the standards of the day, as well as reasonably elegant with deep, wide haunches and

138-437: A correct horse ; heavy, with the legs about half the horse's height, and a rectangular frame, with the body from point-of-shoulder to point-of-buttock about 10% greater than the height of the horse at the withers . The topline is level, muscular neck set on fairly high, and the loins and haunches are broad and powerful. The head is workman-like and the hooves large and sound. Ideal height is between 15.3 and 16.1 hands high at

207-408: A Bay Dun or "Zebra" Dun. But the gene also leaves the points dark when it appears with other base colors. These include the “blue dun” or grullo , which has a black base coat, and the red dun, which has a chestnut base coat. Similarly, darker coloration at the points is also preserved in horses with the roan gene , a patterning gene, producing a body coat of mingled white and dark hairs, but leaving

276-419: A bay base coat. These include: A dilution gene that produces what looks like point coloration, but from a completely different genetic mechanism is the dominant Dun gene , which dilutes the color of the body coat but not the points, including primitive markings —a dorsal stripe down the back and, less often, horizontal striping on the upper legs. On a bay base coat the dun gene leaves black points, producing

345-400: A broader chest than normal, an abnormally long back and very short limbs. It is a recessive condition. Additionally, the breed has a higher-than-usual rate of digestive system disorders, and a greater tendency to have insect bite hypersensitivity. Like other feathered draught breeds, they are prone to a skin condition called verrucous pastern dermatopathy and may be generally prone to having

414-577: A characteristic that is part of the breed standard, in addition to distinctive physical characteristics and a limited stud book . They are not color breeds, and include the Friesian horse (must be uniformly black for mainstream registration), the Appaloosa (with Leopard complex patterns) and the American Paint Horse . In some of these breeds, though not all, offspring of animals registered in these stud books may be registered even if they do not have

483-500: A complete white or a "fleabitten" coat, which retains speckles of the horse's original color. Grays are sometimes confused with certain roan, dun, or white coat colors. In particular, most "white" horses are actually grays with a fully white hair coat. A gray horse is usually distinguishable from a dominant white or a cremello horse by dark skin, particularly noticeable around the eyes, muzzle, flanks, and other areas of thin or no hair. A roan has intermixed light and dark hairs similar to

552-410: A compromised immune system. Friesian mares have a very high 54% rate of retained placenta after foaling. Some normal-sized Friesians also have a propensity toward tendon and ligament laxity which may or may not be associated with dwarfism. The relatively small gene pool and inbreeding are thought to be factors behind most of these disorders. The Friesian originates in the province of Friesland in

621-430: A cremello-like coat. Such coloration is called a "pseudo-double dilute." These distinctions usually require DNA testing to verify which alleles are present. Mixtures of dliution genes produce colors such as "dunalino" — a red dun that also carries a single cream gene and thus has a pale gold coat, white mane and tail, and very faint primitive markings. These patterns all have white hairs and often pink skin, varying from

690-681: A foal homozygous for the frame overo gene will have a condition known as lethal white syndrome dies shortly after birth. There are no " albinos " in the horse world. Albinos, defined as animals with a white coat with pink skin and reddish eyes, are created by genetic mechanisms that do not exist in horses. In some cases, homozygous dominant white (W) is thought to be an embryonic lethal, though this does not occur with all W alleles. White markings are present at birth and unique to each horse, making them useful in identifying individual animals. Markings usually have pink skin underneath them, though some faint markings may not, and white hairs may extend past

759-483: A fully white horse through the pinto patterns and smaller white markings to roan which only adds a few white hairs spread throughout the coat. These patterns can occur on top of any other color. The base color determines the color of the colored hairs, while the white patterns determine where and how many white hairs are present. Biologically the white comes from a lack of pigment cells . There are many different genetic alleles that create these patterns. There are

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828-412: A fully white hair coat. A truly white horse occurs one of two ways: either by inheriting one copy of a dominant white ("W") allele that produces white when heterozygous but may be a genetic lethal if homozygous, or by inheriting two copies of a non-lethal dominant white ("W") allele that produces a white coat when homozygous . There are also some genetic lethal genes unrelated to the W allelic series:

897-442: A group of coat patterns caused by the leopard gene complex. Not every horse with leopard genetics will exhibit hair coat spotting. However, even solid individuals will exhibit secondary characteristics such as vertically striped hooves and mottled skin around the eyes, lips, and genitalia, plus a white sclera of the eye. Several breeds of horse can boast leopard-spotted (a term used collectively for all patterns) individuals including

966-459: A horse's coat color in addition to agouti, and if present, can further alter or suppress black hair color and may mask any point coloration. In particular, Gray horses are born dark and lighten with age; if born bay, they will eventually lose point coloration as the body hair silvers with age, though often the points are the slowest areas of the body to go gray. Point coloration may also be visible on horses with other dilution genes that act upon

1035-446: A light and dark striped hoof, and many chestnut horses have brownish hooves that are somewhat lighter than the usual dark gray. Registries have opened that accept horses (and sometimes ponies and mules) of almost any breed or type, with color either the only requirement for registration or the primary criterion. These are called " color breeds ". Unlike "true" horse breeds, there are few if any unique physical characteristics required, nor

1104-459: A low-set tail. Limbs are short and strong, with feathering —long hair on the lower legs. A Friesian horse also has a long, thick mane and tail, often wavy. The breed is known for a brisk, high-stepping trot . The Friesian is considered willing, active, and energetic, but also gentle and docile. A Friesian tends to have great presence and to carry itself with elegance. Today, there are two distinct conformation types—the "baroque" type, which has

1173-489: A minimal expression of certain genes in the dominant white (W) allelic series. Most horses have brown eyes with minor shade variations. Blue eyes are linked to the splashed white spotting allele, and cream dilution may produce a bluish-green eye color. The champagne and pearl genes also produce lightened eye colors in the blue or green shades. The leopard complex produces a white sclera around an otherwise dark eye. The yellow or amber Tiger eye gene has been found only in

1242-530: A movement to return to pureblood stock took place at the end of the 19th century. A studbook society was founded in 1879 by Frisian farmers and landowners who had gathered to found the Fries Rundvee Stamboek (FRS) The Paardenstamboek (horse stud book) was published in 1880 and initially registered both Friesian horses and a group of heavy warmblood breeds, including Ostfriesen and Alt-Oldenburgers , collectively known as " Bovenlanders ". At

1311-543: A private association. In 1985 this association, called simply "The Groningen Horse", was recognized by Royal Decree and by the European Union 10 years later. Alt-Oldenburg/East Friesian , Silesian , East-German, and Holsteiner horses of the appropriate type were used to re-establish the Groninger, as well as one Cleveland Bay stallion. Today there are 25 approved stallions and over 400 mares. The breed standard calls for

1380-628: A society, Het Friesch Paard , was founded to protect and promote the breed. By 1915 it had convinced FPS to split registration into two groups. By 1943, the breeders of non-Friesian horses left the FPS completely to form a separate association, which later became the Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland (Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands (KWPN). Displacement by mechanical farm equipment on dairy farms also

1449-503: A thick, high-set neck. Although selection procedures had been in use for many years, the first Dutch horse registries weren't founded until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The North-Netherlands Warmblood Horse Studbook, or NWP , regulated horse breeding in Groningen , Friesland , and Drenthe , while the NSTg did the same for the southern regions, including Gelderland . The goals of

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1518-433: A tremendous work ethic. Dark colors predominate: almost 90% are black or some shade of bay . A small percentage are chestnut or grey , and there are strains known for the sabino or tobiano pattern though minimally-marked horses are favored. Photographs and records show that silver dapple coloring was present as well, though it is not known if any examples of this color have survived to modern day. The Groninger

1587-557: A veterinary examination before they are allowed to breed. In consequence, the breed is sound, long-lived, and thrifty. Friesian horse The Friesian ( Fries paard in Dutch; Frysk hynder in West Frisian) is a horse breed originating in Friesland in north Netherlands. The breed nearly became extinct on more than one occasion. It is classified as a light draught horse , and

1656-414: A young gray horse, but unlike a gray does not lighten to white. Dun horses have a solid-colored hair coat that also does not lighten with age. Gray horses are prone to equine melanoma . Variations of gray that a horse may exhibit over its lifetime include: Several different genetic allelic families produce colors that are lighter versions of the base colors, caused by dilution genes . Cream dilution

1725-410: Is an incomplete dominant gene that produces a lightened or "partial dilute" coat color when one copy of the allele is present and a fully dilute (or "double dilute") with two copies. The double cream dilute phenotypes overlap regardless of base coat color and often cannot be distinguished visually. Sometimes the creme allele is combined with an unrelated dilution gene from another family, which creates

1794-433: Is awarded to a mare, gelding, or unapproved stallion that meets minimum standards of conformation, movement, and minimum height; and a sport predicate is awarded to horses that have achieved certain performance goals in dressage or driving competitions. KFPS-registered horses born prior to 1997 had tongue tattoos; horses born after have a microchip implant in the upper left neck. The tattoo or chip numbers are recorded on

1863-622: Is caused by a yet-to-be-mapped genetic modifier that creates a mealy, splotchy, or roaning pattern on only part of the body, usually limited to the underside, flanks, legs, tail and head areas. Unlike a true roan, much of the body will not have white hairs intermingled with solid ones, nor are the legs or head significantly darker than the rest of the horse. One of the rarest colors, a true genetic white horse has white hair and fully or largely unpigmented (pink) skin. These horses are born white or mostly white and remain white for life. The vast majority of so-called "white" horses are actually grays with

1932-403: Is fully red, and black , which is fully black. All other coat colors are created by additional genes that modify these two base colors. The most common modifier creates point coloration of both red and black hairs, known as bay , which is classified as a base color as well. The vast range of all other coat colors are created by additional genes' action upon one of these three base colors. In

2001-449: Is mentioned in 16th and 17th century works as a courageous horse eminently suitable for war, lacking the volatility of some breeds or the phlegm of very heavy ones. Generally black, the Frisian was around 15hh with strong, cobby conformation , but with a deal more elegance and quality. The noted gait was a smooth trot coming from powerful quarters. Nowadays, though breed definition is retained,

2070-445: Is strictly controlled, and breeding a KFPS-registered and approved stallion to any non-KFPS mares or to any other breed of horse is strongly discouraged. Other registries exist for Friesians and Friesian crossbreeds, but KFPS does not permit dual registration. For a stallion to be approved as breeding stock it must pass a rigorous approval process. Horses are judged at an inspection, or keuring , by Dutch judges, who decide whether

2139-414: Is the stud book limited to only certain breeds or offspring of previously registered horses. As a general rule, offspring without the stated color are usually not eligible for recording with the color breed registry, although there are exceptions. The best-known color breed registries are for buckskins , palominos , and pintos . Some horse breeds may have a desired coat color that usually breeds on as

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2208-486: Is the original Friesian studbook founded in 1879 in the Netherlands and is the world-recognized official studbook for the Friesian horse breed. KFPS has licensed about 30 organizations around the world as authorized representatives to uphold its breeding program standards, record registrations and arrange horse evaluations. Most KFPS-registered horses are in the Netherlands, Germany and North America. KFPS studbook breeding

2277-550: Is typically shown in a white bridle without a cavesson , traditionally braided with contrasting white and green ribbons. Fillies are named as the breeder desires, while colts are named patrilineally (e.g. Batavier by Bazalt). The Groninger is, above all "a family horse". Their calm nature and low-maintenance constitutions make them ideal horses for leisure. They are quick to mature, sound, long-lived and easy keepers, and do not need to be worked every day to be enjoyed. Some, including approved stallions , compete in dressage at

2346-523: The Knabstrupper , Noriker , and the Appaloosa . There are several distinct leopard patterns: A pinto has large patches of white over any other underlying coat color. Sometimes called "Paint" in the western United States, a word that which technically refers to the American Paint Horse , a specific breed of mostly pinto horses with known Quarter Horse and/or Thoroughbred bloodlines. Other regional terms for certain pinto spotting patterns include "blagdon" in

2415-411: The withers , and mares or geldings must be at least 15.2 hands (62 inches, 157 cm) to qualify for a "star-designation" pedigree. Friesians rarely have white markings of any kind; most registries allow only a small star on the forehead for purebred registration. Though Friesian horses are characteristically black, occasionally chestnut colouring appears, as some bloodlines do carry

2484-476: The "red" ("e") gene. In the 1930s, chestnuts and bays were seen. The chestnut colour is generally not acceptable for stallions, though it is sometimes allowed for mares and geldings . A chestnut-coloured Friesian that competes is penalised. Discoloration from old injuries or a black coat fading from the sun is not penalised. In 1990, the Friesch Paarden Stamboek began to attempt breeding out

2553-426: The 12th and 13th centuries, some eastern horses of crusaders were mated with Friesian stock. During the 16th and 17th centuries, when the Netherlands were briefly linked with Spain, there was less demand for heavy war horses, as battle arms changed and became lighter. Andalusian horses were bred with Friesians, producing a lighter horse more suitable for work as an urban carriage horse. Historian Ann Hyland wrote of

2622-404: The Dutch national Z-level (about USDF 4th level) or higher, and some compete in show jumping above 4 feet as well, though this is less common. They have found their modern niche as combined driving horses, a sport in which many, including the stallion Meinhold, compete internationally . The greatest concern for the breed is inbreeding . As in other warmblood registries, stallions must undergo

2691-580: The Friesian breed: The Emperor Charles (reigned 1516–56) continued Spanish expansion into the Netherlands, which had its Frisian warhorse, noted by Vegetius and used on the continent and in Britain in Roman times. Like the Andalusian, the Frisian bred true to type. Even with infusions of Spanish blood during the sixteenth century, it retained its indigenous characteristics, taking the best from both breeds. The Frisian

2760-529: The Low Countries, discovered the show qualities of the breed and demonstrated its abilities outside of its local breeding area during and after the Nazi occupation As use in agricultural pursuits declined, the Friesian became popular for recreational uses. Today, about seven percent of the horses in the Netherlands are Friesians. The Friesian horse today is used both in harness and under saddle , particularly in

2829-500: The Netherlands. There was a studbook for riding horses , a studbook for driving horses , and a studbook for Gelderlanders. All of the Groninger stallions lost their breeding approval, and mare owners were encouraged to breed them to foreign stallions. The breed was sure to disappear. In 1978, the last remaining NWP Groninger stallion , Baldewijn, was saved from the butcher. A small group of interested breeders pooled their genetic resources – 20 mares and Baldewijn – and in 1982 formed

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2898-556: The Puerto Rican Paso Fino and has two variants, Tiger-eye 1 (TE1) and Tiger-eye 2 (TE2), which are both recessive . There is no obvious link between eye shade and coat color, making this the first studied gene in horses to affect eye color but not coat color. Exterior hoof wall color is usually linked to coat color. Most horses have a dark grayish hoof wall unless they have white leg markings, in which case they will have pale-colored hooves. The leopard complex gene will create

2967-615: The UK. Pinto spotting is produced by a large number of genetic mechanisms, with dozens now mapped and identifiable through DNA testing. Variations of pinto based on the observable color include: Terminology variations based on the observable shape of the white patterns include: Roaning adds white hairs to any of the other colors and, unlike gray, the color does not steadily lighten over the horse's lifetime, though there may be some minor color variation from year to year or especially between summer and winter coats. Rabicano : A roan-style effect that

3036-803: The absence of DNA testing, chestnut and bay can be distinguished from each other by looking at the mane, tail and legs for the presence of black points. There is a proposed allele that darkens a bay coat to seal brown , and the sooty gene is linked to other forms of dark bay. Genetically , a chestnut horse is a horse without the ability to produce black pigment, while a black horse does not have dominant agouti to restrict their black pigment to points. The MC1R (extension) either binds alpha-MSH and signals for black and red pigment to be produced ('E' at extension), or it only signals for red ('e' at extension). ASIP (agouti) either blocks MC1R from binding to alpha-MSH and signalling for black ('A' at agouti), or it does not ('a' at agouti). The extension gene determines whether

3105-431: The area of underlying pink skin. Though markings that overlie dark skin may appear to change, the underlying skin color and hair growing from pink skin will not. The distinction when white markings confined to the face and legs or a few small body spots become extensive enough to constitute a white spotting pattern is usually determined by breed standards set by registries. White markings generally are now hypothesized to be

3174-405: The base color will be bay. The a version of agouti means the cells cannot stop producing black, so a horse with two copies of a (genotype a / a ) and E at extension will be black rather than bay. The word "points" is given to the mane, tail, lower legs, and ear rims with respect to horse coloration. The overall name given to a horse coat color depends on the color of both the points and

3243-497: The body. For example, bay horses have a reddish-brown body with black points. Point coloration is most often produced by the action of the agouti gene. It acts on the extension gene , when present, to suppress black color to all but the extremities of the horse; the legs, mane, tail and tips of the ears. If the extension gene is not present, the effect of agouti is not visible, as there is no black color present to suppress. Other genes, such as those for white markings , may affect

3312-421: The breed in the late 19th century, it also resulted in the sale and disappearance of many of the best stallions from the breeding area, and Friesian horse populations dwindled. By the early 20th century, the number of available breeding stallions was down to three. Therefore, in 1906, the two parts of the registry were joined, and the studbook was renamed the Friesch Paarden Stamboek (FPS) in 1907." In 1913

3381-510: The cells can decide to produce black and red, and can be either E (able to produce black and red) or e (only able to produce red, as in chestnut). To be chestnut a horse must have two copies of e , so the genotype is e / e . A horse with a genotype of E / E or E / e can still make black and red pigments and will be bay or black. Meanwhile, the agouti gene determines whether the cells can stop producing black. The A version of agouti means that it can, so as long as has E at extension

3450-560: The chestnut colour, and today stallions undergo genetic testing . If testing indicates the presence of the chestnut or "red" gene, even if heterozygous and masked by black colour, the horse is not accepted for registration with the FPS. In 2014 there were eight stallion lines known to still carry the chestnut gene. The American Friesian Association, which is not affiliated with the FPS, allows horses with white markings and/or chestnut colour to be registered if purebred parentage can be proven. There are four genetic disorders acknowledged by

3519-484: The discipline of dressage . In harness, they are used for competitive and recreational driving. A traditional carriage seen in some events designed for Friesian horses is a high-wheeled cart called a sjees . Friesians are also used to pull vintage carriages at ceremonial events and parades. Because of their color and striking appearance, Friesian horses are a popular breed in movies and television, particularly in historic and fantasy dramas. They are viewed as calm in

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3588-472: The face of the activity associated with filmmaking, but also elegant on-camera. A Friesian horse is defined as a horse that meets the breed description as described in the breeding goal and of which both parents are registered in one of the classes (of the main section) of the KFPS. —KFPS Koninklijke Vereniging 'Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek' (KFPS), which means "Royal Association, The Friesian Horse Studbook",

3657-402: The horse is worthy of breeding. There are multiple registries within KFPS. The two main registries are the studbook for approved stallions, and the foalbook for horses from the mating of an approved stallion and a mare in the foalbook. There are two auxiliary registries: There are a few special status awards that can be obtained during evaluation events, such as a star predicate which

3726-423: The horses of Dutch immigrants. In reality, all parts of the region known as Frisia have ties beyond the similarity of their soil and weather. The result of these exchanges was that at the turn of the century, the Groninger, East Friesian, Oldenburger, and Holsteiner were calm, substantial farm and carriage horses with primarily dark coats . In the 1920s and 30's, horses were bred to be rather heavier, fulfilling

3795-408: The industry that may affect horses of Friesian breeding: dwarfism , hydrocephalus , a tendency for aortic rupture , and megaesophagus . There are genetic tests for the first two conditions. The Friesian is also among several breeds that may develop equine polysaccharide storage myopathy . Approximately 0.25% of Friesians are affected by dwarfism, which results in horses with a normal-sized head,

3864-518: The likelihood that a horse will have offspring of a given color have been developed for some colors. Discussion, research, and even controversy continues about some of the details, particularly those surrounding spotting patterns, color sub-shades such as " sooty " or " flaxen ", and markings . The two basic pigment colors of horse hairs are pheomelanin ("red") which produces a reddish brown color, and eumelanin , which produces black. These two hair pigment genes create two base colors: chestnut , which

3933-526: The modern day Friesian horse is used for riding and driving . The Friesian horse is most known for its all-black coat colour , its long flowing mane and tail, feathering on its legs, a high head carriage, and high stepping action. The breed has powerful overall conformation and good bone structure, with what is sometimes called a Baroque body type . Friesians have long arched necks, well-chiseled short-ears, and Spanish-type heads. They have sloping shoulders, compact muscular bodies with sloping hindquarters and

4002-489: The more robust build of the classical Friesian, and the modern, " sport horse " type, which is finer-boned. Both types are common, though the modern type is currently more popular in the show ring than is the baroque Friesian. However, conformation type is considered less important than correct movement. The Friesian stands on average about 15.3  hands (63 inches, 160 cm), although it may vary from 14.2 to 17 hands (58 to 68 inches, 147 to 173 cm) at

4071-454: The northern Netherlands , where there is evidence of thousands of years of horse populations. As far back in history as the 4th century there are mentions of Friesian troops which rode their own horses. One of the most well-known sources of this was by an English writer named Anthony Dent who wrote about the Friesian mounted troops in Carlisle. Dent, amongst others, wrote that the Friesian horse

4140-549: The points the darker base color in all horses, not just those carrying agouti. Most other genes that produce spotting patterns or white markings allow point coloration produced by agouti to show except where masked by white depigmentation. There are not always separate names for a pattern over a bay base coat, but one exception is the Bay pinto , sometimes called ”tricoloured” . A gray horse can be born any color, but as it gets older some hairs turn white. Most will eventually develop

4209-466: The registration papers. Names given to foals born in a certain year must begin with a fixed letter as determined by KFPS. Parentage is verified with DNA testing, and mares are DNA tested for hydrocephalus and dwarfism unless their sire and dam had both tested as non-carriers. Equine coat color Horses exhibit a diverse array of coat colors and distinctive markings . A specialized vocabulary has evolved to describe them. While most horses remain

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4278-641: The registries were characterized by distinct differences in the soil composition: Groningen had heavy, wet, clay soil and needed a particularly stout horse to till it, while the soil in Gelderland was sandier. Nevertheless, both studbooks aimed to produce a horse that could perform farm work, retaining as much elegance as possible to make them attractive carriage horses. This goal echoed that of neighboring East Frisia and Oldenburg , regions with which breeding stock were freely exchanged. The NWP also utilized Holsteiners , which were rumored to have been influenced by

4347-600: The roles of tractor horse and artillery horse , though the lighter Karossier type was still present in all populations. Following the wars, the breeding of heavy agricultural horses collapsed, and the breeders had to adapt. In 1964, the southern studbook opened a "Sportregister" with the aim of producing riding horses , and in 1969 the NWP and southern studbook merged to form the KWPN , the Royal Warmblood Horse Studbook of

4416-465: The same color throughout life, a few, over the course of several years, will develop a different coat color from that with which they were born. Most white markings are present at birth, and the underlying skin color of a healthy horse does not change. Some Equine coat colors are also related to the breed of horse, like the Friesian breed for instance. The basic outline of equine coat color genetics has largely been resolved, and DNA tests to determine

4485-451: The size has markedly increased, as has that of most breeds due to improved rearing and dietary methods. The breed was especially popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, when they were in demand not only as harness horses and for agricultural work, but also for the trotting races so popular then. In the 1800s, the Friesian was bred to be lighter and faster for trotting, but this led to what some owners and breeders regarded as inferior stock, so

4554-402: The time, the Friesian horse was declining in numbers, and was being replaced by the more fashionable Bovenlanders, both directly, and by crossbreeding Bovenlander stallions on Friesian mares. This had already virtually exterminated the pure Friesian in significant parts of the province in 1879, which made the inclusion of Bovenlanders necessary. While the work of the society led to a revival of

4623-450: The withers. In motion , the walk is diligent with a long stride, the trot is brisk and economical with some action, and the canter is of sufficient quality. The canter was not of great importance to the breeders, who did not have need for a heavy galloping horse, and so this gait is not as strong or expressive as the trot. The horses are known for their even temperaments, though they are seldom spiritless. They are described as "sober" with

4692-420: Was a threat to the survival of Friesian horse. The last draught function performed by Friesians on a significant scale was on farms that raised dairy cattle. World War II slowed the process of displacement, allowing the population and popularity of the breed to rebound. Important in the initial stage of the recovery of the breed was due to the family owned Circus Strassburger , who, having fled Nazi Germany for

4761-564: Was the ancestor of both the British Shire horse and Fell pony , however, this is speculation. It was not until the 11th century, that there were illustrations of what appeared to be Friesians. Many of the illustrations found depict knights riding horses which resemble the breed, with one of the most famous examples being William the Conqueror . These ancestors of the modern Friesians were used in medieval times to carry knights to battle. In

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