A purebred Friesian horse can cost $19,900 to $47,900. Pedigree horses, indeed, cost a lot. There must be approval from Friesian Horse Association North America (FHANA). But Friesian horses without special studbook designation have a price of $3,000 to $50,000.
Keuring is an evaluation of Friesian horses used for riding and driving. The standards for this process are from Koninklijk Friesch Paarden Stamboek (KFPS). During the assessment, the focus is on the horse’s conformation and movements.
You don’t need to get an evaluator from KFPS to know the cost of a Friesian horse. Of course, it won’t hurt if you ask for advice from a sincere expert who doesn’t intend to get money from you. Before you start your inquiry about this horse, get some helpful ideas from this article.
What Is A Friesian Horse?
A Friesian horse comes from Friesland, a province in the northern part of The Netherlands. The build of this breed is like a draught horse. Friesian horses can stand 147 to 173 cm.
The classic Friesians have a baroque body type with short and robust limbs. They have a compact body composed of muscular hindquarters. These horses are strong but remain agile and graceful with a good bone structure.
You should also know that there’s the modern-type Friesian. It’s a sport type with a more refined bone structure. Both baroque and modern types serve the same purpose. But the latter is excellent in the show ring.
These horses have long silky hair on their lower legs. The hair doesn’t need any trimming for the sake of aesthetics. This breed is often black in color but has hues like bay and chestnut.
Friesian horses are active, energetic, and willing to serve. Although they have a muscular build, they are docile and gentle.
Friesian Horse Origin And History
As early as the 4th century, Friesian troops had horses in Carlisle. This information is from the work of an English writer, Anthony Dent. The first illustration of these horses emerged in the 11th century. After this period, Friesian horses became widespread all over Europe.
Knights and crusaders used them in wars and journeys. They remained prevalent in the 18th and 19th centuries. People depended on them as harness horses, agricultural workers, and trotting racers. But, there’s a decline in their population due to people’s interest in other breeds.
The formation of Het Friesch Paard took place in 1913. It’s a society that aims to save this horse breed from extinction. But the Circus Strassburger did all the work to continue its existence. It’s a family-owned circus that found the show abilities of this breed.
Factors Affecting The Friesian Horse Cost
These factors will let you understand why some Friesian horses cost more than others. It’s the main reason why you’re here, after all!
Types Of Friesian
As mentioned, there are two types of Friesian horses. They are the baroque type and sport type. The baroque type is a replica of the Friesian war horses with a heavy build and shorter legs.
The sport type is taller and leaner than the baroque type. It’s due to the more refined bone structure. Hence, this type is suitable for dressage and leisure riding.
Apart from these primary types of Friesian horses, there’s a modern type. Breeders describe it as leaner, lighter, faster, and more graceful. It’s a perfect candidate for drawing carriages and racing. Note that the sport and modern types are more expensive than the baroque Friesians.
Special Designation
A special designation studbook can increase the price of a Friesian horse. This proof needs approval from Koninklijk Friesch Paarden Stamboek (KFPS).
Breed Registration
A Friesian horse with registration is costlier than the unregistered one. The registration needs to be from reputable organizations. They’re Koninklijk Friesch Paarden Stambeok (KFPS) and Friesian Horse Association North America (FHANA).
These organizations have strict standards and rules. So, there’s an assurance that you get a pedigreed horse.
Relative Breed Rarity
This horse breed is one of the rarest in the world. So, it’s right to say that it’s unique and sought-after by many. The total population of Friesians worldwide is 60,000, and 8,000 of them are in the USA. This data is from the Livestock Conservancy.
Since this is a rare breed, you have to be thorough when buying a rare Friesian horse. Don’t make a quick decision, as you need to verify if it’s purebred.
Temperament
There are three categories of the temperament of horses. They’re hot-blooded, warm-blooded, and cold-blooded. A cold-blooded horse is calm; the best example is a draft horse.
Friesian horses are a blend of warm-blooded and cold-blooded temperaments. So, they’re known for their athletic and people-drawn character. When a horse is docile, it’s one reason for its high price.
Gender
A Friesian enthusiast would prefer a stallion over a mare or gelding. Hence, there’s an increase in the price of Friesian stallions.
Size
Friesch Paarden Stamboek (FPS) set standards on the height of Friesians. A mare is usually 150 cm tall, while a stallion is 160 cm. This factor can drop the relevance of gender when it comes to cost.
Age
Horses can get ill as they age. For instance, some may have malignant genetic conditions. Opt for young horses but check their background.
Color
The horse color has effects on pricing too. It’s known that Purebred Friesians have black color. Some have white patches on their foreheads. This original black hue can turn into a lighter black or dark brown shade because of sweat and sunlight.
Do you know about ‘Fire Friesians’? These are the ones that have red, chestnut, and other colors in the same spectrum. They’re not purebred, so it means you can avail of them at a lower price.
Training
Like with other horse breeds, training gives an edge to Friesians. It also means a higher price tag. You’ll likely find a foal for $7,000 to $15,000. But a trained one costs at least $20,000 or more.
There are well-trained geldings that have been on the saddle for 2 to 3 years in the market. They are in the price range of $25,000 to $30,000.
Additional Costs Associated With The Purchase Of A Friesian Horse
After you close the deal when purchasing a Friesian horse, you must proceed to the next step. It’s thinking about and fulfilling the needs of a horse. You need to set a budget for these needs. To be on track, read on.
Health Tests And Initial Veterinary Exam
Responsible breeders let their horses go through health tests. The usual requirements are blood tests, clinical check-ups, governmental inspections, and X-rays. Getting a health certificate can cost you $40. The different kinds of tests can be for $50 to $200.
Shipping To The Stable Location
You may import a Friesian horse due to breed rarity. During shipment, you have to pay for handlers and quarantine care. A broker can handle this for you, as a horse should be in a particular container. You have to discuss the expenses with this person.
Saddle And Saddle Pad
Horse riders need a saddle and saddle pad for comfort, security, and support during rides. These items also prevent chafing. They can boost the enthusiasm and responsiveness of horses during training. So, they’re a worthy investment with prices from $75 to $3,000.
Bridle And Tack
Your horse benefits from the bridle and tack. It will feel comfortable during competition, performance, and even on daily rides.. You may spend $100 or more on these items.
Boarding
After closing the deal, your horse needs a space to stay. Boarding would be a must, especially if you bought a horse abroad. It adds up $150 to $1,250 to your expenses.
Diet
You can get away from this factor as your horse needs nourishment. You’ll have to set aside $60 to $100 for food and supplement.
Blanket
Your horse also feels cold during winter. So, don’t forget to buy a blanket to provide extra warmth. Rather than letting them get sick, buy a horse blanket for $140 or more. The price depends on the material of the blanket.
Insurance
Insurance can back you up if your horse gets hurt or dies. It’s your initiative to get it, but it’s advisable to have it. The insurance cost is 2.9% to 4.5% of the horse’s market value.
FAQs
What Are Friesian Horses Good For?
Friesian horses are suitable for many uses. They proved to be productive in agricultural work. But they shine in the saddle and harness these days. Also, these horses grab attention in dressage.
When in harness, Friesians showcase excellent skills for recreational rides and competitions. They’re also with ‘sjees’ or high-wheeled carts. Furthermore, you’ll also witness these equines pulling carriages in events and ceremonies.
Friesian horses are in TV shows and movies. Their appearance blends well with fantasy and historical dramas. Due to their excellent temperament, it’s easy to have them on the filmmaking set.
Is A Friesian Horse Friendly?
A Friesian horse is friendly and also calm. It has an even temperament but always shows eagerness to please its rider. Like any other horse, it reacts when sensing threats and danger.
How Rare Is A Friesian Horse?
This breed is rare when you compare it to other horses. The Livestock Conservancy removed it from the priority list in 2014. But they are still rare these days.
The worldwide population of Friesian horses is 60,000. But it’s inferior to the half million population of Quarter horses. This sum is from the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) records. The big difference is the reason for its rarity status.
What Makes The Friesian Horse Unique?
The main thing that makes a Friesian horse unique is its body frame. It’s compact but strong and muscular. That’s why Friesians can bear the knights’ weight and armor.
The neck of this horse doesn’t incline. It arcs instead. Also, you’ll see wavy hair around this horse’s hooves. It doesn’t need any trimming as this feature makes their appearance more attractive.
This horse is great for carriage, so you may wonder if Friesians took Cinderella to the ball. It could be a correct guess as this is an ancient breed. This horse can make quick, high-step trots despite their heavy, muscular bodies.
How Tall Is A Friesian Horse?
A Friesian horse can be as tall as 152 to 173 cm.
Bottom Line
Rarity increases the market value of products or animals for sale. This belief applies to the trade of Friesian horses. There are only 60,000 of them today. The number is weak compared to other breeds, which are hundreds of thousands.
A Friesian horse under registration can cost $19,000 to $50,000 or higher. Though it’s expensive, you have the assurance of its quality and pedigree. Apart from rarity, other factors control the pricing of this horse breed. Some are age, training, gender, color, and exceptional designation control.