Martha Stewart's Horses, what breed?

[madelyn]

Alexander's horse was Bucephalus, a stallion, and most likely a Barb or Turk bred war horse. In the statues of him, he has a prominent, almost Roman nose, a most un-Arabian like horse. But certainly not a Freisian!

[Waternymph]

Barbers are one of the oldest and biggest tribe of nomad arabiens...and Turks are also related...I believe that horse had a lot of arabien blood in him..

[WarHorse]

My nick is in honor of the Friesian, the original war horse. Bred for the task by monks, as it turns out. Later refined for carraige driving.

I always did like the story of young Alexander and Bucephalus.

[Timber]

Alexander reputed to have ridden an Akhal Teke.

[Waternymph]

In Netherlands the remains of an ancient coldblood type of heavy horse have been unearthed there, from which the modern Friesian is believed to be descended. Eastern blood, introduced into Netherlands during the time of Crusades, had an influence on the development of the Friesian, as did the Andalusian during the Eighty Years War, when the Netherlands were occupied by the Spanish. The Friesian horse wich thus developed was an active all-rounder,suitable for work on the land but, because of its ability to trot at speed, also useful as a riding horse. Only in the nineteenth century when trotting became extremely popular than the Friesian becaming lighter in build and less useful as a farm horse....
So there is nothing about monks...this breed was never ever a warhorse..Sorry but this is the reality.

[BenB]

Yes, it are indeed Friese warmbloed paarden. Bred mostly in the north part of our country called FRIESLAND.

They, have not been used for warhorse ever. As a member from this
board wrote. They are designed by a mix of several other breeds.
Today they are mostly used for ridinghorses, although with a poor gallop,
showhorses, and for showcharts. They are having a very nice way of showtrotting. Until the end of the fifties they were used for ploughing etc.
But after the tractors arrived, they were almost gone, in the sixties.
Making a revival up till now. It are most trustfull horses in any enviroment,
traffic. Harnass racing with them is starting again on a small experimental scale

Ben

[Green Hills]

Near where I live is a farm that breeds them...the owners were telling me how hard it is to get an ok to breed them outside of their homeland, but in a way I think that is good for the breed and perhaps even saved it. It seems you can't just take any ole Friesien and breed to any other ole Friesien and expect to get papers. The breed is strictly controlled. That, in my opinion, is a VERY good thing.

Can the folks who know about this confirm or deny that? (I certainly hope they can confirm it.)

[BenB]

Anyone interested just for a look:
They are registrated in Het Friesche Paarden Stamboek
www.fps-studbook.com/ Also for Englisch, german, language etc
So look a while. There are very strict rules concerning, OCD, airwave,
joints abnormaleties, etc
Now 5 would be colts are tested on behaving, riding possiblities, showjumping to a less extend, and they are facing a 7 week central test.
After that 2 may be 3 are giving the change at the breeding shed.
Should also been done with the TB,s


Ben

[ZiaLand]

I'm a huge fan of Friesians and had an acquaintance who had a nice gelding named Trueson, but she claimed he just didn't do well in the heat here in New Mexico and ended up selling him...to someone in Colorado, I think. Anyone know if lack of heat tolerance is a characteristic of the breed?

Laurie

[WarHorse]

It wouldn't surprise me, Friesland is pretty far north and cold compared what we are used to in the lower 48.

Too bad that so much nonsense about the Friesian has been sold as Gospel. I rather like the breed, not only because of Laydhawk, but I had the opportunity to work with one (Fryske, pronounced "frisky") at the Kentucky Horse Park. He was a superb animal.

I'll keep the nickname, though. I still love Traveller.

[BenB]

Yes, they can,t stand heath, because of their amount of rather thick hair,
and thick skin also because of the full deep black colours of their hair, so they are absolving the heath and with the sun full shine, their hairs seems
to be burning more or less
Our climate is mild with temperatures at night in winter from 14 to our summer heath 77

Ben

[Shammy Davis]

My wife saw Ladyhawk many years ago. Since then she has insisted that she wants a Friesian. Are they all black or are there different colors? Every movie I've seen with Friesians, the rider is wearing armor. Do you think a jockey helmet and vest will work? Can they pull a wagon or plow? Do they get along with cattle and hogs? What am I going to have to fork over in $$$$ to get her one? Is there any resale value? I really like Martha's fencing. I think the federal government could have saved a lot of money by confining her with the horses. She gotten all this publicity now and she's going to make millions more doing a Trump type reality show. I wish my wife was more imaginative around the home? Well, at least we're still married. Martha can't say that. Sincerely, Shammy

[WarHorse]

A registered Friesian is all black, very versitile, intelligent, and somewhat expensive.

http://www.proudmeadows.com/

Wear as much armor as you deem appropriate.

[madelyn]

Well, Shammy, the few purebred Friesians I have seen will set you back about the same as a reasonably good Tbred yearling (say, $15-25K). However, the Friesian can pull a buggy or a plow, whereas the yearling can only eventually pull a jockey... You will probably want a dressage rig also, so plan another budget for the saddle, bridles, clothes, etc. Good luck.

[Shammy Davis]

Madelyn: I am certainly convinced now that my wife really doesn't need a Friesian. With age, I've noticed an increasing deficiency in my memory and hearing so I think that will help me to avoid any in depth conversations concerning a breed I cannot remember anything about. Further, my decreased hearing is going to aid in my overall plan to STALL, STALL, AND STALL MORE. I think I can wear her down with this plan of action and our TB foals will look more inviting to her if not easier to come by. Other than that, the Friesian is truly a beautiful horse. Pray for me. Sincerely, Shammy