The history of Frisian horses, known as „black pearls,“ dates back several thousand years and originates from the region of Friesland in northern Netherlands. It is one of the oldest European horse breeds. The first mention of the Frisian horse dates back to 1544. During the Middle Ages, it was a favored breed for knights and warhorses due to its strength and elegance. The Frisian horse belongs to the baroque horse breeds.
In the 17th century, along with Spanish breeds, the Frisian horse gained popularity as a dressage horse and also excelled as a carriage horse. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Frisian horses were predominantly found in the province of Friesland, where wealthy farmers would use them for Sunday carriage rides to church.
In 1879, the Frisian Horse Breeders Association was established, which was granted the title „Royal“ in 1954. Frisian horses in Europe are registered in the studbook of the Royal Friesian Horse Studbook (KFPS).
By the end of the 19th century, the breeding of Frisian horses faced a crisis as heavier breeds began to be utilized in agriculture. There was a risk of extinction for purebred Frisian horses due to crossbreeding with draft horses. To save the Frisian horses, the Het Friesch Paarden Stamboek (Frisian Horse Studbook) was founded. There were two registries in this studbook: Registry A for purebred Frisian horses and Registry B for crossbreeds.
In 2021, our stable acquired its first Frisian horse, DIRK FAN IKKERWÁLD FRIES, father MAURITS 437, mother WILLEMKE FAN IKKERWALD, born in Damwoude (Damwald), breeder R-0870091 – J. Wiersma, Damwald, Netherlands, KFPS reg. No. 528004200903884. This marked the beginning of a project, a love, admiration, and an everlasting partnership with Frisian horses.
Michal, Kateřina, and Michael 2023