Majestic Friesians!

Today’s highlighted demo group is all about promoting a beautiful breed that is known for its jet-black coat and long, flowing mane and tail. Meet Miley Friesians and Friends! This group of family and friends and their feathery Friesians love showcasing how athletic this majestic breed is. Miley and her team have a string of world-class horses who compete nationally and perform in expos across the country. They are excited to return to BreyerFest to show everyone just how versatile this breed is.

Dating back to the Middle Ages, the bold and powerful Friesian horse was originally bred to be a Friesian knight’s war horse. Strong and powerful, the Friesian horse exuded the qualities that would carry their lord boldly into battle and possessed the courage and loyalty to carry him back out of harm's way. Fortunately for horses, warfare changed, and so did the adaptable Friesian horse.

In the early 1800s, Friesians were bred to be lighter and faster in order to accommodate the popular trotting races in Europe. Due to the mechanization of the farms, as well as crossbreeding, the purebred Friesian was nearly extinct by the end of World War I. With the one remaining stallion and a few mares, a small group of people from Friesland, a region in the northernmost part of the Netherlands, undertook the challenge to restore the Friesian to its original form. This resulted in an increase in population that assured the continuation of this magnificent breed. To maintain integrity, the registration of Friesian horses is strictly regulated by the Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA), working together with KFPS in the Netherlands.

Friesians are very charismatic. Their gentle and willing nature provides a strong base for versatile training. Uses of the Friesian are limitless: dressage, trail and pleasure riding, pleasure driving, combined driving, saddleseat and more! Their handsome appearance and naturally-animated motion provides a noble “presence” in any show ring, parade, trail, or just your own paddock.

The Friesian horse, “the stuff of dreams” for many horse lovers, is making waves in the equine communities of the United States. Their increasing use in the film and television industries is a tribute to their beauty and great work ethic. Stop by the Covered Arena to watch Miley Friesians’ performances or meet them back by the stables to learn more about this beautiful breed!