Friesian Mare

My precious prize Friesian mare is finally, at the grand old age of 8….pregnant!

For a breeder of Friesian horses, you may think I am exaggerating somewhat. Not so. Bee has been broody for three years now, it has become an obsession. Living in a stud has not helped. Every spring a fresh batch of gorgeous foals arrive, their mothers proudly strutting their offspring past the stallions…unbearable for Bee, for whom there was no such happy arrival.

Not for lack of trying. Every March, April and May she has a serious go with one of the stud stallions (Elois is her favourite)…but to no avail.

Last year an orphan filly came to the stud to be sold. Her stable was next to Belle’s. Belle fell deeply in love at first sight. How deeply we hadn’t quite realised. We had to move the filly due to new arrivals, to another stable, out of Belle’s sight.

That night we were woken in the early morning hours by an enormous rumpus: Belle objected, strongly objected, and had decided to kick her stable door to pieces on an attempt to get to her goddaughter.

I had never seen anything like it. The wood was in shatters, the iron bars bent at decidedly odd angles.

Cost a fortune to repair! We certainly got the message. We moved the foal right back.

Suffice to say we are all very glad that she is FINALLY going to have one of her own, bless her!

It still took four attempts. Most of us had given up after she came in season late in May, though she and Elois did have some serious fun at the time. Several weeks later, I wasn’t even sure if it was worth getting the vet out to do an ultrasound to see if she is pregnant or not. He had to come for the other mares, so I asked him, in passing to have a look at Bee.

He did his stuff, but found no evidence of a pregnancy. I looked into Bee’s soulful eyes and thought my heart would break. At the last minute, as he was removing him equipment he exclaimed…and there it was! One small, miniscule bag of foal. Belle knew, from the way we all jumped up and down and hugged each other furiously. Belle, who always stands so patiently for her examination, became quite agitated. I turned her out, and as she passed, our eyes met again. I could swear I saw a twinkle. Belle is expecting her own!

It has been nearly four months now, all is going extremely well. Bee is blossoming, pregnancy suits her. Beau is bursting with pride; he is convinced it is his. He is arrogant and over-protective and generally impossible.

The foal is due in 7 months, at the end of spring. Bee tries to be pretty laid back, but has some dark, moody days…hormones, I suspect. Towards the end of November she and Beau moved to England, on the ferries across the English Channel…it took them nearly five days to get here. Belle was unfazed, but Beau was seriously put out.

Sometimes, I think that Bee reads my mind…sometimes I even think that I can get a glimpse into hers. Ever had that feeling?

She always knows what mood I’m in (yes, I know she reads my body language) but this does not explain her knowing intuitively what I need…either a hug or a kick up the back-side!

In the fictional e-book <b>Confidential Letters to Lady Belle</b> I described our meeting and growing friendship, a first for both of us. Be prepared to feel your eyes fill with tears as you read it…few magical moments and not a few small(and large) miracles in there.

The book is available from The Browse eBooks Bookshop

The Friesian Horse originated in the dutch province Friesland, in the morth of the Netherlands – hence it’s nickname “The Black Pearl of Friesland”. These ‘Black Pearls’ can trace their history back as far as 150AD where Roman historians have made mention of Friesian cavalry in Brittania, on the border between Scotland and England. William the Conqueror used horses bearing a remarkable resemblance to Friesians during the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and many early illustrations of knights on tournament and battle fields show them mounted aboard their trusted Friesians.

Although the breed's conformation resembles that of a light draft horse, Friesians are graceful and nimble for their size. The Friesian horse, though appreciated for its beauty, its shining black coat, luxuriant mane,long, full tail and feathering, and powerful, high-stepping gait; he is also beloved for his easy-going temperment and companionable nature. Whether competing in upper level dressage tests, performing in harness in front of a carriage or just going for a trail ride, the Friesian quickly becomes a beloved member of the family.

The Friesian Horse is always jet black with a long, flowing mane and tail. He carries his noble head on a strong, crested neck.The official breed characteristics rarely include white markings of any kind; most registries allow only a small star on the forehead for purebred registration. A Friesian's gaits are flamboyant and eye-catching and he can be driven, ridden or jumped; he is equally at home in a circus pleasing crowds. The Friesian is one of the most versatile breeds in the world!

During the Middle Ages, the ancestors of Friesian horses were in great demand as war horses throughout continental Europe. Many seventeenth-century calvary leaders were painted riding these handsome, proud black horses by the great Dutch artists of the period. It is thought that in medieval times, Andalusian and Oriental blood was added to lighten it. In the nineteenth century its natural energy made it a good basis for Trotter stock.

As this lighter version was not useful in its principal form of work - in harness- its numbers declined drastically. Just before World War I was nearly extinct, but careful crossing with the Oldenburg breed lead to its revival. During World War II, because of petrol shortages, it came into its own again. It was given prominence in the Netherlands in 1954 when Queen Juliana of the Netherlands granted its Breed Society the right to preface its name with the word 'Royal'.

The modern day Friesian horse is increasing in numbers and popularity, used both in harness and under saddle. Most recently, the breed is being introduced to the field of dressage.

The gaits should be smooth, regular and elegant and should be accentuated by sufficient feathers (hair-growth on the lower leg), a prominent crest and a long tail. The height at 3 years of 1.60m (15.3hh) is ideal, but anything between 1.50m (14.3hh) and 1.70m (16.3hh) is considered “normal” once fully grown.

The Friesian is a co-operative, attentive, and energetic horse that is at the same time gentle and docile. Friesians tend to have tremendous presence and to carry themselves very proudly.

More information about Friesan at Equestrian Life Coaching