Around The Traps

Always black, Friesians have thick, flowing manes and tails (Image by Nadeen Davis Photography & Digital Art).

ABOVE: Lipizzaner’s are known for their Roman noses, large jowls and expressive eyes.

nearly always grey, but are actually born black or bay, slowly turning white or grey between the ages of five and ten. A bay or black adult horse is a rarity and is considered to be a good luck symbol. Slow to mature, they are long lived, often reaching 30 years or more. Lipizzaners are mentally tough, oneperson horses. Once they bond with their person, they are trusting, understanding and have a serious work ethic.

The Lipizzaner’s reputation for excellence in dressage spans the history of the breed, and they are globally renowned for their amazing Airs Above the Ground. Originally used in battle, the spectacular levade, courbette, capriole and other awe-inspiring movements performed by these horses are synonymous with the famous Spanish Riding School of Vienna.

Friesian

Originating in Friesland in the Netherlands, the Friesian horse owes much of its heritage to monks, who in the Middle Ages were renowned for their horse breeding. Andalusian blood has given the breed its characteristic high knee action and craning neck. An excellent trotter, in their homeland the Friesian was used for racing short distances, with golden or silver whips awarded to the winners. Throughout the rest of Europe, matching pairs made for stunning carriage horses.

Friesian Horses are always black, and white markings of any kind are unacceptable. They stand between 15 to 17hh, with an average height of 15.3h. Blessed with lustrous Andalusian locks, Friesians have long, thick, flowing manes and tails. Unlike Andalusians, they have the hallmark leg feather the breed is known for, and trimming any hair from mane, tail or legs is frowned upon.

The body is strong, with a deep chest and sloping shoulder. The hindquarters are robust and powerful. Knights in shining armour from times gone by found this horse very desirable, having the strength to carry great weight into battle while still being able manoeuvre quickly. Indeed, the Friesian was mentioned by Julius Caesar and known during the Middle Ages as a solid war-horse.

It’s a wrap

No longer required to use their incredible moves in combat, nor to charge forth at the enemy, the wonderful traits that make these baroque heroes so unique are nonetheless preserved and cherished by enthusiasts the world over. Often seen

performing classical dressage, a baroque horse makes a wonderful, hardworking partner. If chiselled features, intelligence and quiet strength are what you look for in a horse, then a baroque movie star type may be just the horse for you.